Catalog: Silver: Sterling: Flatware

Gorham produced a range of specialty pieces circa 1900 designated by numbers beginning with an "H," of which this 4 5/8" long, relatively heavy at .5 T. oz., lemon fork is one.

It is stamped on the backside with the word "Gorham" over "H 824," and "Sterling."

The solid handle is tubular with a cross-hatched or knurled upper portion surmounted by a "dome and ball" detail.

The tines are relatively thick, with the outer two splayed, as is characteristic of lemon forks...

Around the turn of the 20th century, Gorham produced an array of specialty silver stand alone items grouped together in what is known as H series pieces.

This 5 1/8" long, .45 T. oz., is model number "H239" from that series.

A lemon fork, it has the requisite three, narrow and splayed, tines that define its function...

Wallace produced an extensive line of largely floral numbered patterns in the early years of the 20th century.

An example from that series, this 5 7/8" long, .74 T. oz. teaspoon is number "107" as imprinted on the backside, along with Wallace's "R W deer head & S" emblem and the word "Sterling."

An openwork design, the handle obverse features perhaps palm or other leaves on a stem.

The reverse is plain save for a fancy, delicate, feathered script "ENL" monogram...

Wallace produced an extensive line of largely floral numbered patterns in the early years of the 20th century.

An example from that series, this 5 9/16" long, .61 T. oz...

An uncommon specialty pattern produced by Baker-Manchester, this 5 3/16" long, .5 T. oz., spoon is marked with the company's "M in a shield flanked by eagles" emblem, "Sterling," and model number "D 2."

Dating from the early 20th century, the handle design is an Art Nouveau style Carnation surrounding a cherubic-looking child's face. This feature is offered in relief and and quite charmingly presented, with clear features that include a shock of curly hair...

Offered in both sterling silver and silver plate, Harlequin was a floral series issued by Reed & Barton and generally made in a variety of generally smaller items.

These seven, 4" long, 2.35 T. oz. the group, coffee or demitasse spoons are early pieces marked with the company's "eagle, R, lion" (later items are stamped "Reed & Barton") along with "Sterling."

Cast rather than die struck, they are highly textured, possess intricate detail, and show a soft gray finish on the silver...

Each of these six matching 5 5/8" long, 4.0 T. oz. the group, teaspoons is marked with a first standard Minerva head for 950 silver (vs. sterling at 925) with a requisite bigorne counterstamp on the corresponding opposite side of the handle, along with a maker's "LL with a cross between the letters and stars above and below" emblem...

Measuring 8" long and weighing approximately 2.5 T. oz., this ladle is larger than a gravy and is likely for bouillon. It has a large, plum-shaped, 2 1/2" diameter, 1" deep, bowl with a central vee, flange shoulders, and a matte gold finish on the interior.

The arched handle is an "Old English" pattern with a "Reverse Tipt" end. The front has a satin finish and is extensively engraved in a floral (anemone) and leaf design...

This pair of 6" long tongs that weigh a sturdy near 2.0 T. oz., are consequential on several counts.

The first and most immediate feature is the design. They are a "French Thread" aka "Fiddle Thread" pattern with concave shells at the terminus of each arm. The shell form is repeated on the cupped grips.

The wide arch has a gentle point on either side, where it accommodates an unusual crest, which is the second outstanding aspect of this...

This 8 7/8" long, relatively weighty 2.8 T...

A name of note among 19th century Philadelphia silver manufacturers, William Faber, later joined by his sons, produced items of high quality and lasting appeal.

This substantial sized gravy ladle, 7 1/2" long, 2.0 T. oz., with a 2 5/8" wide, 1" deep, oval bowl is a case in point.

It is distinguished by its extensive bright cut engraving that appears on a rounded end "Antique" handle, and additionally in the bowl with double vee shaped grooves and scalloped shoulders.

Portraying a floral...

Very much a period table piece, this 8 1/4" long, 1.5 T. oz., spoon has a rounded end with a tipt backside, and an exposed drop on the bowl.

The handle front is diamond cut and wriggle work engraved, and has a block letter "E S" monogram, in a manner that bespeaks its age.

The handle reverse is fully hallmarked with a castle assay mark for Exeter, England, 1799-1800 date letter (George III), duty bust, lion for sterling silver, and "RJ" for silversmith Richard Jenkins (d. 1807).

The bow...

An early production example of Towle's Old Colonial flatware pattern, this piece is marked with the company's "standing lion in a shield emblem," "925/1000," "Sterling," and "Pat. 1895."

It is a 7 5/8" long, 1.5 T. oz., solid silver jelly knife.

The blade is long, narrow, pointed, and as is characteristic of this line, faceted, with scalloped shoulders and upper edge.

The design is a double Bead with Scroll detailing and a central open blocky area that resembles an ...

Lengthy at 8 7/8" and weighing .9 T. oz., this olive spear or pick is solid silver.

The pattern is "Thistle," which is an early 20th century Art Nouveau design made by R. Blackinton & Co.

The high relief thistle flowers and leaves run the full length of both sides of the handle, with the leaves extending onto the shoulders of the twist.

Never monogrammed, this is in flawless condition. It retains clear pattern detail that is free of any polishing wear. There are no bends or burrs, and t...

Very heavy at just over 2.0 T. oz., this 7 3/4" long master butter knife is stamped "Crosy, Morse & Foss," for the 19th century Boston retailer, and "925 in an oval" for sterling silver.

Having a rounded "Antique" handle with a "Tipt" backside, the appeal of the piece lies in its quiet elegance and overall substance.

There is a handsome leaf script monogram engraved on the handle front.

The plain blade has a scalloped upper edge, a beveled lower edge, and an upswept, pointed, tip.

An...

A multi-motif line, George Shiebler's 1902 Fiorito portrays a variety of flowers interpreted in an Art Nouveau manner.

This example is a 5 3/4" long, .5 T. oz., bon bon representing a clematis.

A fully open blossom appears on the handle end, while the portraiture is repeated in the entirety of the 2" by 1 3/4", nearly round, reticulated and undulating, bowl that has a pale gold wash finish front and back sides.

Never monogrammed or inscribed, this is in flawless condition,...

Gorham's St. Cloud features a leaf and anthemion subject, with tight, circular, elements reminiscent of fern fronds, and shows Aesthetic influences, which is in keeping with its 1885 date of introduction.

This example of the pattern is a large, 7 3/4" long, substantial weight at 1.54 T. oz., solid silver master butter knife.

The flat blade is set at an angle to the handle and has a scalloped upper edge and gently rounded end.

The handle reverse is engraved with a fancy leaf scrip...

Originally associated with Herman Marcus as Starr & Marcus, Theodore B. Starr established his own firm in 1880. His work as a jeweler was renowned and he also produced silver hollowware (see Old Friends item 5551f) as well as some flat ware.

This 6" long, relatively weighty at 1.2 T. oz., sturdy sauce ladle marked "Sterling" and "Theodore B. Sarr New York" dates from the early 20th century, and, although marked for Starr, may actually have been made by Marshall Field who produced a wel...