Durgin made two versions of a strawberry fork with a strawberry motif on them. One was an unusual, stubby shape, and the other the traditional long and slender design. Marks are the Durgin "D" and Sterling.

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...

Unlike some early pieces whose markings leave ambiguity, this 2 3/8" high, 2 3/4" top diameter, 1.8 T. oz. beaker is abundantly and clearly marked. It is an early 19th century piece made in Paris, France. It has the "bearded man's head" used for .950 (higher than sterling's .925) French silver 1819-1838. This, the maker's mark for "Sixe-Simon Rion" (working first third of the 19th century), a woman's face symbol used after the French Revolution, and a letter all appear on the underside...

Documented as working in Frankford, Pennsylvania c. 1800-20, and subsequently in nearby Philadelphia, Isaac Reed was the maker of this 6 3/4" long, 1.1 T. oz., pair of coin silver tongs. In addition to having his personal mark, "I. Reed," imprinted on the inside of each arm, they carry what John McGrew describes in his work on pseudo hallmarks as the "Philadelphia eagle." The style suggests a date from early in his career...

The scale on this pair of coin silver tongs is large. They 6 1/2" long, have arms that are 1" at the widest, and an arch that has a 1 3/4" span and a 1" width. They weigh a substantial 2.5 T. oz. They have a "B pellet G" imprint for Baldwin Gardiner, along with a "bust, lion, G" pseudo hallmark which McGrew suggests may be Forbes, with Gardiner the retailer...

Tiffany first established itself as a retail silver merchant, only becoming an exclusive manufacturer in the 1860's. Part of the lore about Tiffany is that the company established a higher bar than others, apparently requiring from 1852 onward a sterling silver standard for all its flat and holloware goods when coin silver was otherwise the predominant market grade...

An early production item of Towle's late 19th century "Old Colonial," this cream or sauce ladle measures 6" long and weighs a substantial 1.2 T. oz. It has a gold washed bowl front and back sides, and a script "EGR" monogram on the reverse. It is in immaculate condition, showing slight wear on the gold, and otherwise no signs of use. Marks are the Towle emblem, "925/1000," "Sterling," and "Pat. 1895."

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...

Measuring 6 3/4" long and weighing 1.3 T. oz., this coin silver gravy ladle was made in Cincinnati by the partnership of Edward and David Kinsey (1844-61). It has a twist stem and the broad, rounded ended shape that is characteristic of the region. The handle has bright cut and wriggle work engraving on both sides and engine turning on the front. It is engraved "Eva to Ella" in script. It is in excellent condition...

A known but unnamed pattern by Durgin, this design is French Rococo in manner. It is highly detailed, featuring scrolls, acanthus leaves, florettes, and beading arranged asymmetrically on the handle...

Open salts were a staple on any Victorian table. They were produced in a variety of materials, including glass, ceramic, and as the case with this pair, in silver. No company generated more examples of this form than Gorham. Indeed, the Tompkins book on this subject documents a full century of Gorham's production. According to Tompkins, this set, item number 2480, dates to 1890. These possess a commanding look. They are large, 4 1/2" long, 1 3/4" tall, and weighty, 3.9 T. oz. combined. Th...

"Pure Coin" as is stamped on this item is a term usually indicative of New England origin, the Boston area in particular. The style of this 6 5/8" long preserve or jelly spoon is consistent with that locale and a date c. 1860. It has a flat, squared shouldered handle with a notched top. The surface is artfully engraved and diamond bright cut in a period leaf and scroll design with partly stippled background. The bowl is a well-formed scallop shell design that is finished in a bright gold was...