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...

This c. 1905 sterling silver bowl was made by Newark, New Jersey's William B. Kerr, a company that was known for its Art Nouveau designs in both silver and jewelry. This 7" long by 5" wide by 1 1/2" high, 6.8 T. oz. item evidences the quality of work and level of artistic skill that firm produced. The motif is "iris," with a large, open blossom rising up from each end of the piece, and two partially open buds flanking the long sides...

Generally associated with silverplate, Rogers also produced fine items in sterling silver. This pair of candlesticks are evidence of that. According to the marks on the underside, which include the word "Rogers" flanked by an anchor on each end, they are model number "3001." They are relatively large for such items, standing 3" tall, and having a bottom diameter of 3 1/2". Consistent with this, while weighted, they have more silver than comparable pieces...

These two matched master salts are strikingly attractive, stylistically emblematic of their period, and in immaculate condition. Made by Gorham, perhaps the standard bearer firm for such items, each of them is marked with a lion, anchor, G, the word "Sterling," the model number "1320," and the date letter "L" for 1879. Round bodied, they stand 2 7/8" high, have top diameters of 2 3/16", and sit on pedestal bases that are 1 3/4" across. Their combined weight is a moderately heavy 3.5 T. oz...

An unassuming item, this small, open, sterling silver nut or master salt dish nonetheless possesses a fair measure of charm. It is oval shaped, measures 2 1/2" long by 2" wide, stands 3/4" high, weighs .7 T. oz., and sits on four ball feet. The ends on the long axis are swooped upward and rounded, while the sidewalls have something of a crenulated edge made up of scalloping and scrolls. The interior is finished in a satin finish gold wash...

Having hexagonal bases and walls leading to rounded tops, each of these identical individual nut (or candy) dishes has a top diameter of 1 5/8", a base width of 1", and stands 1/2" high. The group together weigh 1.8 T. oz. All the interiors are finished in a gold wash. Marked only "Sterling" on the undersides, there is no identification as to maker, but they are clearly American. Their hammered surfaces done in the Arts & Crafts style suggests a date in the first quarter of the 20th century...

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...

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...

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. The large lobes feature high relief, abundantly textur...

Listed in the Tompkins "Handbook of Gorham Open Salt Dishes" with a date of 1885, model number "2155" is a flat bottomed, relatively large item. Each of these examples of that item measures 2 3/8" across, stands 7/8" high, and weighs approximately 1.0 T. oz. They have scrolled edges, rippled ("pie crust") rims, and gold washed interiors, although that is largely polished away in one of these. There are no monograms, inscriptions, or removals. In addition to the word "Sterling" and the model ...

Measuring 6" across, standing 1 1/2" high, and weighing approximately 2.9 T. oz., this sterling silver dish is model number 510 made by Meriden Britannia and retailed by W. Wattles & Sons of Pittsburgh, as indicated by the marks on the underside. The style is decidedly Art Nouveau with a date c. 1900. The pattern is a flowing, highly articulated lily motif. A popular floral subject, this lily would be compatible with flatware of the same design such as produced by Whiting and other makers. T...

Unlike some early pieces whose markings leave ambiguity, this 2 3/8" high, 2 3/4" top diameter, 1.8 T. oz. beaker is abundantly and clearly marked. It is an early 19th century piece made in Paris, France. It has the "bearded man's head" used for .950 (higher than sterling's .925) French silver 1819-1838. This, the maker's mark for "Sixe-Simon Rion" (working first third of the 19th century), a woman's face symbol used after the French Revolution, and a letter all appear on the underside. Ther...