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...

Fully stamped for London, sterling, and a date letter "r" for 1912, this item is also impressed "Drew & Sons, Piccadilly Circus," and "S.S.D" over "E.D" in a shield for Samuel Summers and Ernest Drew. A high end retailer, this company apparently traded in leather goods, personal items, luggage, pen sets, and silver items (cited as beginning in 1887). Sources indicate S.S. Drew himself retired or died in 1914, so this dates from his tenure, a high point for the firm...

A popular form during most of the second half of the 19th century, this c. 1870 sterling silver olive server has a spoon on one end and a fork on the other. It measures 9 5/8" long and weighs 1.0 T. oz. Made by Gorham, and stamped with that company's lion, anchor, G hallmark, as well as "Sterling," it also carries the name of the retailer, Boston's "Bigelow, Kennard & Co." It has a twisted stem with a shield like detail toward the fork end. This is monogrammed "S" in Old English lettering...

These two matched master salts are strikingly attractive, stylistically emblematic of their period, and in immaculate condition. Made by Gorham, perhaps the standard bearer firm for such items, each of them is marked with a lion, anchor, G, the word "Sterling," the model number "1320," and the date letter "L" for 1879. Round bodied, they stand 2 7/8" high, have top diameters of 2 3/16", and sit on pedestal bases that are 1 3/4" across. Their combined weight is a moderately heavy 3.5 T. oz...

A well regarded name in Mexican silver, Juventino Lopez Reyes, workshop founded 1935, is described in one source as having "good modernist designs," and referenced in another as an "eventual maestro." This 4 5/8" tall, 3 5/8" base diameter, relatively heavy, 4.9 T. oz., single candlestick is fully marked as his work. It is solid sterling silver, i.e. not weighted. The central portion joining the candle holder and the base is cast in a scroll form...

Numbered sequentially H106, H107, and H108, this knife, fork, and spoon respectively appear in Gorham's 1902 catalog along with a set of children's holloware (see accompanying image 4). They are charming items, having plain handles with notched ends and cast and applied children's faces. These are fashioned in a Kate Greenaway style and portray a girl on the spoon and knife, and a boy on the fork...

This 8 3/4" long, approximately 2.5 T. oz., coin silver sugar sifter is of singular design. Stamped "WwH" for Wood and Hughes, the hexagonal stem with grommet margins is reminiscent of George Sharp. Rather than a ball end which is characteristic of Sharp's and other maker's use of this form, this has a loop with beaded edges, and a single bead tip. The lower end of the handle is joined to a cast section that in turn has three arms that attach to the bowl...

Marked with the Gorham lion, anchor, G, "Sterling," and "Pat. 1903," this cake saw or knife is a late example of a popular 19th century form. The pattern is "Norfolk," aka "Villa Norfolk," which is a relatively simple lined scroll design offered at a time when the ebullience of Art Nouveau expression was still at a peak. This measures 9 5/8" long, weighs a substantial 2.7 T. oz., and is solid silver. It is without a monogram or removal and in flawless estate condition. It is absent polishing...

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...

Measuring a full 12" long, with a blade that is 2 3/4" wide, this crumber aka crumb knife is a robust 5.6 T. oz. of solid sterling silver. The handle is flat, not hollow, and thick, 1/8" at the widest. The blade likewise is all silver, not stainless steel which later examples might have been. The pattern is Dominick & Haff's No. 10, which is a late 19th century floral design styled toward the Art Nouveau. The blade has a scalloped and flanged back with the pattern carried onto the heel. The...

This coin silver mug is inscribed "Eddie from Lenox, 1870" on the underside, and has an "EG" script monogram on the sidewall. Presumably the E stands for Eddie. Stamped "Coin" and with the number "3," the maker is unknown, but the craft is of high enough order to suggest a major house. The body is canister form, standing 3 1/8" high to the rim, 3 1/2" to the top of the handle, with a top diameter of 3 2/4" and a bottom span of 2 3/8". The spread to the end of the handle is 4 1/8". There is ...

In her work, "Silversmiths of Lancaster, Pennsylvannia, 1730-1850," Vivian Gerstell describes Charles Hall (1742-1783) as a "prominent citizen as well as silversmith." She further remarks that he "played a prominent role in Lancaster during the Revolution. In 1774, he was a member of the Committee of Correspondence and of the Committee of Observation." This modest, and rather primitive looking, small spoon bears his identified "C. Hall" on the reverse, along with a second mark which is illegi...