Measuring 5 3/4" long and weighing 1.2 T. oz., this sauce or small gravy ladle is marked for Stone Studios, which originated in 1937 as the continuation of the Arthur Stone workshop. As it also carries a "B" craftsman's letter, probably for long time worker Edward Billings, it is likely early in the history of the successor company while Stone's original workers remained still available...

Whiting's "Empire" dates from 1894 and features a columnar border leading to a rosette and fan or shell end. This latter motif is repeated where the handle joins the bowl and the entire terminal design is repeated in enlarged form in the heel of the bowl. This item is a 5 3/4" long, .8 T. oz., confection or bon bon spoon. The form resembles a nut spoon with its reticulated, shell-like bowl, but this is larger and asymmetrical...

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.

Model number "435" made by Gorham, a similar companion piece numbered "437" appears in the company catalog of 1892 (see image 2). Measuring 4 3/8" long and weighing just under 1.0 T. oz., this form is sometimes identified as a tea caddy spoon, but the catalog illustration establishes it as a bon bon spoon. Such pieces were higher order in the Gorham stable and extra effort was invested in their design and production. They are also generally heavier than comparable pieces in full line patterns...

Measuring 3 1/2" by 2 1/2" and weighing .8 T. oz., this sterling silver footed dish is item number 4020 made by Wallace and so marked on the underside. It is a fully true-to-life representation of a clam shell, specifically a quahog, which is a favored clam in New England for making chowder, and in Rhode Island in particular, for "stuffies." This sits on two ball feet, with the deepest part of the shell serving as the third resting point...

Dating from 1892, Towle's "Princess" is an asymmetrical floral (forget-me-not?) and scroll pattern. It is precisely rendered, with well-defined, raised detail on both sides of the handle. This example is a 5 3/4" long, heavy feeling, 1.0 T. oz., five tine sardine fork. The scrolled shoulder serving end has a matte gold finish. The front of the handle has a reserve area which is free of a monogram or removal; the backside is inscribed "C.H.B." in script. The condition is mint...

Formerly associated with Watson, Charles Thomae founded a separate company in 1920 and lent his personal mark to be used as a trade symbol for the new operation. That "T over C" and the word "Sterling" are located on the rim of this stamp box. The item is round, with a diameter of 1 7/8" and a height of 1 1/8". It is solid silver and weighs approximately 1.6 T. oz...

Whiting's Dresden is a charming floral pattern that incorporates forget-me-not or posey blossom and leaves set against a scrolled ground. The design appears on both front and back sides of the handle. This example is a 9 1/2" long lettuce fork. It is a slender piece, possessing a willowy, delicate look. The background behind the raised design retains traces of what was an original gold wash, with an added element of elegance provided by this detail...

Shiebler's "Sunny South" souvenir spoon is a time piece dating c. 1900. Made by Shiebler, it was retailed in this instance by "Greenleaf & Crosby Co." whose stamp appears on the backside along with Shiebler's emblem and the word "Sterling." This example is a 4 1/8" long coffee or demitasse spoon. It has added appeal in that the gold finished bowl is acid etched "Royal Poinciana, Palm Beach, Fla." This was a fabled resort dating from 1894 until the Depression years...

This 4 1/4" long, relatively heavy .9 T. oz., cream or sauce ladle is in Tuttle's rarely found "Basket of Flowers" pattern. This has a shell back as well, fully in keeping with the early 19th century designs that Tuttle often replicated. Also consistent with the Tuttle tradition, this includes the sitting president's initials in the marking system...

A combination of Moresque and Egyptian Revival elements, Knowles' "Webster" is an elaborate design dating from 1882. This example is a 7 3/8" long, approximately 1.1 T. oz., master butter knife. There is an Old English "A" monogram on the handle, and Aesthetic style engraving on the blade. The condition is flawless. There is very slight overall polishing softening, otherwise the piece shows no signs of use. Marks are the Knowles emblem, "Sterling," "Pat-82," the number "2," and the name of ...

There are various threads on the internet that offer the tale of the subject of this spoon, Chief Ogontz of the Wyandotte and/or Sandusky Indians. One of his major associations was with Jay Cooke, a person who was generally credited with funding the Civil War, and who named his mansion in suburban Philadelphia after Ogontz. There is also a camp in New Hampshire that takes its name from him, and its website has biographical information. The spoon itself was made by Dominick & Haff, and so mark...