Whiting "Arabesque" Solid Sterling Silver Pie Server

This 8 3/4" long, approximately 2.7 T. oz., pie or pastry server is stamped with the "lion and W" manufacturing mark of the Whiting Company, "Sterling," "Pat. 1875," a "C" and "6, and the name of the retailer, "Clark.Sawyer & Co.," Worcester, Massachusetts.

The pattern is Whiting's "Arabesque," which is rooted in Moorish design and was one of the most successful such American designs produced during the 1870s Renaissance Revival period. It features a standing griffin with widespread wings.

In this instance, the reserve area on the handle front is engraved in an elaborated, Old English, "H" monogram.

The triangular-shaped, 4 1/8" by 2 1/2" at the widest, blade has rounded, slightly cupped and scalloped shoulders, and is extensively engraved in a design that mirrors the basic pattern.

In very fine condition, this retains clear pattern detail, showing only a bit of softening of the feathers on the griffin's chest. The blade is flat, even, and without bends. It has one pinprick dimple on the plain backside, but this does not carry through to the front.