mother of pearl handles, length 7 1/4 inches, monogrammed "JMW" (script, conjoined), one has a bit of tip distress as shown in photo number four, another some minor scratches and a few blades are set in at a slight angle but fine overall condition. Singles are rare enough, but it is quite unusual to find a set of these...

excellent condition, monogrammed "W" (see second photo), length 5 3/8 inches, weight 6.21 Troy ounces. These have an embossed decoration on the bowl which we suspect that later versions of this piece do not possess.

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.

an original set at that-- all with date letter "F", S.K. in rectangle, 11 over 12, and city mark. Length 8 3/8 inches, weight 31.1 Troy ounces, all monogrammed "M" (reverse, period script, see third photo) most have some slight tine wear but the pattern is in very good condition. One or two are hard to find, but a set of twelve is rare, and this is not a word which we use lightly!!!

Our only American assay office was located in the city of Baltimore, circa 1814-30...

Let's be optimistic and start off with the bull, which measures one inch long by 5/8 high, excluding pedestal. He is fully three dimensional and sports a pair of small (approximately 6 points each) but fully cut diamonds as befits such an enthusiastic fellow. The base is hand engraved with two stock symbols and prices: V 13 1/4, C 64, which no doubt had fond associations for the original owner...

Philadelphia circa 1790, a fine, large and massive piece, length 14 inches, length of bowl five inches, weight 6.87 Troy ounces, marked JA struck twice in cut cornered rectangle. There is a minor fill at the edge of the bowl (please see fifth photo) and some scratches on reverse, but excellent overall condition.

This spoon is not monogrammed and does not appear ever to have been, which is most unusual for early American silver.

dessert spoons, Paris circa 1780, .950 standard, maker's mark LTA (please see fifth photo), total Troy weight 20.75 ounces, some light wear but fine overall condition, with crest as shown though one spoon also has a period script "S" monogram. The forks measure 20.5 and the spoons 19.5 centimetres.

French silver from this period is quite scarce. Price is for the total of eight pieces.

Baltimore MD circa 1790, round downturned end with just a hint of a rear midrib extending 3 inches down the handle, unusual double arched drop, length 8 3/4 inches, some tip wear as shown but good overall condition, monogrammed "H" in period script. How certain are we of this attribution? Well, if it's American then the spoon is most certainly Dowig...

length 8 7/8 inches, one has a stainless blade which sadly has been set in with lead solder (the handle rattles a bit; there's a minor dent), the other an original blunt s/p blade, monogrammed "BHS".

birthday presents circa 1900, length 5 1/8 inches, extraordinary condition, weight 4.55 oz Troy, engraved "Mamie" (script, in bowl). We suspect that these were birthday gifts because each inscription is done in a slightly different style. Since this may well be the last listing for 2008, please allow me to take a moment and wish all of our readers a happy and healthy New Year!

length 5 1/8 inches, monogrammed obverse "PDS" in trailing Art Nouveau script, a few very minor scratches but fine overall condition. Could one wish for no mono, or perhaps a nice Old English "S"? Yes indeed, but this is one of few sets we've owned in over twenty years...

length 2 3/4 inches, gilt bowls, excellent condition, monogrammed "P" obverse, Old English. Please see second photo for marks.