There is lack of complete certainty on the name of this 1870's Gorham pattern classified in the Egyptian Revival mode, but it is generally and reliably identified as "Hindoo." It has a tubular stem and diamond prism handle end with banded borders. It is essentially Gorham's "Isis" without the winged snake figure. The bowl on this large, 13 1/2" long, heavy, 6.4 T. oz., soup ladle has a central vee made up of two flanking lobes with rounded shoulders...

Well-known and enduring names among 19th century Philadelphia silversmiths, Robert and William Wilson were in a partnership dating c. 1825-50. This goblet stamped "R&W.W." is of a scale and design that it could serve as a chalice. It stands 5" high, has a top diameter of 3 1/4", and sits on a footed base that is 2 3/4" across. It weighs a substantial 7.9 T. oz...

J.W. Tucker was a noted and successful San Francisco retailer with dates from the 1850's to the 1880's. It is an ongoing matter of how much silver was made by the prominent California houses, and how much was simply retailed by those firms, but Tucker seems largely to have been a marketeer. This 12 1/2" long, heavy, 6.7 T...

Whiting's "Fantasy" is a pattern about which little information is available. Aesthetic in nature and likely dating from the late 1800's, examples of it are scare. This piece is a generously proportioned soap box, measuring 4" x 3" by 1 1/2" and weighing an unusually hefty 4.9 T. oz. It has an overall hammered surface, with an added design created by chased beading. This piece also has an ornate Art Nouveau "HLM" monogram engraved on the lid...

One of the most elegant designs produced by Durgin, "Regent" (1885) holds it own within the panoply of first rank patterns generated in the Victorian era. The line featured large scale pieces, which is evidenced by this 9 3/4" long, massive weight 5.1 T. oz., berry spoon. The design employs scroll, shell, and leaf elements interspersed with open lattice work areas in both the handle and the bowl. There are two versions of "Regent," one with a plain background and one engraved...

Gorham's Japanese is a multi-motif pattern featuring various figural themes set against a stylized (and somewhat pseudo) ground of Far Eastern-looking elements. It definitely falls within the category of the Aesthetic taste and has always had strong decorative appeal. This example is an 8 9/16" long, a bit light feeling at 2.0 T. oz., pie or pastry server. The image on this form is a peacock perched atop the handle, with a long, trailing tail...

An example from Tiffany's 1872 "Vine" series, the specific motif on this 8 3/4 long, 2.6 T. oz. berry spoon is "Grape." A detailed and realistic pattern, the front of the handle is embellished with grape, tendril and leaf elements set against a stippled ground. The backside is considerably simplified and has a polished surface. In this instance, the reverse also has an expressive, Art Nouveau style, script "ET" monogram...

This bell, made by Dominick & Haff, whose emblem, along with the word "Sterling" and the model number "42," measures 4" high and has a bottom diameter of 2". It is very heavy, weighing 2.7 T. oz. The surface is hammered, which could suggest an Arts & Crafts influence, but is more likely an expression of the Aesthetic Movement, c. 1880. Dominick & Haff produced flat and holloware with this look during that period. The handle is a simple twist, a form also popular in the late 19th century. Th...

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...

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". It is clearly and fully marked on the underside for sterling, London...

Whiting's and Gorham's Lotus are nearly twin patterns, although there are subtle differences. The primary distinguishing feature is the number of lotus fronds in the design, Gorham having three and Whiting, as with this piece, having five. They are both a product of the c. 1870 Egyptian Revival movement and are patterns that have never lost appeal. This example is a 10 1/8" long, 2.0 T. oz., ice cream server. It is in immaculate condition, showing essentially no wear, and is without a monogr...

The long-handled version, this salad serving fork and spoon in Gorham's figural Old Baronial are large and heavy. The spoon is 10 3/8" and weighs 4.2 T. oz., while the fork is 10 1/4" and weighs 4.3 T. oz. These are old items, having the decorated shoulders that show up only on earlier pieces. Furthermore, the fork bowl has detailed piercings which again is characteristic of older items. The pattern is aptly named, with its courtly design features that center on the lion's head that appears ...