Catalog: Silver: Sterling

Amy Miller Dehan's Cincinnati Silver 1788-1940 offers separate entries on four related operations employing "Michie" in their names, with the mark on this 8 1/4" long, heavy at just over 2.0 T. oz., table or serving spoon associated with "Michie Brothers," and "used by the firm between 1885 and 1888."

Indeed the plain, upturned and rounded end, "Antique" pattern, handle is engraved "C.G.B." in a feathered script over "Nov. 29, 1888." corresponding with the above span of years...

An expressive and detailed high relief design, Durgin's 1888 "Heraldic" incorporates many images appropriate to the name, all of which show particularly well at the scale of this 9 1/8" long, weighty at 2.5 T. oz., (salad) serving spoon.

The iconography includes a pair of upraised (presumably eagle) wings that appear to rise out of a crown, which itself sits over a lion rampant on a shield. Lastly, there is a rearing steed projecting out of a castle turret set below the above images...

A 5 5/8" long, .7 T. oz., item, this spoon was made by A.F. Towle (later Lunt), as indicated by the "TS" emblem imprinted on the reverse, along with the word "Sterling."

Based on the 1899 "Wentworth" pattern, it includes an image of a plump, completely baby-like, winged cherub draped in a garland of roses, all set in very high relief that rises off the handle sculptural-like.

The figure is surrounded by beading, below which are more fully developed rose blossoms...

Measuring precisely 12" long and weighing 2.2 T. oz., this meat skewer is nearly 250 years old.

It is fully hallmarked for Newcastle, England, 1774-75, sterling silver, and makers William Stalker & John Mitchison.

Typical of the form, it has a tapered shank that goes from 3/8" wide to a pointed tip. This has beveled edges, with feathering on the upper portions front and back. This is also the place where the marks are located on one side and a "WWS" monogram on the other...

This 4" round, 5/8" high, just under 2.0 T. oz. shallow dish resting on four ball feet presents as rather mysterious in purpose, save that it is identified in Gorham's 1890 catalogue (see image 2).

Stamped with the company "lion, anchor, G", emblem, "Sterling," and model number "456" on the underside, it is actually part of a desk ensemble, namely the underplate, or as labeled, a tray, for a multi-lobed ink bottle...

Issued in 1880, Gorham's "Empress" incorporates a number of design elements, all evident on this 9 3/8" long, just over 3.0 T. oz., serving spoon.

The lower portions of the handle where it joins the bowl suggest an Egyptian Revival influence, while other areas point toward Renaissance Revival inspiration. In addition, the dense floral clusters employ imagery similar to Gorham's "Cluny" pattern that was designed by Antoine Heller, who was highly regarded for his Classical motifs...

While the actual pattern name "Wave Edge" applies to a line of silver produced by Tiffany & Co., the border on this 6" by 3 1/8", 1.7 T. oz., dresser, pin, or other tray can appropriately be described using the same descriptor.

It has a 1/2" high sidewall with a scalloped edge and a series of raised scrolls that appear to mimic breaking waves.

The center bottom of the piece has an oval dome that is engraved "HCE" in lined script. Ridges radiate out from this, suggesting a sunburst...

An expressive and innovative design introduced early, 1872, in the history of Tiffany as a silver manufacturer, "Vine" appeared in many motifs.

This example is a 9" long, 3.3 T. oz., berry spoon in "Grapevine."

William Hood in Tiffany Silver Flatware notes that this was made with a variety of bowl forms, and the shell or fluted design on this is observationally one of the less common ones. It is finished with a bright gold wash front and backsides...

A 7 5/8" long, 1.2 T. oz., piece, this example of Whiting's "Arabesque" pattern, is imprinted with the company's "lion" logo and the number "19" on the backside heel of the bowl, and "Sterling" and "Pat. 1875" on the handle reverse.

The griffin set against a Moorish style background composition is emblematic of the Renaissance Revival period of the 1870s.

The bowl is plum shaped, with a flange rim and central vee running from the handle to the midpoint of the base...

