Open salts were a staple on any Victorian table. They were produced in a variety of materials, including glass, ceramic, and as the case with this pair, in silver. No company generated more examples of this form than Gorham. Indeed, the Tompkins book on this subject documents a full century of Gorham's production. According to Tompkins, this set, item number 2480, dates to 1890. These possess a commanding look. They are large, 4 1/2" long, 1 3/4" tall, and weighty, 3.9 T. oz. combined...

Identified as "scissors" (see image 2) in the 1892 Gorham catalog, this form is also referred to as grape shears. A typical example from the period has hollow handles incorporating a grape design with steel (often German) blades. This pair is quite innovative, abandoning convention. They are solid sterling silver with the exception of an applied steel (to create an effective cutting edge) on one of the blades. The grips are large and round, while the arms have a block pattern...

This c. 1900 sterling silver butter pat measures 3 1/8" in diameter and is relatively heavy at .7 T. oz. It was made by Frank Whiting and is model number 2090, according to the markings stamped on the underside. The border is highly decorative, featuring an acanthus leaf motif arrayed in a way to suggest scrolls and ribbon. The center has an especially artful "RMM" monogram set on an angle. The piece is in flawless condition and has a fine finish.

The Tompkins book on Gorham master salts lists model number A2956 dating from 1901-2. It is illustrated with A2957 and A2958 which were identical pieces in graduated smaller sizes. This one measures 1 7/8" in diameter, stands 7/8" high, and weighs .5 T. oz. It has a round cauldron-shaped body that stands on four ball feet. The interior is finished in a gold wash. There is a broad rim with raised ribbing. The piece is in flawless condition and without a monogram or removal...

Dating from the late 19th century, this napkin ring stands 1 1/2" high, measures 1 3/4" across, and weighs just under 1.0 T. oz. It has heavy top and bottom rims and a leafy pattern, engraved and reticulated side wall. There is a feathered script "GHE" monogram set at an angle in a bannered reserve area. In flawless condition, this is marked "Sterling" and with the model number "2400," along with a maker's stamp which is rubbed.

Measuring 2 3/4" long and 13/16" high, and weighing .8 T. oz., this sterling silver napkin ring is flat on the underside and has a curved upper surface. Dating from the 1930's, it is marked "Randahl" for the Chicago Arts & Crafts maker, and also has the words "Hand Wrought," "Sterling," and the item number "A92." The surface shows planishing marks, and has two curved lines inscribed on the surface between which the name "Waite" is engraved...

Marked with the Whiting lion emblem, "Sterling," and the model number "2524," this c. 1885 matching pair of master salts are of a singular style. Each one measures 1" high, has a base diameter of 1 1/2", a top diameter of 3", and weighs approximately 1.1 T. oz, a little over 2.2 T. oz. together. There is a wide, 3/4", rim encircling the relatively deep, gold washed bowls and this has a formed surface that is no doubt inspired by the Aesthetic taste...

These two napkin rings are fully matching. Both are sterling silver, model number B3835 made by Gorham and so marked. Each one measures 1 3/4" in diameter and stands 1 1/2" high. The two together weigh 1.8 T. oz., with each one weighing just over .8 T. oz. One is engraved "Lillian" in script and the other "Robert." They are in excellent condition. Both retain a round shape, have fine finishes, and are free of dings or dents.

Marked on the underside with the Gorham lion, anchor, G, the word "Sterling," the model number "3025," and a date symbol for 1897, this round master salt stands 1" high, 1 3/4" in diameter, and weighs .7+ T. oz. It has a 3/8" wide, die rolled band around the body and a rolled rim top. The sidewall is monogrammed "KAS" in a flowing script. The interior had a gold wash, of which only pale traces remain...

An unassuming item, this small, open, sterling silver nut or master salt dish nonetheless possesses a fair measure of charm. It is oval shaped, measures 2 1/2" long by 2" wide, stands 3/4" high, weighs .7 T. oz., and sits on four ball feet. The ends on the long axis are swooped upward and rounded, while the sidewalls have something of a crenulated edge made up of scalloping and scrolls. The interior is finished in a satin finish gold wash...

Stamped with the date symbol for 1891, the Gorham lion, anchor, G, the word "Sterling," and the number "25," this large open salt stands 1 3/4" high, measures 2 5/8" across, and weighs a substantial 2.2 T. oz. The design is Aesthetic in nature, with a repeating cascade of what appear to be breaking waves encircling the convex body. This theme may also relate to Gorham's "Narragansett" and related series of patterns of roughly the same period. The top has a pie crust edge, while the base is ri...