Catalog

No. 1 in Watson's Fruit Series of patterns introduced in 1903, the orange (or grapefruit) portraiture on this is set in detailed, high, relief and reflects the Art Nouveau design sensibilities of the period.

Made in a variety of pieces, the citrus spoon was a popular item, offered in a number of close on sizes and with at least two different bowls, a plain one, and the one found on this lengthy, 6 1/4" long, and weighty at 1.1 T. oz., example.

It has a scalloped...

Marked with Watson's Mechanics division pennant emblem and the word "Sterling," this teaspoon measures 5 7/8" long and weighs a substantial 1.1 T. oz.

The pattern is a Daisy and appears to be a variant from Watson's Floral Series No. 2 issued in 1903.

As was characteristic of the company's products, the die work is intricately detailed, presented in high relief, and struck with precision.

The finish is a soft, satin gray.

The bowl of this is engraved in script with the ...

A long handled version, this olive spoons measures 7" as against a regular length 5 1/2" or so for this form. It weighs .7 T. oz.

Made by Watson, the pattern is Bridal Flower, introduced in 1910.

Although dating from late in the Art Nouveau period, this follows fully after that style, with a very fluid interpretation of the lily blossoms that form the centerpiece of the design.

The gold finish bowl (front and back sides) is shell form, with scalloped edges and a ribbed and...

Measuring 6 7/8" long and weighing approximately 1.0 T. oz., this place, sometimes referred to as a regular, fork was made by Watson whose Mechanics Division pennant emblem and the word "Sterling" appear on the handle backside.

The pattern is Bacchante, issued in 1895. It features a nude female figure holding a bay in one arm and a cluster of grapes, a reference to Bacchus, the God of wine, and the source of the pattern name, in the other arm.

The image is modeled after a statue desi...

Measuring 8 3/16" long and weighing approximately 1.3 T. oz., this lettuce fork is more substantial than most examples of this form, which tend in general to be delicately scaled.

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.

The tines, two of which are splayed and one barbed, are relatively wide and join...

The Baltimore Museum of Art volume Baltimore Silver notes that Andrew Ellicott Warner "is the best known of a family of silversmiths which included his father Cuthbert, brother Thomas, and son Andrew Ellicott Warner, Jr."

This example of his work is a 7" long, weighty at 1.3 T. oz., place or dessert spoon.

The marks on this, "A.E. Warner" along with the peculiar to Baltimore "11" assay stamp (midway between coin and sterling silver), is one of seven documented in the above reference...

An early 20th century pattern, Wallace's "Violet" is an expressive Art Nouveau floral design.

This example is a 7 1/4" long, 1.3 T. oz., preserve or jelly spoon.

A large blossom occupies the central portion of the handle and is surrounded by additional blossoms, buds, and leaves the full length of the handle and on the backside.

The pattern also extends onto the scalloped edge, rounded end, bowl.

Never monogrammed, this is a fine example, with clear pattern detail. The only signs of ...

Wallace produced an extensive line of largely floral numbered patterns in the early years of the 20th century.

An example from that series, this 5 9/16" long, .61 T. oz. teaspoon is number "219" as imprinted on the backside, along with Wallace's "R W deer head & S" emblem and the word "Sterling."

The handle portrays a robust cluster of chrysanthemum blossoms, buds, and leaves on both the front and back sides.

The handle obverse is engraved "EF" in fancy Old English let...

Wallace produced an extensive line of largely floral numbered patterns in the early years of the 20th century.

An example from that series, this 5 7/8" long, .74 T. oz. teaspoon is number "107" as imprinted on the backside, along with Wallace's "R W deer head & S" emblem and the word "Sterling."

An openwork design, the handle obverse features perhaps palm or other leaves on a stem.

The reverse is plain save for a fancy, delicate, feathered script "ENL" monogram.

...

An expression of Art Nouveau floral design at its finest, this bowl was made by Wallace, whose "RW deer head &S" emblem, the word "Sterling," model number "1140," and "9 in." for the top diameter are imprinted on the brushed finish underside.

