This Art Nouveau "Iris" or "Orchid" pattern by Shiebler is not a full line design and may have only been produced in this form, which is a bon bon or nut spoon. It measures 4 7/8" long and is somewhat light, weighing under .5 T. oz. The design is particularly expressive, as would be expected of a Shiebler offering. The iris blossom is incorporated into the bowl, with the piercings defined by the margins of the petals. The bowl border is festooned with what appear to be ribbons...

Whiting's "Alhambra" is a Moorish design dating from 1880 and draws from the same stylistic impulses as that company's "Arabesque." This is a rare form, long-handle pickle fork. In addition to the exceptional length, 9 3/8", it has a twist stem that constitutes about two-thirds of the run of the handle. The fork tip has three tines, the outer two of which are splayed and hooked. This is finished in a gold wash which also runs about an inch up the stem...

Stamped with the Gorham lion, anchor, G, "Pat. 71," and "Sterling," this 5 5/8" long, 1.0 T. oz., cream ladle is a fine period piece. The pattern is Corinthian, which falls generally in a Moresque style with, as implied by the name, a nod toward classical Greek design. The piece is a form commonly referred to as a "bucket ladle." The term derives from the shape of the bowl which is this case is 7/8" deep and 1 1/2" across at the top...

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. In this case the letters are "FR" for Franklin Roosevelt, and "VII" for the seventh year of his term, i.e...

"La Reine" is a late 19th century, high relief, asymmetrical scroll design produced by Beed & Barton. It is a heavy line as evidenced by the nearly 1.2 T. oz. weight of this 6" long sugar spoon. Attractive in its own right, with a decorative, embellished, matte finish, three-lobe bowl, this has added appeal in that it was a 25th anniversary presentation item, presumably wedding. The interior of the bowl is inscribed "1869 Hurlbert 1894" in exceptionally fine lettering...

"Undine" references a water nymph whose name has been attached to works of literature, art, music, ships, and popular culture. Wood & Hughes used it in the 19th century for a line of silver. The design is singular, comprising an asymmetrical leaf and floral motif with scrolling edges that, given the associations in the name, might be inspired by waves. It is a highly textured and intricately worked pattern...

This silver bon bon or nut spoon measures 5 3/8" long and weighs .5 T. oz. The pattern is "Poppy" by Baker-Manchester. Poppy is an early 20th century, Art Nouveau design of considerable appeal. This has a three section bowl with a scalloped edge, flanged rim. This is in exceptionally fine condition, showing no wear or damage, and having a fine finish. Marks are the Baker-Manchester "M" flanged by birds, and the word "Sterling."

This 5 7/8" long, weighty, 1.0 T. oz., teaspoon is three items in one. Made by International, it is "December" in a series of month spoons. Second, it is an extremely attractive pattern piece portraying holly in a high relief, sculpted manner. The design appears on both front and back sides of the handle. Third, it is a souvenir spoon, engraved "McPherson Kan" in the bowl in a fancy script...

Sometimes referenced as fried chicken tongs, but suitable for a variety of purposes where scale is called for, this serving piece is as large as such items get. It is 10 1/2" long and weighs a hefty 7.0 T. oz. Each arm is an engraved Old English Tipt style...

Gorham's 1885 "Old Masters" was a stand out line of figural pieces featuring an array of European artistic notables. This example is a 5 3/8" long cream or sauce ladle. It is heavy, weighing 1.5 T. oz., largely related to its substantial, three dimensional, cast handle. The imagery is sculptural in quality and has detailed design elements that are finely rendered. The figures in this series are identified on the backsides, and in this instance the portraiture is of "Peter Vischer" who was a ...

This sterling silver cream or sauce ladle measures 5 1/2" long and weighs .9 T. oz. The pattern is "Persian" made by Whiting. It dates from 1880, slightly later than Tiffany's design by the same name, but the two are very similar in many aspects. The pattern is dense, drawing upon Moresque and Renaissance Revival elements. There is a reserve which in this instance is without a monogram or removal. The bowl is an interesting helmet shape, with flanged shoulders, a central vee, and a pointed ...

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. It is in mint condition and without a mono...