Catalog: Silver: Sterling: Smalls

Italian, Florence circa 1880. What makes an object extraordinary? In the case of a sculpture, it must be well modelled. Then, it must be cast by a capable founder so that every last detail of the clay model is captured in the metal. Finally, the condition must be flawless. Our bird meets all three criteria without ruffling a feather. Height 2 3/4+ inches, weight 3.44 oz...

G. Keller, Paris circa 1920. Fine condition, no monogram, good weight, 2 3/4 by 1 inches. I could think of many uses for this on your nightstand but would probably get myself into trouble by mentioning them...

die rolled border and engraved cartouche centering monogram "Des." (or perhaps it's Wes, or even Ves?) diameter 1 3/4, height 2 inches, weight a pleasantly hefty 2 oz. Troy, some light wear to engraving but fine overall condition, marked only "sterling / 11".

first standard (in Belgium this is .900); length 3 3/4 inches, bird measures 1 7/8 by 1 3/8; excellent condition, no monogram. A truly patriotic embellishment for your dining table.

1840, engine turned lid and base with applied cast and chased border, 3 by 1 5/8 by .75 inches, gilt interior, well constructed and heavy (3.17 oz. Troy). There has been a monogram removed from the rectangular cartouche, but it requires a trained eye to detect this.

guilloché enamel box, three distinct patterns visible in the engine turned engraving depending on your angle of vision (see enlargements), double hidden integral hinges opening outward from the center, gilt interior, 3 1/4 by 2 1/8 by 3/8 inches. There is a minor flake in the enamel (see third photo) which doesn't extend through to the metal, and some scuffing around the edges on reverse but aside from this the condition is superb...

Bored and in need of a new game? How about one that doesn't require a computer or, for that matter, electricity? Measuring 4 3/8 by 1 1/8 by 1 3/8 inches, this set will fit easily into your purse or briefcase, but at 31 oz. Troy (that's two pounds, two ounces in lay terms) it may weigh you down a bit. The case has some minor dents, as one might expect, from its occupants which are small and dense...

marked only "sterling 4," (see fourth enlargement) these are probably Whiting or Gorham, circa 1868. Pleasantly heavy in the hand, they are of exceptional quality and workmanship. Each arm comprises a grapevine (complete with added "age" marks!) with two applied grape leaves and a dangling cluster of grapes. A splendid example of Victoriana, and similar in theme to cheese scoops with figural mice, as their form defines their function...

with bird, flowers, foliage; a beaded band above and below, diameter 2 1/4; height 1 1/2 inches, weight 1.5 Troy ounces, .800 standard, no monogram, marked as shown in fourth enlargement.

Some twit put a drop of silver-test acid right inside the cartouche and left a slight stain, but aside from this the condition is exemplary.

no, not that kind of a cat box, but a snuff box with "trap door" opening and secret compartment, 2 1/4 by 1 7/8 by 1 inches, weight 2.27 oz. Troy, marked with Chinese ideograms only (please see 5th photo).

In terms of construction, this is, not alas a first rate object. The edges don't quite meet up flush, the hinge is on the exterior rather than integral, and there are also a few minor bits of waviness on the front and side panels...

diameter 1 3/4; height 1 1/2 inches, with high quality brite cut and roulette work engraving, no monogram, superb condition (there is a flea-bite test mark shown in third enlargement), weight 2.02 Troy ounces, unmarked.

Our resident fashion consultant tells me that rose gold colored items (it is gilt inside and out) such as this are currently "in".

comprising a heavy (1.33 Troy ounces), die-rolled band of silver cleverly seamed to make a circle. The interior diameter is 2 5/8 inches.

Like almost all items from the workshop of Colonial Williamsburg, it is of above average quality. Marked as shown in second enlargement.

Schoonhoven Silversmiths circa 1910, height 1 3/4 inches, weight .54 oz. Troy, excellent condition. Most items from this firm are of above average quality. Ours is no exception.

Please note: this is a photo from our archives. The actual chair, though also by Hooijkaas, is somewhat different.

height 2 1/2; width 1 5/8 inches, no monogram, excellent condition, weight 1.06 Troy ounces.

Perfect for the aspiring collector of mid-century modern furniture who has wisely chosen to live in a tiny house. Should you care for more info on the original, please note that this chair is so famous as to warrant its own Wikipedia entry.

engraved on reverse "Comp'n Thos R. Smith appointed Grand Sword bearer AL 5834 AD1830", diameter 2 1/2 inches, pristine original condition, weight .80 Troy ounces, tests 14K, unmarked. An object of remarkable construction and quality, each letter on the obverse is hand-cut and applied. The circular and triangular elements are fastened together with miniature nuts and bolts. Ex-collection Carl Crossman...

As pictured, top row: Four unmarked (save for French import mark) Chinese tags with brackets to hold various labels, 4/$125.00 2nd row: HOCK, SOLD (Dublin ça 1807, maker JT); MADEIRA, $95.00 (London, 1824, George Pearson?); KETCHUP, SOLD (London ça 1790, T. Phipps & E. Robinson); SOY, SOLD (London, 1797, maker I•H in oval); FISH SAUCE, SOLD (London, 1825, IR?) 3rd row: ANCHOVEY, SOLD (unmarked); two WHISKEY, $35.00 each (20th c.); SOY $165.00 (London ça...

with oak leaves and acorns, height and diameter both approximately 1 3/4 inches, weight 1.8 oz Troy, fine condition, marked only "S 620" but according to a Very knowledgeable fellow, the work of Wood and Hughes.

Birmingham 1905, maker J.A.R., diameter 1.5 inches, weight 1.05 oz. Troy, excellent condition, no engraving, gilt silver. Please see third photo for marks.