Catalog: Silver

Writing in his foundational work Tiffany Silver (1978), Charles Carpenter dates the Tiffany and J.C. Moore relationship that culminated in the incorporation of Tiffany as its own manufacturer (vs. being a retailer) in 1868, as beginning in 1851, with model number items 301-1000 produced 1856-59.

This large, 2 7/8" wide bowl, 3 1/4" maximum span, 1 5/8" tall, 2.19 T. oz...

Although primarily a New York City Silversmith, Louise Belden in Marks of American Silversmiths and other sources note that William Grigg spent some years in other locations, namely Albany 1770-78, and Halifax, Canada, 1782-89.

He was a freeman worker in 1765, dating this group of six, matched, 5 1/2" long, just over 3.0 T. oz. (95 grams) the lot, to the decades between then and Grigg's death in 1797...

This weighty, 3.0 T. oz., 9" long, c. 1865 solid silver pie server, aka pie knife, is marked for the Brockton, Massachusetts jeweler "Gurney Brothers" ("Bro's." as stamped).

Also marked "Pure-Coin," this doubtlessly has Boston origins, likely made by Farrington and Hunnewell, based on the design.

It has an Old English, i.e. downturned, rounded end, Reverse Tipt handle...

A matched set, each of these four place, aka dessert or soup, spoons measures 7 1/8" long, with the group weighing 5.0 T. oz.

They are all stamped "Duhme & Co.," for the Cincinnati manufacturer and jeweler, and all have the same feathered "TGM" monogram inscribed sideways on their handle.

The pattern is "No. 1," introduced in 1869...

Measuring 8" long and weighing approximately 2.5 T. oz., this ladle is larger than a gravy and is likely for bouillon. It has a large, plum-shaped, 2 1/2" diameter, 1" deep, bowl with a central vee, flange shoulders, and a matte gold finish on the interior.

The arched handle is an "Old English" pattern with a "Reverse Tipt" end. The front has a satin finish and is extensively engraved in a floral (anemone) and leaf design...

This pair of 6" long tongs that weigh a sturdy near 2.0 T. oz., are consequential on several counts.

The first and most immediate feature is the design. They are a "French Thread" aka "Fiddle Thread" pattern with concave shells at the terminus of each arm. The shell form is repeated on the cupped grips.

The wide arch has a gentle point on either side, where it accommodates an unusual crest, which is the second outstanding aspect of this...

This 8 7/8" long, relatively weighty 2.8 T. oz., berry or other serving spoon has a rounded "Old English" handle with a tipt backside.

A highly refined piece, it has an overall matte finish and is finely engraved in what appears to be a wild rose or dogwood floral design on the handle, and a detailed butterfly set amidst bamboo or similar leaves in the bowl.

These motifs are very much in the Aesthetic style of its circa 1880 period...

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...

Writing in Silver Medallion Flatware, D. Albert Soeffing comments that "[Philo B.] Gilbert was a prominent New York City manufacturer, working for about thirty years...

Very much a period table piece, this 8 1/4" long, 1.5 T. oz., spoon has a rounded end with a tipt backside, and an exposed drop on the bowl.

The handle front is diamond cut and wriggle work engraved, and has a block letter "E S" monogram, in a manner that bespeaks its age.

The handle reverse is fully hallmarked with a castle assay mark for Exeter, England, 1799-1800 date letter (George III), duty bust, lion for sterling silver, and "RJ" for silversmith Richard Jenkins (d. 1807).

The bow...

A worker who apprenticed in the shop of renowned Arts & Crafts silversmith Arthur Stone, George Erickson founded his own studio in Gardner, Massachusetts, the same city as Stone, in 1932. The business continues today under the ownership of his grandson Peter.

This 6 1/2" long, approximately 1.2 T. oz., serving spoon is an early production piece, original to George, marked "Erickson Sterling".

A serving spoon with an ovoid bowl, the pattern is "Chino," which is a rounded end fiddle design. ...

Lengthy at 8 7/8" and weighing .9 T. oz., this olive spear or pick is solid silver.

The pattern is "Thistle," which is an early 20th century Art Nouveau design made by R. Blackinton & Co.

The high relief thistle flowers and leaves run the full length of both sides of the handle, with the leaves extending onto the shoulders of the twist.

Never monogrammed, this is in flawless condition. It retains clear pattern detail that is free of any polishing wear. There are no bends or burrs, and t...

Very heavy at just over 2.0 T. oz., this 7 3/4" long master butter knife is stamped "Crosy, Morse & Foss," for the 19th century Boston retailer, and "925 in an oval" for sterling silver.

Having a rounded "Antique" handle with a "Tipt" backside, the appeal of the piece lies in its quiet elegance and overall substance.

There is a handsome leaf script monogram engraved on the handle front.

The plain blade has a scalloped upper edge, a beveled lower edge, and an upswept, pointed, tip.

An...

A multi-motif line, George Shiebler's 1902 Fiorito portrays a variety of flowers interpreted in an Art Nouveau manner.

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.

Never monogrammed or inscribed, this is in flawless condition,...

Gorham's St. Cloud features a leaf and anthemion subject, with tight, circular, elements reminiscent of fern fronds, and shows Aesthetic influences, which is in keeping with its 1885 date of introduction.

This example of the pattern is a large, 7 3/4" long, substantial weight at 1.54 T. oz., solid silver master butter knife.

The flat blade is set at an angle to the handle and has a scalloped upper edge and gently rounded end.

The handle reverse is engraved with a fancy leaf scrip...

Originally associated with Herman Marcus as Starr & Marcus, Theodore B. Starr established his own firm in 1880. His work as a jeweler was renowned and he also produced silver hollowware (see Old Friends item 5551f) as well as some flat ware.

This 6" long, relatively weighty at 1.2 T. oz., sturdy sauce ladle marked "Sterling" and "Theodore B. Sarr New York" dates from the early 20th century, and, although marked for Starr, may actually have been made by Marshall Field who produced a wel...

Born in 1785 in Albany, New York, sources indicate that Thomas H. Carson was working as a silversmith in that city in 1810 and in partnership there with Green Hall 1814-19.

This lengthy, 8 7/8" long, 1.9 T. oz., serving spoon is stamped with the "C&H" mark indicating that partnership.

The form is consistent with the period. The handle is plain front with a rounded end and a midrib on the backside and a plain drop on the heel of the bowl.

There is a large, double lined, feathered script ...

Paye & Baker produced two female nude designs in silver flatware around the turn of the 20th century, that while lesser known than such similar patterns as Reed & Barton's Love Disarmed and Alvin's Raphael, were of equal stature.

Psyche, which came in a solid and a pierced version, is the more commonly known of the Paye & Baker renderings, while Mermaid, which is the pattern on this 5 3/8" long, relatively heavy at .93 T. oz., coffee spoon is less known and less re...