$32.00
As this does, motes spoons typically have a pierced bowl on one end and a pointed or spear tip on the other.
Most commentary about their purpose indicates mote spoons were originally tea related, used for filtering loose leaves, with the point serving to clear a spout of clogs.
This 8 3/8" example was made by FS Gilbert, North Attlebor...
$32.00
Sculptural in manner, the central design element is a cherubic figure set against a dense, decorative background.
It is strongly reminiscent of Dominick & Haff's Labors of Cupid, which it predates by five years, introduced in 1895 vs. 1900.
It is a multi-motif line, meaning the figural representation varies between different pieces.
This example is a 5 5/8...
$32.00
This example is a 6" long, .77 T. oz., early production sugar spoon, marked with the R L & B three part emblem and the word "Sterling."
The handle is Old English in style with a plain Tipt backside and a front that is extensively and engagingly engraved in a star shaped flower ...
$24.00
It is stamped on the backside with the word "Gorham" over "H 824," and "Sterling."
The solid handle is tubular with a cross-hatched or knurled upper portion surmounted by a "dome and ball" detail.
The tines are relatively thick, with the outer two splayed, as is characteristic of lemon forks.
Never monogrammed...
$24.00
This 5 1/8" long, .45 T. oz., is model number "H239" from that series.
A lemon fork, it has the requisite three, narrow and splayed, tines that define its function.
Evidencing the precision of finish and substance of H series items, it has an open work handle that is reminiscent of the Chippendale style, rendered i...
$24.00
An example from that series, this 5 7/8" long, .74 T. oz. teaspoon is number "107" as imprinted on the backside, along with Wallace's "R W deer head & S" emblem and the word "Sterling."
An openwork design, the handle obverse features perhaps palm or other leaves on a stem.
The reverse is plain save for a fancy, delicate, feathered script "ENL" monogram.
...
$24.00
An example from that series, this 5 9/16" long, .61 T. oz. teaspoon is number "219" as imprinted on the backside, along with Wallace's "R W deer head & S" emblem and the word "Sterling."
The handle portrays a robust cluster of chrysanthemum blossoms, buds, and leaves on both the front and back sides.
The handle obverse is engraved "EF" in fancy Old English let...
$22.00
Dating from the early 20th century, the handle design is an Art Nouveau style Carnation surrounding a cherubic-looking child's face. This feature is offered in relief and and quite charmingly presented, with clear features that include a shock of curly hair.
A 5 o'clock (tea) spoon, ...
These seven, 4" long, 2.35 T. oz. the group, coffee or demitasse spoons are early pieces marked with the company's "eagle, R, lion" (later items are stamped "Reed & Barton") along with "Sterling."
Cast rather than die struck, they are highly textured, possess intricate detail, and show a soft gray finish on the silver. Th...
$20.00
It is marked "S. Ayers Elmira" for Socrates Ayers born in 1814. He worked in Elmira as a silversmith, watchmaker and jeweler until about 1877.
It is also stamped with a "star D star," which mark John McGrew in his Manufacturer's Marks on American Coin Silver attributes to an "Unidentified - Up-State New York" maker.
The handle is engraved "Ruth Burnham" in script lettering set sideways...
$18.00
While most sources place H. Hastings in Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1820, William McGrew in Manufacturers' Marks on American Coin Silver introduces the possibility of a Connecticut location.
He labels this particular "eagle" as "a frustrating mark because so many of the retailer names are unidentified," but questions whether Hastings could have been located in Hartford, Connecticut, given other instances wher...
It has a Fiddle Tipt handle that is engraved "S M R" in fine script lettering set sideways on the front.
The bowl is well-formed, proportionate, has a pointed end, and rounded, tapered fins at the join with the handle.
Coin silver, it is marked "R.R. Conn" for the Fitchburg, Massachusetts jeweler. While not an uncommon piece per se, thi...
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This piece, stamped "Sheperd & Boyd" with some blurring of the "Boyd," is a choice 3 1/2" tall, 3" top diameter, 4.7 T. oz. beaker. It is fully original, i.e. not converted or adapted from a mug as some handless cups are.
Similar pieces are held at the Met and the Clark Museums as well as in other collections.
It has a f...
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They are stamped "Bailey & Co." (later Bailey, Banks & Biddle), Philadelphia, on the undersides along with a "lion, S, shield," emblem and an additional "lion." This hallmark is often associated with G...
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It is firstly a 4 3/4" by 3 1/2" by 13/16" high, hinged, oval box. The hinge is on the short end, with a lip for opening on the opposite end.
It is made of 950 fine, i.e. first standard, silver (slightly higher than sterling) and marked with a "Minerva head" on the lid edge, underside of the cover, and on the lip of the base.
It also has a small, hard to discern, "caret" maker's mark i...
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He was a freeman worker in 1765, dating this group of six, matched, 5 1/2" long, just over 3.0 T. oz. (95 grams) the lot, to the decades between then and Grigg's death in 1797.
They are all stamped "W.Grigg" in a serrated cartouche, which is one of four marks...
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Also marked "Pure-Coin," this doubtlessly has Boston origins, likely made by Farrington and Hunnewell, based on the design.
It has an Old English, i.e. downturned, rounded end, Reverse Tipt handle.
The 4 1/2" long by 2 3/4" at the widest, blade is unusually shaped, with a double scalloped edge, a raise...
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The first and most immediate feature is the design. They are a "French Thread" aka "Fiddle Thread" pattern with concave shells at the terminus of each arm. The shell form is repeated on the cupped grips.
The wide arch has a gentle point on either side, where it accommodates an unusual crest, which is the second outstanding aspect of this. The crest shows a helmeted knight's shoulders and he...