Catalog: Silver: Sterling: Flatware

Bonbonnieres are bonbon spoons set large.

The form was popular in the late 19th century, and no company was more successful in producing impressive examples than Gorham. This example is model number "588" offered by that firm.

It is medium-sized, measuring 6 1/8" long, has a bowl that is roughly 2 3/4" in diameter, and weighs just under 2.0 T. oz.

It is cast rather than die struck, as these forms generally were...

Issued in 1880, Gorham's "Empress" incorporates a number of design elements, all evident on this 9 3/8" long, just over 3.0 T. oz., serving spoon.

The lower portions of the handle where it joins the bowl suggest an Egyptian Revival influence, while other areas point toward Renaissance Revival inspiration. In addition, the dense floral clusters employ imagery similar to Gorham's "Cluny" pattern that was designed by Antoine Heller, who was highly regarded for his Classical motifs...

Issued in 1880, Wood & Hughes' "Humboldt" pattern incorporates Moorish design elements, as popular in the period, laid out on an angular handle.

Produced at a time when the company was enjoying great prosperity and was especially productive, it exhibits sophisticated design and high quality execution. This is especially evident in the plum-shaped, notched edge, bowl that is intricately engraved and finished with a matte gold surface on the interior and bright gold on the exterior...

Measuring 7 3/4" long and weighing 2.0 T. oz., this fork has rounded shoulders and three wide and lengthy tines, the outer two of which are splayed.

The form is uncommon and hence of uncertain function. It may be a spinach or toast/bread fork, or for another purpose yet. The proportions assure it is definitely original and not adapted from another piece as, for example, most potato forks are derived from dinner forks...

Without a formal name, but commonly referred to as "Peony" for the large, single, arched, blossom that appears on the end of the handle, this circa 1885 pattern is also characterized by its twist stem.

The line is number "26," by Whiting, and this number, along with the company "lion" logo and "Sterling," appears on the backsides of this youth set, comprised of a 6 3/8" long fork and 5 7/8" long spoon, with a combined weight of 2.1 T. oz...

Illustrated and identified in Gorham's 1888 catalogue as an "olive spoon and fork," this 12" long, 2.0 T. oz., piece embodies the aesthetic sensibilities of the period, evidenced by its naturalistic form.

The full length of the handle is nubby, slightly twisted, and stem like. The bowl is virtually a leaf, with piercings that resemble veins, and a surface that is engraved with additional leaves...

Issued in 1891, Dominick & Haff's "Cupid" features a raised relief, winged cherub's face on the handle, with variation in the portraiture from piece to piece.

Rococo in manner, the pattern also incorporates a series of scrolls and leafy elements that are complementary to the main figure.

This example is a 5 13/16" long, .9 T. oz., four tine sardine fork. The heel area is cupped and has raised scroll detailing on the shoulders...

A name of note among 19th century Philadelphia silver manufacturers, William Faber, later joined by his sons, produced items of high quality and lasting appeal.

This substantial sized gravy ladle, 7 1/2" long, 2.0 T. oz., with a 2 5/8" wide, 1" deep, oval bowl is a case in point.

It is distinguished by its extensive bright cut engraving that appears on a rounded end "Antique" handle, and additionally in the bowl with double vee shaped grooves and scalloped shoulders...

An early example of a line issued in 1875, this 6" long, weighty at 1.5 T. oz., sauce ladle is marked "Pat. Appl. For," along with "Sterling" and Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem.

The pattern, "Raphael," is Renaissance Revival in style, with a strongly Moorish influence...

The Baltimore Museum of Art volume Maryland Silver indicates George Webb (1812-90) was a second generation silversmith, although he trained under Hugh Gelston rather than his father, James Webb.

This source also notes that he "conducted his highly successful jewelry and silver shop under the name Webb & Co. on Baltimore and Light Streets with W.H. Sexton as a partner 1877-86."

