Whiting's "Empire" dates from 1894 and features a columnar border leading to a rosette and fan or shell end. This latter motif is repeated where the handle joins the bowl and the entire terminal design is repeated in enlarged form in the heel of the bowl. This item is a 5 3/4" long, .8 T. oz., confection or bon bon spoon. The form resembles a nut spoon with its reticulated, shell-like bowl, but this is larger and asymmetrical...

There are various threads on the internet that offer the tale of the subject of this spoon, Chief Ogontz of the Wyandotte and/or Sandusky Indians. One of his major associations was with Jay Cooke, a person who was generally credited with funding the Civil War, and who named his mansion in suburban Philadelphia after Ogontz. There is also a camp in New Hampshire that takes its name from him, and its website has biographical information...

A combination of Moresque and Egyptian Revival elements, Knowles' "Webster" is an elaborate design dating from 1882. This example is a 7 3/8" long, approximately 1.1 T. oz., master butter knife. There is an Old English "A" monogram on the handle, and Aesthetic style engraving on the blade. The condition is flawless. There is very slight overall polishing softening, otherwise the piece shows no signs of use...

Formerly associated with Watson, Charles Thomae founded a separate company in 1920 and lent his personal mark to be used as a trade symbol for the new operation. That "T over C" and the word "Sterling" are located on the rim of this stamp box. The item is round, with a diameter of 1 7/8" and a height of 1 1/8". It is solid silver and weighs approximately 1.6 T. oz...

Dating from 1892, Towle's "Princess" is an asymmetrical floral (forget-me-not?) and scroll pattern. It is precisely rendered, with well-defined, raised detail on both sides of the handle. This example is a 5 3/4" long, heavy feeling, 1.0 T. oz., five tine sardine fork. The scrolled shoulder serving end has a matte gold finish. The front of the handle has a reserve area which is free of a monogram or removal; the backside is inscribed "C.H.B." in script. The condition is mint...

This 4 1/4" long, relatively heavy .9 T. oz., cream or sauce ladle is in Tuttle's rarely found "Basket of Flowers" pattern. This has a shell back as well, fully in keeping with the early 19th century designs that Tuttle often replicated. Also consistent with the Tuttle tradition, this includes the sitting president's initials in the marking system. In this case the letters are "FR" for Franklin Roosevelt, and "VII" for the seventh year of his term, i.e...

Shiebler's "Sunny South" souvenir spoon is a time piece dating c. 1900. Made by Shiebler, it was retailed in this instance by "Greenleaf & Crosby Co." whose stamp appears on the backside along with Shiebler's emblem and the word "Sterling." This example is a 4 1/8" long coffee or demitasse spoon. It has added appeal in that the gold finished bowl is acid etched "Royal Poinciana, Palm Beach, Fla." This was a fabled resort dating from 1894 until the Depression years...

Dating from the late 19th century, Gorham's Luxembourg is a French rococo design, as might be surmised from the name. It is asymmetrical and employs scroll and paisley like design elements. This item is a 5 1/2" long, weighty, 1.2 T. oz., cream or sauce ladle. It has a gold washed bowl with a flange that goes along the entire perimeter. This has added embellishments around about half of it, as is only to be found on older pieces. The interior is finished in a bright gold wash. There is no m...

Fully stamped with a lion, three castle shield, Queen's head, and date letter "C," this pair of tongs measures 5 3/4" long and weighs 1.3 T. oz. The maker's stamp is "WL over CL over WL" for Lister and Sons. They are plain with beveled edges, and have cup grips. There is a script "SRB" monogram on the arch. The condition is outstanding. There are no bends, cracks, or burrs, and the finish is finely patinated.

Hanau silver is a dense subject, but detailed information is readily accessible on the internet. The short of it is that it references Continental standard silver produced in an area of Germany. Hanau silver often has a characteristic look and idiosyncratic (pseudo) hallmarks, and these may be hard to identify. This 4 1/2" long, probably tea caddy, spoon, however, has markings that are fully documented as belonging to Gebruder Dingeldein. He began working in 1868. Biographical material abou...

Whiting's Dresden is a charming floral pattern that incorporates forget-me-not or posey blossom and leaves set against a scrolled ground. The design appears on both front and back sides of the handle. This example is a 9 1/2" long lettuce fork. It is a slender piece, possessing a willowy, delicate look. The background behind the raised design retains traces of what was an original gold wash, with an added element of elegance provided by this detail. It is in mint condition and without a mono...

This 7 3/4" long, weighty, 1.3 T. oz., coin silver master butter knife is marked "F. Hoffmann," which is something of a mystery name. Given the mid 19th century style of the piece, a likely attribution is Frederick Hoffman with origins in New York, but largely working in Philadephia, with dates 1820-49. His spelling, however, is listed with a single "n" so that introduces uncertainty. Regardless of the attribution, the piece stands on its own. There is a upraised shell on the end of the hand...