A William C. Codman design, identical examples may be found in both the Jolie and Robert Shelton Collection, "Magnificent, Marvelous Martelé," pp. 498-9 and the MFA Boston, accession number 2001.804
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There are some condition issues. One (on left in photo) has some dents in the side panels; the bobeche on the other is a bit wavy. Also, though they bear the same model number, one is decorated with beading and the other with "rope."
Keep in mind that when your table is lit with candle light, the guests will simply say "what lovely pair of candlesticks!"
This lovely example is entirely hand wrought, and dates from 1948...
$350.00
These come and go, but I don't think we've ever owned one where the chasing is so crisp and the original oxidation hasn't been at least partially removed by some overzealous owner...
As mentioned elsewhere on these pages, Porter's work is of inconsistent quality. Here, the soldering is a bit sloppy and the hammering is rather random. So let's just consider that part of the charm, if we may.
Is there a wedding in your future? Picture the flower girl, strolling down the aisle, carrying your rings in this basket.
Porter was a highly talented silversmith, but his work is inconsistent and sometimes sloppy. These items showcase his skills at their best. The solder joints are subtle and superbly executed, the hammering is uniform and attractive, the piercings are symmetrical...
With sinuous curves and whimsical spade-shaped feet, this is truly a little classic of English Art Nouveau silver.
$250.00
Years ago, many folks had high enthusiasm over silver from the Golden State, but now we're going to find out the hard way whether or not anyone indeed still gives a rat's derrière.
If only we knew a bit more about Minnie, a good tale might be told, but alas we know nothing of this lass.
Over the years, I've examined many pieces of Martelé, and if you dear reader will forgive me for a bit of crudeness, most of them are "trashed." Specifically, the detail is severely worn away, leaving the beauty of the overall design still appreciable but no longer intact...
Marguerite was design...
This piece bears the craftsman's mark of both Robert Bean and Fletcher Carter. Also, let's give a shout out to the good folks at ONC, still going strong in Amesbury after one hundred years, who were kind enough to identify this cup as the "Roly Poly cordial."
Similar in design and construction to its larger cousin known as the "Louvre Bowl," (see Drucker, p. 188) because it is in the permanent collection of that institution.
$725.00
These are perfectly plumb, but wide angle distortion has caused one to look a bit akilter, and for this we must apologize, dear reader.