As this 9" long, 2.2 T. oz., serving spoon carries this mark, along with the word "Sterling," it can be def...

This rendition of "Lily of the Valley" by Gorham is to be distinguished from the die struck pattern of the same circa 1870 date that features this flower and is also known as "No. 88," and certainly it is very far removed from the company's 1950 line called "Lily of the Valley."

An approach to silver flatware construction that was popular in the period, and one which showcases the artfulness of a given manufacturer, such items are assembled from a variety of components.

Made in a limited n...

Likely dating 1855-1862, this sugar sifter measures 7" long and weighs 1.2 T. oz.

It was made and sold by Philadelphia's "Bailey & Co.," and is so marked, along with a "lion, S, shield" with additional "lion" pseudo hallmark that was used while George Sharp was the company's manufacturing manager 1852-c. 1862 (Catherine Hollan Philadelphia Silversmiths).

The "S" indicates sterling, while a like mark with a "U" indicates coin silver, with the former introduced in 1855 (Hollan).

Th...

A large piece measuring 8 1/2" long and weighing 1.8 T. oz., this table serving spoon bears one of the earliest marks, a "bird surrounded by a wreath," that the William B. Durgin Company used on its flatware.

It is also stamped "M.F. Robinson" for the Springfield, Massachusetts jeweler with dates of operation 1860-99, and "Sterling."

A non-line pattern, its relatively plain style with a broad, fanned, handle end with bright cut diamond and bellflower components, suggests a date circa 1880....

This lengthy at 7 5/8" and robust at approximately 1.5 T. oz., solid silver master butter knife was made by New York's John Wendt, whose characteristic "Patent 925" (for sterling) and "Bailey & Co.," for the Philadelphia retailer appear on the blade.

The pattern is "Union," and is quite similar to "Gibney," designed by F.H. Gibney, later Whiting, with both it and "Union" issued in 1862.

The handle has a central leaf rosette and leaf tipped, oval end, all elements that are very much of its ...

Catherine Hollan in Philadelphia Silversmiths offers dates of 1876-87 for the firm of "McCarty & Hurlbert," which is the name that is imprinted on the backside of this 9 1/4" long, 2.4 T. oz., berry spoon. Antecedent firms trace back to c. 1845.

It is also marked "Coin," which is late for this standard, as most manufacturers had converted to sterling by the 1870s.

It has an "Old English" handle with a tipt backside and a bright cut fine flower and leaf theme on the front.

The poi...

One of Gorham's earliest full line patterns, references date it to 1865 although this 7 3/4" long, 1.4 T. oz., solid silver master butter knife is stamped "Patent 1867," indicating a later date and situating it just before the company's conversion to a sterling standard in 1868.

Other marks on this include Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem, and the name of the retailer, Philadelphia's "Geo. H. Bechtel."

"Ionic" is a Greek Revival design that incorporates a central rosette with a stylized a...

Measuring a lengthy 5 3/4" and weighing a robust 1.7 T. oz., this pair of tongs are marked on the inside of each leg, respectively, with Durgin's "D" emblem and "Sterling," and "B.K. & Co.," for Boston's Bigelow, Kennard & Company.

The pattern is "Bead," issued in 1893. It features a "Tipt" end with a beaded margin handle, joined in this instance to heavy, detailed, talon grips.

The plain arch is engraved with an Old English "T" monogram.

In superb condition, these are without wear or d...

Lengthy at 9 5/8" and weighty at 2.9 T. oz., this serving spoon has a large, 4" long by 2 1/2" at the widest by 5/8" deep, bowl with flanged shoulders, a central rib in the base, and a gold washed surface that is bright cut and wriggle work engraved in a blackberry and leaves design.

Dating circa 1880, it is stamped "J.S. MacDonald" for the late 19th century Baltimore firm, and with the word "Sterling."

The "Old English Reverse Tipt" handle features an engraved "Lily" pattern that shows th...