Each of these salad or pastry forks measures 5 5/8" long and has the same script "JL" monogram. The group weighs 9.8 T. oz. The pattern is "Imperial Chrysanthemum" by Gorham. This is an opulent floral design dating from 1894 and tending toward the Art Nouveau style. These are in immaculate estate condition. Pattern detail remains clear and crisp, with no apparent polishing wear. The tines are even and pointed and retain almost all of their original gold finish...

Marked on the blade "1847 Rogers" (International) and with "Meriden Conn." in a circle, this master butter knife measures 7 1/2" long and has a blade twisted at a right angle to the handle. The pattern is "Arcadian," which is one of the few silver-plated designs that rival comparable sterling pieces. The pattern features classical figures offered much in the manner of Gorham's "Versailles" or Tiffany's "Olympian" and dates from the same 1880's period...

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"...

Dating from the late 19th century, this napkin ring stands 1 1/2" high, measures 1 3/4" across, and weighs just under 1.0 T. oz. It has heavy top and bottom rims and a leafy pattern, engraved and reticulated side wall. There is a feathered script "GHE" monogram set at an angle in a bannered reserve area. In flawless condition, this is marked "Sterling" and with the model number "2400," along with a maker's stamp which is rubbed.

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...

Not formally named, the pattern on these three pieces is an "Oak and Acorn" motif that was produced by Boston's Farrington & Hunnewell. It dates c. 1865. It is an engaging, double die struck (meaning it appears on both sides of the handle) design, singular for its time, and considerably more detailed (and less common) than the common patterns of the period, such as "Olive" and its variants...

Old and original examples, each of these four individual butter spreaders is solid sterling silver. They have flat handles and are without monograms or removals. They measure 5 3/4" long and weigh a relatively heavy .9 T. oz. apiece. Frontenac is an Art Nouveau daylily design dating from 1903. The pattern is exceptionally detailed, showing to full measure all aspects of the lily blossoms including the stamens and pollen flecks on the petals...

Engraving was brought to a high art form in the late 19th century and these four teaspoons exemplify the technique at its highest level. Made by Durgin, each measures 5 3/4" long, while the group weighs 2.4 T. oz. These illustrate bright cut work, which is a subset of engraving employs deep cuts that create a faceted edge with a highly reflective, diamond like quality. The background around the cutting has a satin matte finish which further emphasizes the glimmer created by the cutting...

The last and most successful Kings iteration, Gorham's "King George" was patented in 1894, with pieces so marked. Other identifiers on these three 4 3/4" long bouillon spoons, and two individual 5 3/4" long, solid silver individual butter spreaders include lion, anchor, G, and "Sterling." Relatively heavy, each item weighs .9 T. oz. and has the same flowing script "McL" monogram. All the pieces are in excellent estate condition, evidencing no polishing wear and having good finishes.

Thomas Conlyn is listed as a Philadelphia silversmith c. 1843. These six, matching 5 7/8" long, 3.1 T. oz. the group, coin silver teaspoons that bear his stamp date near to that. They have plain fronts, while the reverses have subtly tipt ends. The bowls have exposed drops. Each spoon has a feathered script "EB" monogram that is appealingly primitive straining to be sophisticated in style and execution. The condition of the set is near immaculate. There is no bowl wear, nor bends on the ha...

Each of these six, matched, coin silver teaspoons measures exactly 6" long and has the same fancy, feathered script "PAC" monogram. The group together weigh 3.9 T. oz. They are stamped "Wm. W. White," who is listed as a silversmith and jeweler in New York City, with a short early period in Philadelphia. The leafy pattern has been attributed to A. and W. Wood also of New York, and if there is this connection, these would have to date c. 1850 as there was scant time overlap between the two firm...

For the most part, 19th century California silver is far less available than Eastern silver of the same period. The industry of the time was essentially located in San Franciso, with several names dominating. One of these was Schulz & Fisher, the maker of these six, matching, coin silver dinner forks in the "Farlone" pattern. They are over sized at 8" long. The six together weigh 9.4 T. oz. Each one has the same feathered script "D" monogram. The pattern does not readily fall into a catego...