Catalog: Silver: Sterling

A popular motif from the 1880s, engraved versions of "Lily," actually "Lily of the Valley" with Aesthetic detailing, were produced by multiple manufacturers.

This matched set of eight, 5 15/16" long, 4.0 T. oz. the group, oyster, shrimp, or simply seafood, cocktail forks were made by Frank Whiting whose "W in a circle" and "Sterling" are imprinted on the reverses.

The handles are an "Antique" pattern with rounded ends and tipt backsides...

To a European scale, each of these two, matching, forks measures 8" long. They are very heavy at 5.2 T. oz. the pair.

The pattern is a (Fiddle) Tipt, with beveled edges along the margins of the handles. The ends are slightly upturned, and the tines are long and tapered.

Each piece is fully marked with a "lion" for sterling, a "leopard's face" for London, a date letter "e" for 1834-35, a duty mark, and "WJ" for maker William Johnson...

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...

A Moorish or broadly Renaissance Revival pattern, Gorham's "Hindostanee" was issued in 1878.

This example, an 8 1/2" long, 1.8 T. oz., berry or other serving spoon, is an early example of the line, marked "Pat. Appl. For," along with Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem and "Sterling."

The finely rendered design incorporates a series of repetitive scrolls and palmettes on a slightly upturned, rounded end, handle, and includes a shield reserve, which in this instance has never been monogrammed...

A salad or large berry serving spoon, this piece measures 9" long, weighs a substantial 2.9 T. oz., and has a generously sized, 3 1/2" by 2 3/4" by 3/4" deep, bowl with a satin matte gold finish on both sides.

The pattern is Charles II by Dominick & Hall whose three part emblem, "Sterling," "Pat-d 94," and the name of the retailer, Brooklyn's "Wm. Wise & Son" appear on the reverse...

These twelve, matching, 4" long, 3.9 T. oz. the lot, likely cast rather than die struck, coffee spoons are as singular as they are appealing.

Made by Whiting, the company's "lion" emblem and "Sterling" are stamped on the backside of each piece.

Dating from late 19th century to early 20th centuries, and toward Art Nouveau in manner, this non-line pattern features a stylized, raised grape cluster and leaf motif on the terminal end...

Generously-sized, this tea ball is a 1 3/4" diameter perfect sphere, hung from a 5 3/4" long chain with a ring end.

Solid silver, it weighs just over 1.0 T. oz. and is marked on the inside lip of the top half, "Sterling" and with the three part emblem of the "Howard Sterling Company," Providence, Rhode Island, used 1891-1901.

The interior of both the top and bottom are stamped "24."

It has a pierced dotted pattern top and bottom halves that forms an eight-pointed star...

Made by Reed & Barton, whose "eagle R lion" mark is imprinted on the underside, along with "Sterling," and model number "N 583," this box measures 3 1/2" in diameter and stands 2" high.

It is fitted with an original, removable, cardboard liner that has a cloth base and purple "velvet" interior. The silver apart from this weighs 4.0 T. oz...

A naturalistic pattern that shows Art Nouveau influences, Royal Oak was patented in 1902, as imprinted on the backside of this lengthy, 8 1/16" long, and weighty at nearly 1.9 T. oz., master butter knife.

Other marks include Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem and the word "Sterling."

The oak and acorn elements that constitute the design are offered in high relief, densely arrayed, and finely detailed, front and backsides of the handle and extending onto the heel of the blade...

Syracuse, New York, was a major silver manufacturing center in the mid to late 19th century. Joseph Seymour, the maker of this 8 1/4" long, 1.9 T. oz., berry spoon, was one of the most prominent names among that city's firms, with a history that began in 1846, terminating in 1905.

An innovative producer, Dorthy Rainwater in her "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers" notes that he received a patent for making spoons in 1859, and further that, "the company was one of the first to mak...

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.

Lastly, ...

This group of three pieces comprise a matched set, for either youth or traveling.

Sterling silver, they were made in Birmingham, England in 1833-34 by the firm of Taylor & Perry. The spoon is stamped with five identifying hallmarks, with the fork and knife having confirming partial marks.

The pattern is a robust grape leaf and fruit cluster that appears on the front and backsides of all three pieces. The spoon also has an elaborate, raised shell, motif on the heel reverse.

The solid sil...

An early piece marked on the inside of one leg with Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem, "Sterling," and "Copyrighted," this pair of tongs measure 5 1/4" long and weigh a substantial 1.55 T. oz.

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...

Engraved patterns were immensely popular in the late 19th century and consequently many manufacturers produced them in an array of designs, especially florals.

One particular pattern that was widely embraced was the Lily, which is actually a lily of the valley engraved on this 8 3/4" long, 2.6 T. oz., berry or other serving spoon by Whiting.

Introduced in 1882, the naturalistic floral and leaf elements are represented in an Aesthetic manner, set on a rounded end, Antique

An expressive pattern from renowned Gorham designer Antoine Heller, Old Medici features a variety of figures and imagery drawn from the Italian Renaissance period.

This example, a 7 1/4" long, 1.54 T. oz. preserve or jelly spoon portrays a matronly looking woman in festooned garb. She is carrying a tray laden with fruit with a basket or other container hanging below this.

Additional details include a gargoyle, a pair of doves with raised wings, and leafy tracery.

Most references...

A matched pair, each of these master salts measures 2 1/4" in diameter and stands 1 3/8" high, while the pair weigh 3.2 T. oz. combined.

They are English in origin and fully hallmarked for London, 1897-98, sterling, and WG/JL for William Gibson and John Langman (also operating as the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co.).

Traditional in design, they are round, with heavily repoussed bodies, applied hatched rims, and stand on three lion's paw and shell legs.

Each piece has a reserve area which ...

Bright cut engraved designs were popular among American silver manufacturers during the last quarter of the 19th century, with this generously-sized, 9 1/4" long, nearly 2.7 T. oz., pie server a quality example of the style.

Made by Gorham, whose "lion, anchor, G" emblem and the word "Sterling" appear on the "Old English" tipt handle backside, the pattern is "Chrysanthemum," issued in 1885.

The imagery is finely rendered in bright cut work set against a satin ground.

The broad, 2 3/4" w...

A pattern for which John Polhamus and Henry Hebbard, who worked individually and in a short-lived partnership in New York City in the mid 19th century, held a joint patent, Oriental was a favored design for marketing by Tiffany in its early years.

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 group, teaspoons are older pieces, marked "H.H." for Henr...