Ivy, sometimes referred to as Egyptian Ivy, is an early pattern among Gorham's full line designs. This example is a 6 1/2" long sauce or small gravy ladle. It has a helmet-shaped, gold washed bowl with flanged edges and a slightly tipped end. The backside is engraved "CMRB" in a feathered script under which is the date "1869." Other marks include the Gorham lion, anchor, G, "Sterling," "Patent 1868," and the name of the retailer, Philadelphia's "J.E...

Sperry Douglas Brower was an Albany silversmith and manufacturer of repute and substantial size. Examples of his work are readily found, although that is not the case with his Medallion pattern, as instances of it are scant. In fact, Don Soeffing in his work on Medallion silver shows two spoon examples and states they are the only pieces he had seen (admittedly some time ago now as that publication is aging). This piece is a 5 7/8" long, .7 T. oz., teaspoon...

This sterling silver sugar sifter is imaginatively designed, and perhaps more so given its variance from traditional, i.e. constrained or formulaic, English style. The touch marks on the reverse date it to 1892, made by James Dixon & Sons of Sheffield, England. It is a 5 3/4" long, rather heavy, 1.5 T. oz., sugar sifter. The handle has an irregular margin and a short lower twisted section. The surface is finely engraved and diamond cut in a stylized floral motif...

Measuring 6" long and of good weight, 1.4 T. oz., this sterling silver sugar sifter is the smaller of two sizes that Gorham made in its 1860's Medallion line. It has a 2" round bowl with a scalloped edge and coffered sides, and both the front and back sides retain a goodly portion of their original gold wash. The classical female figure remains sharply defined and crisp, having been spared polishing wear. The backside is plain and absent a monogram or removal...

This c. 1880 sterling silver napkin ring is model number 2120 made by Gorham, and fully marked so. It measures 1 7/8" in diameter, stands 1 5/8" high, and weighs approximately 1.4 T. oz. It has thick band rims flanked by beading. The matte finish surface is engraved and bright cut in a period design tending toward the aesthetic. There is a reserve with a flowing "SJL" monogram inscribed in it. This is in particularly fine condition...

Hanau silver traces to Germany and is a subject unto itself. It encompasses designs and styles that were meant to evoke much older work than the 19th and early 20th century period when it was produced. This item is a 5 7/8" long, 1.1 T. oz., bonbon or nut spoon. It is cast and made to an 800 or better silver standard (sterling is 925). The 2 3/4" diameter bowl features a cherub with leaf, flower, and bird elements surrounding it...

The design on these two, matched spoons is commonly referred as Lily, Lily of the Valley, and Number 88 (which usually appears on the backside of this 1870 design). They are 7 1/8" long, weighty, and have the same "MHO" period monogram on the reverses. The pattern is intricate and has open work on the top of the handle. It seems to reflect similar design inspiration as Gorham's Egyptian Revival Lotus of the same period...

Measuring 8 3/8" long and weighing not quite 1.3 T. oz., this coin silver spoon is stamped "F.H. Clark & Co." and "Memphis." The company dates are listed as 1850-76 in one source, and Clark's working dates under that name as 1848-66 in another, with this being toward the earlier end of either of those, and certainly previous to the Civil War...

Stamped only "Pure Coin," this pie server surely traces to mid 19th century Boston, and was likely made by Farrington & Hunnewell of that city. It has an Olive pattern double die struck handle, meaning the design appears on both sides, that is without a monogram or removal. Measuring a generous 9 5/16" long overall, and weighing just short of 2.3 T. oz., this has an amply-sized blade that is 4 3/4" long and 2 7/8" at the widest. The shoulders on this are scalloped and the edges slightly raise...

This fork measures 8 3/8" long and weighs 2.1 T. oz. It has four tines, the lower one of which is wider than the others and has a trident tip. It is either a large cold meat fork or a fish serving fork. The pattern is Empire by Durgin. A regal looking design, this features a crown above a wreath-encircled reserve, below which are a pair of cornucopia. This has a specific provenance in that it is engraved "DO'V" on the front in script, dated "June 30, '97" on the reverse and was retailed by ...

Measuring 6 3/4" long, each of these two matched, coin silver forks is tea or dessert size. They are weighty items, topping out at 2.9 T. oz. the pair. The pattern is Gorham's early line design, Cottage, in this instance retailed by Philadelphia's Bailey & Co. and so marked. In addition to the lion, anchor, G mark, they are stamped "Patent 1861." The fronts are engraved "Robinson" in script, while the backsides are engraved "Jan.y 28th. 1868." Gorham went to a sterling standard in March of ...

Measuring 8 5/8" long and weighing approximately 1.3 T. oz., this coin silver spoon is stamped "D. Mendel" and "Louisville" for the mid 19th century Kentucky retailer. It has a characteristic for the area broad tipt end and high shoulders off the bowl. There is no monogram or removal. The overall condition is very good, with no visible wear. The bowl is well-shaped and free of tip wear, but has some pebbling in the interior. This has been addressed by a silversmith but was not able to be re...