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...
If only we knew a bit more about Minnie, a good tale might be told, but alas we know nothing of this lass.
For those who favor comparison shopping, a similar though inferior pair by this same maker weighing only 5.7 oz. Troy sold at Julien's for 875.00 (See catalogue of the Ronnie & Jo Wood collection, 10/26/2012, lot 308).
If pressed as to why you, dear reader, should buy these Iris fish forks as opposed to some others listed elsewhere on the interwebz, I'd have to say that ours are probably in better condition. If pressed even harder, I'd confess that these are also attractively priced.
$225.00
This piece is not commonly found.
$25.00
Compare our price with the folks who Replace your stuff @70.00
As collectors will know, if any of them remain above ground, knives in this elegant old Durgin pattern are scarce.
$175.00
The obverse features a refined bit of engraving, done by a skilled and steady hand.
The blade features a restrained and well executed bit of engraving (please see third enlargement) with brite-cut foliage and shaded flowers.
We have never encountered a spoon with this boat-shaped flat bottom bowl in the past, and have conferred with a Very Knowledgeable Fellow who has owned one (yes, just one) before and is of the opinion that this is indeed a berry spoon.
$250.00
Years ago, many folks had high enthusiasm over silver from the Golden State, but now we're going to find out the hard way whether or not anyone indeed still gives a rat's derrière.
$90.00
Perfect for the aspiring collector of mid-century modern furniture who has wisely chosen to live in a tiny house. Should you care for more info on the original, please note that this chair is so famous as to warrant its own Wikipedia entry.
With sinuous curves and whimsical spade-shaped feet, this is truly a little classic of English Art Nouveau silver.
$750.00
Length twelve inches, weight 8 Troy ounces (!), a few barely visible nicks at upper edge of blade but fine overall condition.
On Hold
Compare @ 299.00 with those folks who Replace your stuff.
By the way, dear reader, our late lamented S 7000 has finally died a peaceful death and we're using a rather primitive point and shoot until the new camera arrives, so please bear with our reduced quality images.
Engraved with crest of the Mossman family and their admirable motto "ME MELIORA MANENT" (better fortune awaits me).
A generously proportioned pair of tongs which would be well suited for use with iced cubes.