It stands 2 1/4" tall and weighs a substantial 15.34 T. oz., and likely dates from the first decade of the 20th century.

It features six undulating lobes on its 1 1/2" wide rim. The rim is bordered by applied pansies with trailing, interconnect...

The larger of at least two sizes of model number 393 dishes made by Wallace, this piece measures 6 1/4" by 4 1/8" and stands 1 1/4" tall at the highest. Solid silver, it weighs a substantial 2.96 T. oz.

Shell form dishes were produced by many makers throughout the 20th century, and they were typically based on scallops . This one, however, is modeled after a large, hard shell clam, specifically known as a quahoag in New England, Rhode Island in particular.

Specialized implements, toast or bread forks typically follow after the form of this 6 1/4" long, approximately .8 T. oz. (23 grams), example with three long tines and a relatively short handle.

Late Victorian in style and hollow, it has a Pointed Antique handle with raised Scroll and Leaf detailing on the shoulders of the tine area.

The tines are pointed and tapered, with the outer two wavy.

The handle backside is engraved in an elegant, feathered script, "K.J.W." monogra...

A choice example, finely made and in essentially original condition, this serving, aka table, spoon measures 8 5/8" long and weighs 1.4 T. oz.

It is stamped "Coin" for the silver standard, and "Vautrot & Ackly" for the 1866-c. 1875, Warren, Ohio, partnership.

The (Fiddle) Tipt pattern predates this period, so this may have been older inventory carried forward from Vautrot's earlier working years, beginning in 1849.

It is engraved "Laura." in script set sideways on the handle fron...

Dating circa 1860, this 9 1/4" long, solid weight at 2.4 T. oz., pie server is an early example of California (coin) silver.

It is stamped on the handle backside, "Vanderslice & Co. S.F. Cal." for the firm established in 1858 which, as recounted in Silver in the Golden State, became "the longest lived of the nineteenth-century San Francisco manufacturing firms," suggesting that this piece, unlike much California silver of the period, was regionally produced.

The handle is a Frenc...

One of the earliest names attached to California silver, Vanderslice & Co., dates to the late 1850s. Unlike many subsequent San Francisco firms which sourced much or most of their goods from Eastern manufacturers, Vanderslice was a primary source from its founding in 1857/58.

As recounted in Silver in the Golden State, Vanderslice & Co. became "the longest lived of the nineteenth-century San Francisco manufacturing firms."

This piece is a 9 1/4" long, 2.54 T. oz., coin silver berry ...

Measuring 5 5/8" long and weighing .8 T. oz., this sugar spoon was produced by Unger Brothers, Newark, New Jersey, whose entwined "UB" surrounded by "Sterling" and "925 Fine" mark appears on the backside.

The pattern is Douvaine, issued in 1904. Douvaine may be the most recognizable of the numerous early 20th century Art Nouveau flatware patterns Unger generated and for which the firm is renowned.

An expressive design, it features a dolphin or fish image at the tip of the han...

Slender and delicate, this piece measures 8 3/4" long and weighs just under 1.2 T. oz.

Marked only "Coin," without a maker's or retailer's identification, the rounded handle with notched tip essentially matches Gorham's early, 1865, "Italian" pattern, and the quality of manufacture suggests such a significant maker.

This is bordered by fine wriggle work engraving and has an elegant period "EC" feathered script monogram set in the center of the plain area of the surface.

The lower por...

This 8 5/8" long, 1.2 T. oz., piece is a choice example of 1860s silver.

A table serving spoon, it is marked "Coin" and "Twambley & Cleaves" for the Biddeford, Maine, jeweler and silver retailer.

The handle is a Pointed Antique with a Tipt end. The surface is finely bright cut engraved in a period acanthus leaf design with a reserve area that is inscribed with a cursive "H" monogram.

The backside is plain save for the marks.

As noted, this is a quality item produ...