Tiffany Late 19th Century Hollow Handle Sterling Silver Sugar Sifter

In his benchmark work, Tiffany Silver Flatware, William Hood illustrates three pieces in a rarely-found motif that he describes as having "block-form hollow handles" with "ornamentation" (chapter eight, "Not-full-line Patterns").

This 6 1/8" long, nearly 1.3 T. oz., sugar sifter is a fourth example of the pattern. The "ornamentation" in this instance is comprised of an engraved leaf and flower (perhaps wild rose) that extends to all four sides of the rounded edge "block." It is Aesthetic in manner.

The backside also includes a flowing, line script, "EWD" monogram.

The handle extends from a solid, tubular, stem that in turn attaches to a round, 2" diameter, scalloped rim, pierced interior, bowl that is finished in a bright gold wash front and back sides.

In exceptionally fine condition, this shows no evidence of wear apart from some faint loss of the gold wash on the high spots of the bowl, which is otherwise free of bends, dents, or burrs. The engraving remains crisp, the handle is without splits or dings (there is a bit of surface nicking at the tip), and the overall finish is warm and even.

Marks are "Tiffany & Co.," "Sterling," the number "213," and "M," this last mark used 1873-1891.