This sterling silver bowl is model number "2385" made by Gorham in 1881, all documented in the marks on the underside of the flat bottom.

It measures 2" tall to the rim, 2 3/4" at the highest point of the arms, has a body that is 3 1/2" wide, 5 1/4" handle tip to handle tip, 2 3/8" across on the bottom, a top opening of 2 3/4", and weighs 4.6 T. oz.

Likely a sugar bowl, it stands on its own.

Elegantly understated in design, the body is cauldron shaped with a sawtooth edge rim, and has...

Not "made up" or "hand crafted," this 6 1/4" long, relatively weighty at .7 T. oz., butter pick is a completely original piece, rather than adapted from another item as many examples of this form are.

The pattern is "Passaic," introduced by Unger Brothers in 1900.

Known for its innovative Art Nouveau designs, executed in both flatware and jewelry, the style of this goes in another direction, to the rococo. It employs a variety of scrolls, leaves, and delicate flower blossoms presented i...

Cincinnati, Ohio's Duhme & Co. offered numerous patterns that were teasingly close to those produced by other manufacturers, enough so that it raises the question whether these designs were copies or produced by third party firms for retailing by Duhme.

This 6 1/8" long, approximately 1.0 T. oz., sauce or cream ladle is an example of this practice. The rarely found pattern is a very close match to Whiting's "Berry," introduced in 1880.

The handle is more slender than Whiting's and also ...

An early example of Whiting's "Lily," this pair of 4 15/16" long, heavy at just under 1.0 T. oz., tongs are marked with the company "lion" logo, "Sterling," and "Pat. App. For."

"Lily" is an enduringly popular, Art Nouveau pattern that essentially set the standard for this floral interpretation after its introduction in 1902.

Absent noticeable polishing wear, this pair show the design to full advantage, retaining all the fine flower and leaf elements for which the line is known, as well ...

The marks on this 3 1/8" top diameter, 1 1/8" high, bowl standing on a 2" wide rim base and weighing a relatively heavy 2.9 T. oz., beg identification, although the quality of work bespeaks a skilled producer.

They are "MKH" and "JAH" in block lettering, "Hand Wrought," and "Sterling."

The piece is compellingly appealing in its simplicity of design, good heft, and the high quality of its workmanship.

In flawless condition, it exhibits precise construction, is perfectly round, and has...

As is so much the mark of George Shiebler's work, this late 19th century, 5 1/2" long, button hook reflects imaginative and innovative design characteristics.

The handle, about half the overall length, is sterling silver, so marked, along with Shiebler's "winged S" emblem and the model number "5264," while the lower portion with the actual "hook" that defines the piece, is plated steel.

The silver portion is comprised of a central rod wrapped by two strands of heavy wire that encircle th...

This 8 5/8" long, nearly 1.4 T. oz., spoon is marked only "Sterling," but the pattern is Whiting's 1880 "Antique Tip," which is itself similar to Knowles' "Antique."

It has a pointed tipt end with scroll detailing and a raised fleur-de-lis drop.

The length of a tablespoon, the oversized, wide and deep with a pointed end, bowl suggests this was designed to function as a versatile server.

While relatively plain, it is adorned with an embellished Old English "L" monogram that stands for...

Measuring 7 3/8" long and weighing just under 1.2 T. oz., this solid silver cheese knife dates from the second decade of the 20th century.

The pattern is "Chippendale Old" made by Frank Smith. It features a raised acanthus leaf design set on the terminal end of the handle and the backside heel of the blade. The front of the handle is otherwise smooth and tapered, while the reverse has a midrib.

The handle curves downward where it joins the nubbed shoulders of the blade, which has a bev...

A weighty item at 1.0 T. oz., this 5 7/8" long teaspoon is a superb example of Wallace's figural "Irian" pattern.

It portrays a full-sized, semi-draped, female image with three putti surrounding her head. One of these is cupid like and is pointing a bow and arrow at her.

Additional detailing includes orchid blossoms, leaves and other flowers, front and back sides, all presented in an Art Nouveau manner, which is consistent with the 1902 date of this line.

The handle reverse is engra...