Over the years, I've examined many pieces of Martelé, and if you dear reader will forgive me for a bit of crudeness, most of them are "trashed." Specifically, the detail is severely worn away, leaving the beauty of the overall design still appreciable but no longer intact.
Why? Because Gorham made a bit of a bargain with the devil, and used .950 or .9584 silver to make...
If the hostess gift still lives, then this (and a pound of great coffee) would make a fine one. Length 4 5...
Silver scholar and author D. Albert Soeffing describes this portrait as "a rather plain woman," and though it lacks the sophistication of some Medallions, there is a certain undeniable charm to her face. A great entry level item for the budding silver collector, should such a creature still exist...
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The handle is applied with wirework in the form of a watch spring, making this the perfect gift for your martini-drinking watch collector friend!
In spite of our best efforts, the rich plum purple color of this item does not show well, but it is stunning.
Roswell Hopkins Bailey was born in Unity, NH on July 22, 1804. At or near the time this spoon was made, he served as master to two apprentices: first Samuel Philbrick Bailey, then Bradbury Melon Bailey. He cast free his earthly bonds on May ...
Place pieces are much rarer than servers in this grand old Durgin pattern whose name is a subject of some disagreement, which leads me to believe that not many were produced.
We've checked the big bad auction site, and can't find anything similar there for under one hundred mighty dollars, so if you're a reseller, there's a good chance that you'll be able to make enough on this to buy a minor league sports team, or at the very least a small yacht.
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We often speak of the "hallmarks" on American silver, but it is worth noting that very few pieces are actually hallmarked. This one bears the Baltimore assay office stamps commonly associated with 1824.
Is there a wedding in your future? Picture the flower girl, strolling down the aisle, carrying your rings in this basket.
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There is some slight wear to engraving on blade, though nothing tragic, and also a few scratches as shown in first enlargement which I'll gladly attempt to polish out before shipping if you ask me very nicely.
These are often found with pairs of chopsticks, but some miscreant seems to have made off with the chopsticks.