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...

Gorham's Rosette is an early line pattern for that company, patented in 1868 as indicated by the stamp on the reverse (other marks are lion, anchor, G and the word Sterling). It is a straightforward design, taking its name from the single rosette set in the lower portion of the handle. It has a lined border and angular end that is tipped with fan, scrolling and stylized acanthus leaf detailing. This item is a 6 3/4" long, 1.3 T. oz. preserve or jelly spoon...

The immediate presumption is that the maker of this piece was Ebenezar Phelps of Northampton, Massachusetts, based on the "Phelps" stamped on the reverse. The early 19th century style would correspond with that attribution as well, given Ebenezar's dates were 1766 until at least 1830. However, there is a second imprint which is a multi-point star. McGrew illustrates this in his work on pseudo hallmarks, and attributes it in one instance to S...

This sterling silver goblet stands 5 7/8" high, has a top diameter of 3 1/8", sits on a pedestaled base 3" across, and weighs a substantial 6.7 T. oz. It was made by Gorham and is stamped with that company's lion, anchor, G, along with the word Sterling, the item number 556, and the date letter "E" for 1872. It has a plain body save for a fancy feathered script "TN" monogram. The base has a rosette and tear drop applied band, while the interior of the bowl has a pale gold wash...

George Gebelein was known for "making fine reproductions and adaptations," and as a collector and authority on silver according to Dorothy Rainwater in "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers." He was a recognized participant in the Boston arts and crafts movement, and well-established in that city. This example of his work is a 9 5/8" long, just over 2.1 T. oz., serving spoon that is imitative of a c. 1800 coffin end piece with an exposed drop on the heel...

This coin silver mug is inscribed "Eddie from Lenox, 1870" on the underside, and has an "EG" script monogram on the sidewall. Presumably the E stands for Eddie. Stamped "Coin" and with the number "3," the maker is unknown, but the craft is of high enough order to suggest a major house. The body is canister form, standing 3 1/8" high to the rim, 3 1/2" to the top of the handle, with a top diameter of 3 2/4" and a bottom span of 2 3/8". The spread to the end of the handle is 4 1/8"...

William Gale of New York City has a long lineage in the world of 19th century silver manufacturing. He worked alone and in various partnerships and was known for producing to a sterling standard early, in a period when most other manufacturers stayed with a coin standard. This 8 1/8" long tea or dessert knife in his Italian pattern dates from about midway in his history and was produced when he was in partnership with his son. It is stamped on the blade, "W...

One of a numbered series, this 5 5/8" long orange spoon has its own character. It shares a three-lobed bowl with other spoons in the line. The handles vary from piece to piece. In this instance the motif is floral (orange blossom?). The item is solid weight, .9 T. oz., and finely crafted. The handle appears to have been cast rather than die struck, and is stamped on the plain backside with the Gorham lion, anchor, G, the word Sterling, and the number 574...

The function of this 9 1/8" long server in Gorham's Medallion is uncertain...

This sterling silver teaspoon in Gorham's Versailles is an indisputable example of the 1888 version of that pattern. In addition to being stamped "Copyrighted," it is engraved on the reverse, "June 27th, 1895." It is 5 7/8" long and weighs just under 1.0 T. oz. Perhaps having been a presentation item saved it from use, as the pattern detail is exceptionally well-defined and crisp. The bowl is free of tip wear and without nicks or dings.

This coin silver youth fork is 6 1/8" long and solid weight, at just under 1.0 T. oz. It is marked "P.L. Taylor" for Pardon L. who operated circa 1845-60 in Brooklyn, New York. The pattern is Gothic in style, and reminiscent of Gale's design of that name and about the same period. This is engraved "F.J.C." in a feathered script. It is in very good condition, with slight tip wear being the only evidence of use.

This coin silver mug has a double provenance. It bears a punch mark of "E&P" for Eoff and Phyfe of New York City. It is also stamped Baldwin & Co. for the Newark, NJ manufacturing jeweler. The two firms both operated from the 1840's to mid 1850's, so the date of this piece is quite precise. Curiously, while it carries three monograms and names, the first this was inscribed was on January 2nd, 1936. It reads "Paulina Faithful," with the preceding date. A second inscription below this reads,...