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 3 1/2" by 2 1/2" and weighing .8 T. oz., this sterling silver footed dish is item number 4020 made by Wallace and so marked on the underside. It is a fully true-to-life representation of a clam shell, specifically a quahog, which is a favored clam in New England for making chowder, and in Rhode Island in particular, for "stuffies." This sits on two ball feet, with the deepest part of the shell serving as the third resting point...

Marked on the underside with the Gorham lion, anchor, G, the word "Sterling," the model number "3025," and a date symbol for 1897, this round master salt stands 1" high, 1 3/4" in diameter, and weighs .7+ T. oz. It has a 3/8" wide, die rolled band around the body and a rolled rim top. The sidewall is monogrammed "KAS" in a flowing script. The interior had a gold wash, of which only pale traces remain...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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, ...

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. Kirk & Son Inc. Sterling," which Rainwater indicates was i...

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...