This 8 3/4" long, weighty, near 1.8 T. oz., coin silver tablespoon is stamped "W.R. Evans." His dates are c. 1844-1860 and he worked first in Cincinnati and then across the Ohio River in Covington, Kentucky. It has the broad, rounded, tipt end and high shoulders typical of the lower Ohio River Valley and areas south. There is a feathered script "MER" monogram on the front. It is in very good condition...

"Undine" references a water nymph whose name has been attached to works of literature, art, music, ships, and popular culture. Wood & Hughes used it in the 19th century for a line of silver. The design is singular, comprising an asymmetrical leaf and floral motif with scrolling edges that, given the associations in the name, might be inspired by waves. It is a highly textured and intricately worked pattern...

An early Wood & Hughes piece, dating circa 1855, this coin silver master butter knife is substantially sized at 7 3/4" long and weighing 1.1 T. oz. It is a singular design, having a twisted stem and a notched, shield shaped handle. It is similar in overall form to Gorham's little known "Imperial" pattern of the same period, and of which Wood & Hughes had an almost identical match. The upper edge of the blade has two notches that repeat the design of the handle...

Presumably named for the 17th century Spanish painter, Wood & Hughes' Murillo is toward the Moorish in style, which would be consistent with its 1875 date, a time when such designs were popular. The highly detailed pattern shows exceptionally well in this large-scale, 7 1/4" long, heavy, 2.2 T. oz., gravy ladle. Peculiar to Murillo, this has a 5/8" deep, triangular bowl with nearly straight side walls and nearly flat base. The interior has a satin finish...

Fried oyster servers show themselves in various forms, some quite whimsical. Wood & Hughes contributed a singular style to the line up as evidenced in this 10 1/2", nearly 3.7 T. oz., example. The pattern is "Daisy," an attractive 1880 floral design whose inspiration is self-evident. The serving end measures 5 1/2" long and 3" wide. It is rounded, flat, and asymmetrical, shaped quite like a golf club head...

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...

This cream or sauce ladle is appealingly proportioned. It is 6" long overall, weighs .7 T. oz., and has an ovoid bowl that is 1 1/2" by 1 3/4" and weighs .7 T. oz...

Measuring 2 1/2" long by 1/8" wide, this bar pin is item "3752" made by a noted name in jewelry and silver items, William Kerr of Newark, New Jersey. It has a lined surface reminiscent of engine turning. This in turn has a run of rosettes. There is a border with a pattern that looks like stitchery. It is in flawless condition and is fully marked on the backside with the maker's name and model number, along with the word "Sterling."

William Gale of New York City has a long lineage in the world of 19th century silver manufacturing. He worked alone and in various partnerships and was known for producing to a sterling standard early, in a period when most other manufacturers stayed with a coin standard. This 8 1/8" long tea or dessert knife in his Italian pattern dates from about midway in his history and was produced when he was in partnership with his son. It is stamped on the blade, "W. Gale & Son, 925 Sterling, Patented...

This sterling silver cream or sauce ladle measures 5 1/2" long and weighs .9 T. oz. The pattern is "Persian" made by Whiting. It dates from 1880, slightly later than Tiffany's design by the same name, but the two are very similar in many aspects. The pattern is dense, drawing upon Moresque and Renaissance Revival elements. There is a reserve which in this instance is without a monogram or removal. The bowl is an interesting helmet shape, with flanged shoulders, a central vee, and a pointed ...

Generally referred to as Peony Twist, this late 19th century pattern made by Whiting does not have an identified name, but it must have been well received as it was produced in a wide variety of forms. This example is a 6 1/16" long, good heft, butter fork. The end features an abundantly arrayed peony blossom, while the shank is a complex twist. The two tines are splayed and show slight traces of an original gold wash. The condition is excellent with no damage. The peony retains its fine li...

An early 20th century design, Whiting's Madam Jumel features a raised wreath with a trailing ribbon and leaf drop on a plain ground with square shoulders. This example is a 5 1/2" long, just over 1.0 T. oz., sauce ladle with a satin matte gold wash, front and back sides, bowl. The front of the handle also has a satin finish. It is in close to unused condition, having no damage and showing no evident wear. Marks are the Whiting emblem and the word "Sterling."