The elaborate hollow handles of this lovely set speak for their Victorian origins, balanced by traditional sterling blades. These were likely part of a set, but large for a fruit / dessert set at 8.5 inches (knife) and 7.4 inches (fork). Hallmarked for London 1849 (knife) and 1852 (fork), the maker could have been either George W. Adams or George Angell (identical marks)...

These 6.4 inch tongs (0.78 inches across the arch) bear the mark tentatively ascribed by McGrew to Hall, Hewson & Brower of Albany NY (ca. 1846-52). The graceful fiddle form is decorated with a crisp basket of flowers motif and terminates in textured talon claws. The finish is excellent and the weight is 46 grams. There is no monogram.

These are older D & H Pointed Antique / Broad Antique knives – introduced in 1895 – with stainless French Modern replacement blades marked “Brilliant.” They are 9-1/8 in. long and bear a lovely Arts & Crafts monogram. They are marked only “sterling handle” which is very common for knives, but I got them with several other pieces of Dominick & Haff of the same vintage with the same monogram, so I'm comfortable with the identification...

Nice example of Gorham's multi-motif pattern introduced in 1890. The French style implied by the pattern's name has Rococo elements that go well with the heart-shaped bowl which has a repousse “rat tail” extending nearly to its tip. There is a very, very faint remnant of a monogram D, but it's so shallow and worn (not removed) as to be almost indiscernible. Marked simply with the Gorham logo and the word “sterling.” The condition is excellent...

The organic qualities of this lovely sterling pattern brought out by Whiting Mfg. Co. in 1885 never fail to please. The design of the fork's handle is crisp as the lily blossoms emerge in a wonderful bas-relief from the leaf that holds them as it comes to a soft point. A light but even gold remains on the tines. The length is 6.5 inches and the weight is 30 grams. It is marked with Whiting's logo, “Sterling,” and the retailer, H. Zimmer. There is no monogram.

Beautiful stuffing or basting spoon in the “Louis XIV” pattern first patented in 1847 by John Chandler Moore. It was variously produced by John Polhemus (Polhamus) and Henry Hebbard, all of whom sold through Tiffany prior to Tiffany's own silver production. This must have been an early example because it's not marked “sterling” as most other pieces made for Tiffany were; rather, it is coin. There is a monogram WCA...

The 6 spoons (8.1 inches) are in one of the most traditional patterns of theWestern world, originating in Germany in the late 18th century: the “Fiddle Thread” or “Fadenmuster”. They are 800 fine, or 80% pure, silver. Peter Bruckmann & Sons was located in Heilbronn, Germany, from 1805 until 1973 and enjoyed prestige as one of Germany's finest makers...

This fork is an example of a prolific maker of reproduction pieces that were marketed around 1900 – coinciding with the rise of the Arts & Crafts movement – as hand-made items based on antique forms. The mark on the underside – (925)(000) – is a uniform mark on all pieces I've ever seen. Some are plain, and some are decorated with a wreath, ribbons, and a shield like this fork. All pieces appear to be heavy and a tad awkward in their execution...

The Old English form of the 6 sterling spoons is dressed with a lovely and traditional diamond hand-cut and engraved design by highly respected London silversmith Thomas Dealtry who was entered into the goldsmiths' registry in 1765. They are hallmarked for 1802 with the mark Dealtry registered in 1799. The spoons are 5 inches long, and their condition is very, very good. There are no dents or pits, and no bends to the handles, which have an appropriate (and attractive) Gothic 'P' monogram...

The Zephyr pattern, introduced by Wood & Hughes in 1870, was made with a variant – this one – that was without flanges on the handle, revealing a Pointed Antique form. The double-struck pattern (that is, it appears on both the front and back of the implements) is delicate, with a sort of thread enclosing a suggestion of filigree in the midsection of the handle. The condition is very good, with only very, very superficial scratches...

This charming lemon fork has a handle with gold lemons and green leaves cut out on the handle which terminates in traditionally splayed tines. The condition is excellent, the enamel intact, without scratches or bends. Length is 4.75 inches and the weight is 8 grams.

This lovely little fork is probably a place fork – ramekin? Pickle? Dessert? At 5.4 inches, it seems a bit short for anything else. It could be used as a small serving fork. The pattern dates to 1898 – 3 years before Howard Sterling Co. went into receivership. The handle has a fluted texture from which spring acanthus leaves forming the lacy architecture of the remaining handle...