Pair of cast square-based brass English candlesticks of classical style dating from the George III era, circa 1780. They make a nice presentation at their height of 10½ inches. The also retain their original bobeches whose gardrooned decoration happily echoes the gardrooning on the bases. These were cast in two parts; we have a photo of the top without the bobeche showing the seam lines at the corners...

Set of six teaspoons, dating from 1800-1810, by William Simes (1773-1824) of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. They are coffin ended with beautifully executed script monograms and interesting double roulette drops on the back. Each is marked with Simes' punch (mark "a" on page 382 of Marks of American Silversmiths in the Ineson-Bissell Collection by Louise Conway Belden). Length is 5 11/16 inches. Condition is very good: I would almost be tempted to say the spoons were never used...

Smart-looking heavy cast brass candlestick made about 1730 in Northwestern Europe, possibly in Denmark. Made in two pieces that come apart; you can see the hand-made threads. The parts fit very tightly. Overall quality is very high. Note how carefully it is finished with finely engraved lines on the base and the shaft...

Good early 18th century octagonal base case candlestick of French origin. It is quite hefty (weight: one pound, seven ounces) and stands 8¼ inches tall. It has a strong knop which enhances its appearance; it is carefully finished with etched lines on the base and shaft. You might also note how nicely the maker has finished the underside of the base, even including etched lines there. There is an ejector hole to help remove the burnt down stubs...

Early S. Kirk serving or stuffing spoon bearing the S. K. and 11 oz punches, indicating manufacture close to 1830. The spoon, in the fiddle thread pattern, has a unicorn crest and a handsome shell bowl. Crests are unusual on American silver; in this case, research indicates it may be that of the Preston family of Baltimore, which has been prominent for three centuries. The spoon is 10 3/8 inches long and weighs 3 ounces and 3 pennyweights (Troy)...

One of the most desirable New York Federal silversmiths, Daniel Van Voorhis, made these tablespoons circa 1785. They have dragon head crests (crests are fairly rare on American silver) and the best Van Voorhis hallmark (initials with full last name and eagle), and good slashed drops. They are in excellent condition with virtually no tipwear evident. They are 8 7/8 inches long and weigh 4 ounces and 2+ pennyweights (Troy). More photos are available and can be emailed on request.

Very nice early 17th century bronze mortar and pestle, probably from the Le Puy area of central France which had many foundries in that era. Note the good detail in the vertical elements. It is about 2.8 inches tall while the top diameter is 4.7 inches. It is heavy and has a good patina. We believe the pestle is original to the mortar.

Full title is: American Silver 1655-1825 in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts Boston by Kathryn C. Buhler. This two volume hardcover book was published in 1972 and came in a slipcase. The individual volumes never had dust jackets. This is an essential reference work if one is a serious collector of or dealer in early American silver. The illustration shows the front and back of the slipcase. This is a crisp new copy that has never been used.

Extremely handsome lithographed tin advertisement for Comandon cognac dating from about 1905. The colors are bright and vivid, and the design epitomized the marvelous and duly famous French advertising art of the period. It is in excellent condition with only minor, barely noticeable, defects. It is approximately 19½ inches tall by 14 inches wide (50cm by 36cm). From the Comandon Website: "In 1804 Napoleon became Emperor of France...

The enamel work done by Gorham in the late 19th century is considered to be of top quality and it is also extremely scarce. Here is a rare set of six beautifully crafted spoons in which every detail displays the high standards of the Gorham factory at that time: the enameling is crisp and wonderfully colored; the twisted stems have in their crease a delicate raised rope-like pattern, and the silver is gold washed...

Antique English sterling mote spoon dating from around 1750. The only hallmarks are a maker’s mark which I cannot quite make out and a lion passant. The spoon is 5 ¼ inches long and weighs 6.2 dwts Troy. Detailed photos are available and can be emailed on request.

A "like new" copy of this handsome book, signed on title page by Brock Jobe, who organized the 1993 exhibit on which it is based and who edited the book. This is THE book on the subject. Full title is "Portsmouth Furniture: Masterworks from the New Hampshire Seacoast." Paperback edition.