Let's stop right there. I don't for a moment believe that this item was made in Boston. Most everything about it: the floral four toed feet, chased foliage with "ring matted" background (see Forbes, plate 41), silversmith's center punch on the top (see fourth photo), the overall heft and construction suggest that it was made in Canton province. Can I prove it? No, not yet at any rate. Diameter, 8.5"; height .75"; weight 14.0 oz. Troy; a few minor scratch ...click for details
Boston circa 1850, a long (14 inches) and elegantly proportioned piece of silver, no monogram, fine condition, faintly gilt bowl, marked only "Bigelow Bro's & Kennard". An perfect gift for the Boston bride...
length 6 3/4 inches, monogrammed (?? see second photo) on reverse in period script, some very minor tine wear and light surface scuffs but fine overall condition. This silversmith is not listed in Forbes, Chait, or any other references which I am aware of.
regional interest, Beggs & Smith, Cincinnati circa 1850, engraved "Irwin", some light wear but fine overall condition, length 5 3/8 inches. Did Irwin use this to embellish his hot dog, and if so was it a Kosher dog? Alas, we may never know...
a rather long pair at 6 1/8 inches-- big enough to pick up carrots celery radishes or other tasty crudités-- no no dear reader don't be so barbaric as to use your fingers, buy a nice pair of tongs!! Marked "Jones Lows & Ball" (see third photo), fine condition, weight 1.33 oz. Troy, monogrammed "C" in period script. Now, in honor of the "economic downturn", we've tossed our coin into the ring in search of the world's cheapest coin silver sugar ton ...click for details
Gorham (see Tompkins, plates 50 & 60) engraved anthemion and engine turned decoration, each with two cast and chased scrolled handles, top diameter 2 1/8 inches, length across handles 3 3/4 inches, good condition, no monogram.
Philadelphia circa 1795. As readers of this page will know, every now and again we have the good fortune to come upon an object that's been tucked away in a drawer for some unknown reason, and seldom if ever used. Usually, it dates from the 1880's or even a bit later. Until now, we've never offered any antique American silver in such condition and I am indeed proud to do so. Length 9 7/8 inches, monogram "FMD" in conjoined period script, weight 3.66 oz Troy the pair, ...click for details
Philadelphia circa 1790, from the same service as item 0867 although the bright cut decoration is slightly different in execution, length 9 1/4 inches, immaculate condition.
Newburyport circa 1820, monogram "MCM", length 6 1/4 inches. One end has been foreshortened a bit presumably to remove some damage (please see third photo) but aside from this the condition is good.
A decent piece of Baltimore engraved coin silver, 9 1/8 inches long, good condition, monogrammed "Clintonia" (please see second photo). As to what this might comprise (cigars? a large kneehole desk?) one can only speculate, but Yours Truly will exercise restraint before he gets himself into trouble, though more astute readers tell me that in actual fact it's simply a flower...
