Having an urn shape that is suggestive of mid 19th century style, this matched pair of open salts (or could be used as nut dishes) actually date to 1900 or later. They were made by New York's J. Wagner & Son.

Each one stands 2 1/8" high, has a maximum diameter of 2 5/8", and sits on a pedestal base that is 1 13/16" across. The combined weight is 2.4 T. oz. The bodies have faceted sides, and the tops and bottoms have rolled rims...

This medium sized, open bowl has a top diameter of 6 5/8", sits on a flat base that is 3 1/2" across, stands 2 1/2" high, and weighs 10.8 T. oz. It carries the mark for Karl F. Leinonen who was the head smith in Boston's "Handicraft Shop" founded in 1901. He later established his own operation and in the course of things became a prominent name in the American A&C movement...

Shreve, Treat & Eacret was a notable San Francisco firm founded in 1912. It was an effort of George Shreve and new partners after his family's withdrawal from Shreve & Co. Operating in a time when the Arts & Crafts style was in high fashion, and building upon Shreve's established presence in that arena, it is not at all surprising that this syrup jug or pitcher falls in that mode...

International's 1924 "Wedgwood" pattern apparently took its inspiration from the English pottery of the same name, as the motif seems to replicate in silver the classical imagery that Wedgwood produced in clay. It was designed by International's renowned Alfred G. Kintz. This piece is an 8 1/2" diameter, 4 1/4" high, vegetable bowl that stands on a 4 1/4" wide footed base. It is solid sterling silver and weighs 18.6 T. oz...

Stamped with the date symbol for 1891, the Gorham lion, anchor, G, the word "Sterling," and the number "25," this large open salt stands 1 3/4" high, measures 2 5/8" across, and weighs a substantial 2.2 T. oz. The design is Aesthetic in nature, with a repeating cascade of what appear to be breaking waves encircling the convex body. This theme may also relate to Gorham's "Narragansett" and related series of patterns of roughly the same period...

Stamped with the entwined "CR" for the New York manufacturer Currier & Roby, this early 20th century footed tray or salver is also marked "Hodgson & Kennard" for the Boston retailer (apparently also located in Magnolia on Boston's North Shore). The piece is 6 1/8" square and has substantial weight at 6.7 T. oz. It has a raised and rimmed border done in a Chippendale style, and sits on four stylized hoof feet. There is a script "AT" monogram on the center surface...

This c. 1905 sterling silver bowl was made by Newark, New Jersey's William B. Kerr, a company that was known for its Art Nouveau designs in both silver and jewelry. This 7" long by 5" wide by 1 1/2" high, 6.8 T. oz. item evidences the quality of work and level of artistic skill that firm produced. The motif is "iris," with a large, open blossom rising up from each end of the piece, and two partially open buds flanking the long sides...

Generally associated with silverplate, Rogers also produced fine items in sterling silver. This pair of candlesticks are evidence of that. According to the marks on the underside, which include the word "Rogers" flanked by an anchor on each end, they are model number "3001." They are relatively large for such items, standing 3" tall, and having a bottom diameter of 3 1/2"...

These two matched master salts are strikingly attractive, stylistically emblematic of their period, and in immaculate condition. Made by Gorham, perhaps the standard bearer firm for such items, each of them is marked with a lion, anchor, G, the word "Sterling," the model number "1320," and the date letter "L" for 1879. Round bodied, they stand 2 7/8" high, have top diameters of 2 3/16", and sit on pedestal bases that are 1 3/4" across. Their combined weight is a moderately heavy 3.5 T. oz. T...

An unassuming item, this small, open, sterling silver nut or master salt dish nonetheless possesses a fair measure of charm. It is oval shaped, measures 2 1/2" long by 2" wide, stands 3/4" high, weighs .7 T. oz., and sits on four ball feet. The ends on the long axis are swooped upward and rounded, while the sidewalls have something of a crenulated edge made up of scalloping and scrolls. The interior is finished in a satin finish gold wash. The outside is plain, without a monogram or inscript...

Having hexagonal bases and walls leading to rounded tops, each of these identical individual nut (or candy) dishes has a top diameter of 1 5/8", a base width of 1", and stands 1/2" high. The group together weigh 1.8 T. oz. All the interiors are finished in a gold wash. Marked only "Sterling" on the undersides, there is no identification as to maker, but they are clearly American. Their hammered surfaces done in the Arts & Crafts style suggests a date in the first quarter of the 20th century....

Fully stamped for London, sterling, and a date letter "r" for 1912, this item is also impressed "Drew & Sons, Piccadilly Circus," and "S.S.D" over "E.D" in a shield for Samuel Summers and Ernest Drew. A high end retailer, this company apparently traded in leather goods, personal items, luggage, pen sets, and silver items (cited as beginning in 1887). Sources indicate S.S. Drew himself retired or died in 1914, so this dates from his tenure, a high point for the firm. It is a 3" high by...