Forbes lists one set of dessert knives, #252 shown in figure 75, but these would appear to be quite rare.
No, dear reader, you're not daft though I may be, there are only five pictured here. Yes, we do have the sixth and it is no different than these!!
Even without the exquisitely engraved blade this would have been a rare find, so we're doubly pleased. Note: although this server is hollow handled, we do not believe it to be weighted.
The quality of this engraving is above average, and it remains in fine condition.
It's possible that this piece has had an erasure, but if so, it's subtle and difficult to distinguish. However, the overall presentation is excellent, and so is the price!
On Hold
Rather a hard to find item in this dignified old Durgin pattern.
We often speak of the "hallmarks" on American silver, but it is worth noting that very few pieces are actually hallmarked. This one bears the Baltimore assay office stamps commonly associated with 1824.
This unusual combination of etched and applied decoration lends the piece a three-dimensional quality which is quite successful, artistically.
Inquire for Price
Long sought after as one of the Holy Grails of spoon collecting, we are pleased to offer this immaculate example for substantially fewer dollars than the two others currently for sale on this Internet.
Please see third enlargement for mark. The craftsman is Charles W. Brown
One of Yours Truly's favorite patterns because of the expressive eyes in this face. Please see all enlargements for detailed photos.
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Other pages on this internet show a scrawny 5 1/2 inch item which they're trying to pawn off as the nut spoon. We beg to differ. And if you'll allow me to indulge myself in some shameless salesmanship, I will state that pierced servers are eminently useful, and the pointed antique patterns fit in well with any others.
Often referred to as "snuff spoons," they may also have been intended for use in children's play. We'll stay safe and simply call them miniature.
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As one might expect from a company which prided itself on hand craftsmanship, similar examples of the same brooch with slightly different configurations of these five conjoined panels do exist. This model would appear to be scarce.
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.
You'll enjoy having these pieces displayed on you...
Retailed by Boston's own late lamented and very elegant Bigelow Kennard, this implement is 8 5/8 inches long, weighs 2.76 Troy ounces, has no monogram and is in excellent condition. If memory serves me correctly, this is the first pea spoon we've ever offered in...
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I do not recall ever having seen a finer pair of master salt spoons.
We've made a brief attempt to find a pair of socialites who were married that Winter Wednesday and come up empty handed, but you dear reader may have the pleasure of continuing this search, once these are safely in your collection.
Please note that our price is for the pair (!).
Though Gorham is best known for silver, they also made bronze objects, such as these, of extraordinary quality. Both the famous Shaw Memorial by St Gaudens on the Boston Common and the Brown University bear are Gorham bronzes.