Ivy, sometimes referred to as Egyptian Ivy, is an early pattern among Gorham's full line designs. This example is a 6 1/2" long sauce or small gravy ladle. It has a helmet-shaped, gold washed bowl with flanged edges and a slightly tipped end. The backside is engraved "CMRB" in a feathered script under which is the date "1869." Other marks include the Gorham lion, anchor, G, "Sterling," "Patent 1868," and the name of the retailer, Philadelphia's "J.E...

While unnamed, this c. 1870 design by George Sharp is quite similar to Gorham's "Louis XIV" and Knowles' "Emperor," both of the same period. It is double die struck, meaning the pattern appears on both sides of the piece. This example is a 6 1/2" long, 1.2 T. oz. sauce ladle. The handle is slender and elongated looking, and is joined to a 2" diameter, round shell bowl with a scalloped rim and a flat bottom...

This 7 7/8" long, 2.0 T. oz., coin silver sugar sifter is marked "E. Benjamin" for the New Haven, Connecticut silversmith and jeweler, and with a bust/lion/C pseudo hallmark. In this instance, Benjamin was the retailer and the maker traces to New York's Gilbert-Cunningham/Cooper complex, according John McGrew's work on American silver manufacturers' marks. The pattern is "Prince Albert" and the date mid 19th century...

This example of Tuttle's "Hannah Hull" is unusual in that it has an overall hammered surface as opposed to the usual smooth finish of the pattern. It is an early piece in the line, produced during the second year of Herbert Hoover's administration, i.e. 1930, within the time span of the Arts & Crafts movement, and likely influenced by that style. The "HH II" inside a crescent mark on the reverse is a date indicator...

Whiting's "Alhambra" is a Moorish design dating from 1880 and draws from the same stylistic impulses as that company's "Arabesque." This is a rare form, long-handle pickle fork. In addition to the exceptional length, 9 3/8", it has a twist stem that constitutes about two-thirds of the run of the handle. The fork tip has three tines, the outer two of which are splayed and hooked. This is finished in a gold wash which also runs about an inch up the stem...

This c. 1880 sterling silver napkin ring is model number 2120 made by Gorham, and fully marked so. It measures 1 7/8" in diameter, stands 1 5/8" high, and weighs approximately 1.4 T. oz. It has thick band rims flanked by beading. The matte finish surface is engraved and bright cut in a period design tending toward the aesthetic. There is a reserve with a flowing "SJL" monogram inscribed in it. This is in particularly fine condition...

In the mid 1860's, Gorham was a major supplier to Tiffany's retail operation, and this 6" long sugar shell is an example of that relationship, as evidenced by the marks on the reverse. Gorham was the sole source of this, or any, Medallion pattern for Tiffany. All work for Tiffany was done to a Sterling standard, and that is the case with this. The figure is a helmuted warrior, perhaps Mars...

Identified as "scissors" (see image 2) in the 1892 Gorham catalog, this form is also referred to as grape shears. A typical example from the period has hollow handles incorporating a grape design with steel (often German) blades. This pair is quite innovative, abandoning convention. They are solid sterling silver with the exception of an applied steel (to create an effective cutting edge) on one of the blades. The grips are large and round, while the arms have a block pattern. The hinge is ...

Classified as a "Medallion" pattern, Albert Coles' "Kenilworth" drew its imagery from English literature rather than classicism. That said, the portraiture of the male figure is interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the numerous mythological characters produced by other makers of the same 1860's period. This example is a 7 5/8" long, weighty, nearly 1.4 T. oz., master butter knife. The handle and blade are set at right angles to each other. The blade has a scalloped upper edge and ...

This 8 1/8" long, heavy, approximately 1.8 T. oz., berry or other serving spoon is fully marked for 1761, sterling, and London. The maker's stamp is a script "HN" which the standard reference work by Grimwade, third edition addenda, identifies as belonging to Nicholas Hearnden "rather than Nathaniel Horwood as previously suggested." (p. 752) This is heavily chased, no doubt added in the Victorian era. This work is to quite a high standard. The scalloped edged bowl incorporates a very high r...

The immediate presumption is that the maker of this piece was Ebenezar Phelps of Northampton, Massachusetts, based on the "Phelps" stamped on the reverse. The early 19th century style would correspond with that attribution as well, given Ebenezar's dates were 1766 until at least 1830. However, there is a second imprint which is a multi-point star. McGrew illustrates this in his work on pseudo hallmarks, and attributes it in one instance to S. Bell working in Philadelphia and later Knoxville, ...

This napkin ring was made by Gorham in 1896 according to the date emblem stamped on it. Other marks are lion, anchor, G and Sterling, and the model number 1915. The piece appears for the first time in Gorham's 1896 catalog, so this was apparently the initial year of issue. It stands 1 1/4" high and is 1 5/8" in diameter, and is heavy weight at 1.5 T. oz. The sidewalls are slightly bowed and have an acid etched designed that seems to replicate Gorham Clematis flatware pattern, which is also a...