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...

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...

Larger than a shot measure and smaller than a julep cup, but similar in design to each of these forms, this small beaker was made by Gorham. It stands 2 5/8" high, has top and bottom diameters of 2 1/4" and 1 3/4" respectively, and weighs just under 1.7 T. oz. In addition to the Gorham hallmark and the word Sterling it is stamped with the date symbol for 1911 and the number 4081 in a rectangle followed by the letter A...

This c. 1900 sterling silver butter pat measures 3 1/8" in diameter and is relatively heavy at .7 T. oz. It was made by Frank Whiting and is model number 2090, according to the markings stamped on the underside. The border is highly decorative, featuring an acanthus leaf motif arrayed in a way to suggest scrolls and ribbon. The center has an especially artful "RMM" monogram set on an angle. The piece is in flawless condition and has a fine finish.

The Tompkins book on Gorham master salts lists model number A2956 dating from 1901-2. It is illustrated with A2957 and A2958 which were identical pieces in graduated smaller sizes. This one measures 1 7/8" in diameter, stands 7/8" high, and weighs .5 T. oz. It has a round cauldron-shaped body that stands on four ball feet. The interior is finished in a gold wash. There is a broad rim with raised ribbing. The piece is in flawless condition and without a monogram or removal...

This pair of master salts with matching "MEK" monograms are both model number A2640 and appear in the Gorham catalog of 1900 (see image 2). Marks are lion, anchor, G, and "Sterling," along with the model number. One of the two has a date symbol for 1898 and one a date symbol for 1900. This may explain the slight variation in size between them. The earlier one is 2 1/2" in diameter, 1 1/4" high, and weighs not quite 1.2 T. oz...

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...

Each of these two, matching, sterling silver master salts stands 1 5/8" high, has a top diameter of 2 3/8", sits on a footed base that is 1 1/8" across, and together weigh 2.9 T. oz. The pattern is "Calvert," also used in holloware for "Old Maryland Plain." They have plain bodies with applied rims. The bases are slightly tapered upward and also have applied rims. The pair is in excellent, essentially unused, condition. Marks are "S...

Measuring 5 3/8" wide, standing 1" high, and weighing 2.5 T. oz., this sterling silver piece is item number "121" made by Gorham, as indicated by the marks on the underside. It is highly decorative, portraying in a naturalistic manner slanted toward Art Nouveau, a variety of fruit arrayed on the undulating rim. These include alternating clusters of cherries, strawberries, and blackberries with their respective leaves and stems. The edge of the rim is formed into an encircling twig or branch, ...

Measuring 1 5/8" in diameter, standing 7/8" high, and weighing just under 1.0 T. oz. the pair, this matching pair of master salts are model number 2240 made by Gorham, and so marked on the undersides. They also carry the date symbol for 1894. They are caldron shaped with ribbed walls and scalloped rims. The interiors retain a portion of their original gold wash finish. There are no monograms or inscriptions or removals of same and the pieces are in perfect condition.

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. It sits on a tiered base and has...

Not of the scale of the major names in 19th and early 20th century silver manufacturing, Providence, RI's Graff, Washburn & Dunn nonetheless produced high quality and well-regarded items. The company was eventually absorbed into Gorham, early in the 20th century. These solid sterling silver scallop shell form nut or candy dishes are item number "1748S" as indicated by the stamps on the backsides, appearing below the GW&D emblems. Each one measures 2 5/8" by 2 1/2" and weighs approximately .6 ...