Antique blown glass topette with eight rings from an old French bar. Each ring represented a dose, or one drink, of absinthe, which was diluted with water, often poured over a sugar cube, before drinking. The bar patron was charged for however many doses were consumed. This topette was hand blown in heavy lead glass, has a nice polished pontil on the bottom and shows the wear marks on the bottom one likes to see on antique pieces...

This is the first time we have had a yellow topette, the special type of decanter used in a French bar to serve measured doses of absinthe. The drinker was charged for the number of doses consumed. This one is molded and probably dates from the later years of the absinthe era or a bit later when it might have been used for other drinks that were diluted with water such as pastis or gentian flavored potions. It is 9 3/4 inches tall.

Antique blown glass topette with three rings from an old French bar. Each ring represented a dose, or one drink, of absinthe, which was diluted with water, often poured over a sugar cube, before drinking. The bar patron was charged for however many doses he or she consumed. This topette was hand blown in heavy lead glass and has a nice polished pontil on the bottom. This one is 4 3/8 inches tall and dates from about 1900 or earlier. It is a handsome collectible from the Belle Epoque.

“Elias Davis of Newburyport, Massachusetts, remains an elusive figure, mentioned in only a few documents,” writes Patricia E. Kane in her monumental and definitive tome, “Colonial Massachusetts Silversmiths and Jewelers.” Davis was born in Newburyport in 1746 and died there in 1783. Some references list his name as Edward Davis, or posit that there were two Newburyport silversmiths named Davis, but Kane thinks this is an error...

Pair of gravy or sauce ladles in the Old English pattern by London silversmith's Joseph and Horace Savory, fully marked, bearing the date mark for 1888. They are crested, indicating ownership by an aristocratic family. They are 7 1/2 inches long and are in first rate condition. Photographs of the backs and a detail of the crest are available and can be emailed to anyone interested in these pieces.

Good gravy or sauce ladle by prominent London silversmith George Smith made in 1798. Inn the Old English pattern, popular at the time, it is in fine condition fully hallmarked, with a well-executed period script monogram on the handle. Length is 7 inches.j

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.

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)...

Sterling silver soup ladle by the most famous woman silversmith of all time -- Hester Bateman. It has a period script monogram (we think it is a "T") and measures 12 1/8 inches long. There are some minor bruises on one side of the bowl; this really does not detract from the piece but is mentioned just for completeness of description. More photos are available and can be emailed on request.

I have long felt that Gorham's Newcastle pattern, which dates from 1895, was underrated. It is a handsome beaded design with interesting serving pieces, and the pieces are usually hefty. This fork and spoon in this set measure a tad longer than 9 inches and retain their original gilt in the bowls. There is a period script monogram "T" on the handles (a photograph of the monogram is available and can be emailed on request)...

Christofle silver plated salad set in an Art Deco patter, probably dating from 1930-1950. The fork is 10 1/8 inches long while the spoon is 9 5/8 inches long. The fork is hallmarked with the usual Christofle marks. The set is quite heavy.

Silver plated caddy spoon in the bead pattern dating from the late 19th century. This English piece is in good condition and is 3 1/2 inches long. Marked EPNS A1 on back.