in rectangle. Is this Joseph Carman? John Chalmers? Joseph Carpenter? Am I failing to Inspire Confidence? Truly, as with many initial marks, the answer may never be known. Length 5 7/8 inches, monogrammed "M" in period script, the bowls are a bit chewed up (see fourth photo) and there is some tip wear-- priced accordingly.

length 4 1/4 inches, no monogram, the gilt bowl is a bit splotchy but otherwise in fine condition.

of a sardine fork, Towle's PAUL REVERE.

length 5 1/2 inches, excellent condition, no monogram.

Length 7 1/4 inches, fine condition, monogrammed "G" (or is it "T"?) Old English style. Surely someone amongst ye Internet Legions is in need of a Watteau fish fork?

length 9 inches, no monogram, excellent condition. When it comes to Acorn we've always felt that the sinuous bit of floral chasing where tines meet handle is what separates the men from the boys (can one still say such a thing without ending up like Larry Summers?)-- some pieces have it, and some don't. Please have a closer look, in photo number three.

Boston and Salem Massachusetts circa 1800, length 9 1/8 inches, slight tip wear but heavy and in fine overall condition, monogrammed "H" (obverse, script with flourishes).

length 5 3/8 inches, excellent condition, no monogram, please see second photo for marks. Why a pair? One for chocolate sauce, the other for a darker chocolate sauce, of course.

bowls, marked only "sterling" and "J.E.Caldwell & Co." To say that these are "highly carved" would be an understatement, and though about a hundred years old they are in essentially new condition. Length five inches, no monogram.

Some might hold out for pie in the sky when they die, others would prefer to eat it now. We won't confess to endorsing either preference but will provide the right utensil for those who fall into category number two. Just shy of 7 1/4 inches long, excellent condition, monogrammed "LRM" (script, obverse, see third photo).

length 5 3/8 inches, excellent condition, monogrammed "MLC" (conjoined script, obverse)

Just shy of 15 inches long, monogrammed "LBG" (fancy script with flourishes, obverse), a few very minor scratches and a tiny dent in bowl which may or may not show up in photo number four but fine overall condition. Among the myriad ladles described as "punch", here, dear reader, is one that is...