Catalog: Silver: Sterling: Flatware

Original Seal Top pieces trace to the 16th and 17th centuries, however, meaning this is a "conversion" adapted from a regular but later date, albeit mid 18th century in this instance, spoon...

The dies for the pattern were eventually acquired by George Shiebler, who extended production subsequent to all these antecedent firms.

These four, matching, 6" long, 3.2 T. oz...

The design is Art Nouveau in manner and portrays lily blossoms on the slightly upturned handle, front and back, as well as on the interior shoulders of the sinuous, shell-shaped, bowl.

The detail of the work is precise and rendered in relief...

This example is a 5 3/4" long, .5 T. oz., bon bon representing a clematis.

A fully open blossom appears on the handle end, while the portraiture is repeated in the entirety of the 2" by 1 3/4", nearly round, reticulated and undulating, bowl that has a pale gold wash finish front and back sides...

A master butter knife, the handle and broad blade with a scalloped upper edge are joined at a right angle.

The pattern is Luxembourg made by George Shiebler, whose "winged S" emblem and the word "Sterling" are imprinted on the blade, along with "1885" and "Patented" on the handle.

The handle is splayed and incorporates three raised channels with rounded ends...

The pattern is Margaret Old issued in 1907, preceding Margaret New, introduced in 1912.

Both patterns are identical save the earlier one includes a design detail at the join between the handle and bowl, tine, or serving end, while the later pattern is plain in the same area...

Generally identified as a macaroni server, the pronged edge with pierced bowl form of this 9" long, 2.4 T. oz., solid silver spoon also follows after what are described as fried oyster or simply entree servers.

While broadly similar, there is considerable individualization among these types of pieces from maker to maker and pattern to pattern. Invariably, though, they one of the more interesting and dramatic servers in any line.

The pattern on this, Argo, was introduced by J.B...

It has a rounded end handle that gently curves upward from the flat blade. The front is engraved in a dense leaf design...

The pattern, Altair by Watson, dating from 1904, is broadly rococo in manner. Named for a star, and having Arabic roots meaning "flying eagle," the design possesses a celestial quality to it, resembling perhaps a cosmic cloud...

Made by Wood & Hughes, the pattern is Viola, issued in 1875. The design incorporates an arch, palmettos, anthemia, and scrolling, drawing together Greek, Egyptian, and Gothic Revival elements in a successful amalgamation of period motifs.

The handle front incorporates an elegant, engraved, Victorian style, "OR" or "RO" monogram.

The f...

Introduced in 1883, the pattern is Cluny, which is one among the many enduringly appealing lines originated by Gorham's renowned designer Antoine Heller.

The pattern features dense, high relief, floral elements with rosette and palmetto accents, set on a three-lobed handle end.

The grips a...

An older piece, it is marked with R&B's "eagle, R, lion" emblem and the word "Sterling."

Measuring 5 3/8" long and weighing .6 T. oz., the pattern is an Orange or Orange Blossom, interpreted in something of an Art Nouveau manner.

Strongly naturalistic and intricately detailed, the fruit is round and full...

Made by Frank Whiting, this set of forks is marked with the company's "W in a circle" emblem, "Sterling," and the number "2" on the backsides.

Measuring 5 3/4" long each and weighing 4.0 T. oz. the group, they are oyster, shrimp, or seafood cocktail forks.

Each piece has three tines, one of which is hooked, all joined to cupped heels with subtly notched should...

These seven, 4" long, 2.35 T. oz. the group, coffee or demitasse spoons are early pieces marked with the company's "eagle, R, lion" (later items are stamped "Reed & Barton") along with "Sterling."

Cast rather than die struck, they are highly textured, possess intricate detail, and show a soft gray finish on the silver. Th...

It is a cream or sauce ladle in Whiting's Heraldic, which apropos of the pattern name, is dominated by the image of a medieval helmet set at the top of the handle. The remainder of the design incorporates a dense array of high relief, scrolling acanthus leaves.

The bowl on this is the fancier of two that Whiting used for this line. It has a scalloped rim and raised, leafy ...

Overall, the pattern is rococo in style, featuring a series of scrolls and leafy elements arrayed in an asymmetrical manner.

This example, a 10" long, heavy at 3.9 T. oz., solid silver ice cream knife is one of the largest and most commanding serving...

Heavy items, the fork weighs nearly 3.6 T. oz., and the spoon close to 3.4 T. oz., for just under 7.0 T. oz. combined.

The pattern is Gorham's Coligni. These are early, original issue, items marked with Gorham's "lion, anchor, G," "Sterling," and "Copyrighted '89" on the backsides.

This Antoine Heller design stands alongside other enduring Gorham patterns originated b...