Of exceptionally large scale, this 11 1/2" diameter, heavy, 20.9 T. oz., charger or service plate was made by Reed & Barton. It is item number "90" as indicated on the brushed finish underside, which appears alongside the R&B emblem and the word "Sterling." The bottom is also inscribed in script, "Anne and Sam, from, Auntie Mamie, October 7, 1916," giving it a precise date. It has a plain, flat, mirror finish center and 2 1/4" wide encircling rim...

Measuring 4 3/4" in diameter, standing 2 1/2" high, and weighing a very substantial 9.9 T. oz., this bowl is item number A7815 made by Gorham according to the marks on the underside. Its purpose is uncertain, being much larger than a standard child's dish, one possibility. It could be a christening bowl. In any case, it was presented to "Harry M. Stevens" on "December 25 - 1909" according to the script inscriptions that appear on the upper wall below the rim...

The size of a sugar bowl, this piece may once have been part of a tea set, although it certainly stands on its own. The lowest portion measures 3 7/8" across at the widest, has a footed base that is 2 1/4" in diameter, rises 2 1/2" to the rim, and weighs 4.8 T. oz. It has a fitted, 4" diameter lid, is 2 3/8" high to the top of the finial, and weighs 3.3 T. oz. The total height of the piece with the cover in place is 4 1/2"...

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...

This sterling silver mug has triple provenance. It is inscribed in script on the sidewall "Virgil C. Gibney, 1885" and on the bottom, "From Charles P. Murray," providing two references therein as well as a date. It also bears the maker's name "Geo. C. Shreve" and location, "San Francisco," and the Shreve bee emblem, for a third reference. The piece stands 3" high, has a diameter of 2", 3 1/2" maximum span to the end of the handle, and weighs almost 3.3 T. oz...

Stamped with the entwined "CR" for the New York manufacturer Currier & Roby, this early 20th century footed tray or salver is also marked "Hodgson & Kennard" for the Boston retailer (apparently also located in Magnolia on Boston's North Shore). The piece is 6 1/8" square and has substantial weight at 6.7 T. oz. It has a raised and rimmed border done in a Chippendale style, and sits on four stylized hoof feet. There is a script "AT" monogram on the center surface...

Imprinted on the underside with the model number 5818A, this piece is also marked with the Gorham lion, anchor, G, the word "Sterling," and a date symbol for 1906. It is identified in the 1906 Gorham catalog as a "bon bon dish" (see image 3). It measures 8" in diameter, stands 2" high, and weighs 6.4 T. oz. The date is consistent with its decidedly Art Nouveau style. It has four major, undulating lobes interspersed with four minor ones...

Made in the United States in the mid 20th century, the design of this gravy boat replicates English style of some two centuries earlier. It is large, measuring 7" long, standing 4 1/2" at the highest point of the handle, and 4 1/8" at the widest. It is also extra heavy, weighing 8.1 T. oz. The handle and all three legs are cast and solid, with the former being scroll and acanthus leaf form, and the latter stylized shells. There is a scalloped flanged rim around the body. This tapers out as ...

Open salts were a staple on any Victorian table. They were produced in a variety of materials, including glass, ceramic, and as the case with this pair, in silver. No company generated more examples of this form than Gorham. Indeed, the Tompkins book on this subject documents a full century of Gorham's production. According to Tompkins, this set, item number 2480, dates to 1890. These possess a commanding look. They are large, 4 1/2" long, 1 3/4" tall, and weighty, 3.9 T. oz. combined. Th...

Marked with the Whiting lion emblem, "Sterling," and the model number "2524," this c. 1885 matching pair of master salts are of a singular style. Each one measures 1" high, has a base diameter of 1 1/2", a top diameter of 3", and weighs approximately 1.1 T. oz, a little over 2.2 T. oz. together. There is a wide, 3/4", rim encircling the relatively deep, gold washed bowls and this has a formed surface that is no doubt inspired by the Aesthetic taste. The imagery is organic, leafy and sinuously...

Fully stamped for London, sterling, and a date letter "r" for 1912, this item is also impressed "Drew & Sons, Piccadilly Circus," and "S.S.D" over "E.D" in a shield for Samuel Summers and Ernest Drew. A high end retailer, this company apparently traded in leather goods, personal items, luggage, pen sets, and silver items (cited as beginning in 1887). Sources indicate S.S. Drew himself retired or died in 1914, so this dates from his tenure, a high point for the firm. It is a 3" high by...

This sugar caster or muffineer stands 6 7/8" high, has a base diameter of 2 3/8", and weighs a generous 5.1 T. oz. It was made by Watson and is stamped with that company's crown, w, lion hallmark on the underside, along with the words "Sterling Silver," the model number "M20," and the single number "8." The lid is marked "Sterling" and with the same number "8." It likely dates early 20th century. The form is traditional, of a manner that echoes a style that might be found in an English Geor...