This 6 3/4" long, 1.9 T. oz., gravy ladle has a shell-shaped bowl that is 2 1/2" wide and 2" front to back. The pattern is Lady Washington by Gorham. This is a low-relief, figural pattern similar in style and period to Tiffany's Renaissance. Lady Washington is easily subject to polishing wear. This suffers none of that. It retains full clarity of detail of the swags, drapery, and central female head that constitute the design. In all other aspects the item is likewise flawless...

While Mothers itself is a relative unassuming pointed antique design, this hammered version is quite dynamic. Produced in 1875, the hammered variant likely derives from the aesthetic taste of the period. Many mixed metal items have a hammered silver base with applied gold or copper, and this follows in that direction save there is no application. The piece is a 5" long, .7 T. oz., bonbon or nut scoop...

This c. 1900 5" long, 1.3+ T. oz., solid sterling silver shoe horn has a double provenance. It was made by the highly regarded silver and jewelry manufacturer, George Shiebler, and retailed by Tiffany & Co. whose name needs no footnote. Markings for both firms, plus the word Sterling and the number 5838 are stamped on the reverse. Characteristic of Shiebler, the design is imaginative and individualistic...

At 5" long and weighing nearly 1.3 T. oz., this pair of sugar tongs are the large version in the Chantilly line. They are also old, stamped with the Gorham lion, anchor, G, along with the word Sterling. There is a fancy script "ED" monogram on the arch. The grips are decoratively detailed and especially appealing. The piece is in mint condition, with no wear or damage, and a finely finished surface.

Marked "Pat. Appl. For," this 5 3/4" long, .9 T. oz., sugar spoon is a first run example of Gorham's 1876 issue Lady Washington. Other marks include a lion, anchor, G, Sterling, and the word "Gorham." It has a shell-shaped bowl finished on the interior with a rose gold wash, and a satin matte surface on the reverse. The backside of the handle has an Old English "F" monogram. The piece is in immaculate condition...

A rare form in Shiebler's Art Nouveau Flora series, this master butter knife measures 6 3/8" long and weighs approximately 1.5 T. oz. It is pattern number 2, and features a poppy motif. The piece is solid silver and has a flat handle and blade. The reverse is inscribed "T.M.H. to S.F.M./1876-'91," so it was originally a 25th anniversary gift. It is in very good condition. The pattern detail is free of polishing wear and the blade is without bends or nicks, save for a slight burr at the tip...

This sterling silver sardine fork is yet one more variant in what seem to be endless variants of this form. It is 5 1/2" long and has four relatively short tines. The maker was Baker Manchester whose emblem and the word Sterling appear on the reverse of the piece. The c. 1900 floral pattern is unnamed, but quite appealing, reflecting quality design and die work. It is also relatively weighty at .8 T. oz., and this from a company whose output was often light to the point of flimsy...

Stylistically this punch ladle suggests a dating from the mid 1860's...

A late 19th century pattern, Gorham's Clematis is acid etched rather than die struck as most patterns are. This creates a shallow two dimensional design with qualities like an etching. The detail is enhanced by added hand engraving. This piece is a 5 3/4" long sugar sifter. It has an ovoid bowl with sides that come to points, a flanged edge, and a pierced interior. It is finished in a bright gold wash on both sides. There is an Old English "C" monogram. It is in excellent condition with no si...

Tiffany first established itself as a retail silver merchant, only becoming an exclusive manufacturer in the 1860's. Part of the lore about Tiffany is that the company established a higher bar than others, apparently requiring from 1852 onward a sterling silver standard for all its flat and holloware goods when coin silver was otherwise the predominant market grade. This coin silver sugar sifter bearing the pseudo hallmark of Henry Hebbard (New York) along with "Tiffany & Co" presumably dates ...

A late 19th century pattern, Knowles' Apollo is a scroll and bead design that also incorporates floral elements in the detailing. Examples of the pattern are readily found so it must have been well-received in its time, and it remains appealing today. This item is a 6" long, moderate weight, sugar spoon. It has a fanciful bowl with ruffled edges, and a surface that is finished in a satin gold wash. There is a script "B" monogram on the handle. The condition is mint. Marks are the Knowles e...

Also known as No. 88, Gorham's Lily of the Valley is one of that company's earliest line patterns. It was patented in 1870, as indicated by the stamp on this piece. Other marks include the word Sterling and a lion, anchor, G. A popular design since its inception, this remains a favorite among collectors. The design shows to full advantage at the scale of this 8 3/4" long ice cream server. It has a large, arced blade with a central vee. The surface is finished in a gold wash. The backside is ...