Catalog: Silver: Coin Silver: Hollowware

Dorothy Rainwater in Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers offers extensive biographical material about silversmiths Edmond Kidney and Samuel Johnson, who formed a partnership in 1868 that lasted until at least 1874.

With working histories for each of them tracing to the early 1850s, they were already established names among New York City silversmiths when they joined efforts...

Mid 19th century items, each of these two, large, open master salts measures 3 1/2" long, 2 1/2" wide, stands 1 5/8" at the highest, and weighs 106 grams (3.4 T. oz.) in one instance and 108 (3.5 T. oz.) in the other.

"Georgian" in style, they stand on four tiered feet, have applied rim edges, are finished in bright gold washes on the interiors, and are monogrammed "M.A.B." in Old English lettering on the sides...

This 3" high to the rim, 3 3/4" to the top of the handle, 2 5/8" top diameter, 4.3 T. oz., coin silver mug has identifiers that closely date it.

Stamped "Crosby & Brown" for the retailer that operated 1851-52, it is also imprinted "V.L.&B.," for significant Boston silversmith Vincent Laforme & Brother, active 1850-54...

One of Gorham's earliest coin silver master salts, this is also an exceptionally fine example of the form.

Model number "18," as identified on the underside, along with the rare "left lion" version of Gorham's hallmark, the word "Coin," and the name of the retailer, "W.H. Talbot & Co.," (more commonly spelled "Talbott") of Indianapolis.

This is large, measuring 3" by 2 1/4" by 1 5/8" high, and robust weight at just over 2.4 T. oz...

This mug stands 3" to the top edge, 3 1/2" to the highest point of the handle, has a top opening 2 3/4" across, a rimmed foot that is 1 7/8" in diameter, and weighs 2.9 T. oz.

It has double marks, one of which is "WG&S" for William Gale & Son, and a second which is three part, one of which includes a diamond imprinted with the date "185x," with the final number obscured.

The form is octagonal, with a beaded edge top and beaded rim base...

The name Wilson is deeply entwined with the history of Philadelphia silver dating from the first half of the 19th century, and that story began with Robert Wilson Senior (1766-1824) and continued through two more generations...

Larger than most examples of this form, this piece measures a full 12" from arm to arm, has a bowl 9" in diameter, stands 5" to the rim and 6" at the highest point of the arms, and rests on a pedestal base that is 4 5/8" across at the bottom. Commensurately heavy for its size, it weighs a substantial 21.4 T. oz.

A coin silver tazza or compote, it is essentially plain and clean-lined, save for the remarkably innovative and forward looking, cast and applied, solid, arms...

This matched pair of candlesticks are large for this form, standing 4" tall, have a broad base, measuring 4 3/16" in diameter, and tops that are 2" across. The tops have threaded interiors so they could accommodate extensions.

Stamped "International," with the Simpson, Hall, Miller "shield and helmet" emblem, "Sterling," and "121 15 /2," they weigh 18.2 T. oz. combined...

Dating from 1866 as engraved on the sidewall below the name "C.E. Mathews.," this coin silver mustard pot was made by Gorham. That company's "standing lion, anchor, G" mark appears on the underside of the base, along with the model number "510."

It is a large, well-proportioned, and handsome item.

Standing 4 1/4" high, it rests on a pedestal base that is 2" in diameter. The maximum span to the end of the handle is approximately 3 1/4" and the weight is just above 4.5 T. oz...

Measuring 6 1/2" in diameter and having a 3/4" wide, raised edge with a rim back, this plate is weighty at 5.2 T. oz.

It is stamped "Lincoln & Reed" for the Boston firm with dates 1838-48, and "Pure Silver Coin," which is a term typically used only in New England.

It is a thoroughly engaging period piece which takes its character from the delicate engraving on the top surface...

One of Philadelphia's most prominent 19th century silversmiths, Peter L. Krider operated as sole manufacturer and in several partnerships over his career.

This mug is stamped with the "crossed K & B" symbol for the "Krider & Biddle" partnership, along with the model number "433."

There has been some difference of opinion about the exact dates of this pairing. The most recent, and likely most reliable, scholarship on Philadelphia silversmiths has been offered in a volume by Catherine Hol...