lovingly labeled "naive" patterns (see Soeffing, p. 95); 4 7/8 inches long; fine condition; no monogram; applied warrior's head in high relief surrounded by engraving; marked only "COIN 1".

Let's stop right there. I don't for a moment believe that this item was made in Boston. Most everything about it: the floral four toed feet, chased foliage with "ring matted" background (see Forbes, plate 41), silversmith's center punch on the top (see fourth photo), the overall heft and construction suggest that it was made in Canton province. Can I prove it? No, not yet at any rate. Diameter, 8.5"; height .75"; weight 14.0 oz...

Boston circa 1850, a long (14 inches) and elegantly proportioned piece of silver, no monogram, fine condition, faintly gilt bowl, marked only "Bigelow Bro's & Kennard". An perfect gift for the Boston bride...

regional interest, Beggs & Smith, Cincinnati circa 1850, engraved "Irwin", some light wear but fine overall condition, length 5 3/8 inches. Did Irwin use this to embellish his hot dog, and if so was it a Kosher dog? Alas, we may never know...

A decent piece of Baltimore engraved coin silver, 9 1/8 inches long, good condition, monogrammed "Clintonia" (please see second photo). As to what this might comprise (cigars? a large kneehole desk?) one can only speculate, but Yours Truly will exercise restraint before he gets himself into trouble, though more astute readers tell me that in actual fact it's simply a flower...

circa 1860, with hollow handle and finely engraved flat all silver blade; marked "R & W WILSON" in rectangle; length 11 1/2 inches; engraved "Woelpper" on reverse of blade, good condition although the edge is a bit rough (please see second enlargement).

one by Bigelow Kennard, engraved (reverse) with fancy Gothic "H"; one by C.A.W. Crosby, engraved (reverse) "Lizzie"; $45.00 each. The third sold by Gerould, Richardson & Skinner; Keene, NH circa 1865, $65.00. All are six inches long and in fine condition.