Catalog: Silver

References assign an 1880 introduction date for Whiting's "Antique Tip" aka "Antique Tipt" pattern made in sterling, but this fork is an example of an earlier, 1860s, version made to a coin standard.

Measuring 7 1/8" long and weighing approximately 1.2 T. oz., this is a lunch, or simply a regular or place, piece.

It is characterized by a narrow shank that broadens widely, comes to a point at an unturned end which has a raised scroll and diamond drop that looks something like a fleur-de-lis...

An image with roots deep in the history of theater, the harlequin figure has had many evolutionary manifestations.

This representation, a pair of 4 1/2" long, heavy at approximately 1.6 T. oz., tongs was made by Gorham, whose "lion, anchor, G" emblem and "Sterling" are impressed on the inside of one grip...

Measuring 5 1/2" long and weighing just over .6 T. oz., this item has a 1 5/8" diameter, flat-bottomed, bowl with scalloped sides.

An unusual form, it is likely a cream ladle.

The pattern is "Angelo," which is a Renaissance Revival design patented in 1878, as indicated on the reverse. Other marks are "WwH" and "Sterling."

This is engraved "MEP" over "'90" in fancy, feathered script lettering on the handle backside...

A 7 1/2" long, just over 1.5 T. oz., preserve spoon, this piece was made by Wood & Hughes, New York City, whose "WwH" emblem is stamped on the handle reverse, along with "Sterling," and "Pat. 1878."

The pattern is "Venetian," which is a Moorish or Renaissance Revival design.

The plum-shaped bowl is relative large and elongated at 3" by 1 3/4" at the widest, by 1/2" deep...

An early line pattern first issued in 1861 to a coin silver standard, "Cottage" continued in production for many years, through Gorham's transition to sterling in 1868.

This 8 3/4" long, just over 1.8 T. oz., berry or other serving spoon is marked "Sterling," indicating it dates 1868 or later. Other marks include the company's "lion, anchor, G" emblem, "Patent 1861," and the rarely found identifier, "Gorham Mfg...

A major name in mid 19th century Boston silver production and retailing, Farrington & Hunnewell was the maker of this 6 7/8" long, .9 T. oz., coin silver preserve spoon marked "< F & H >."

F&H were masters of bright cut and fine engraving, which this piece illustrates. The work on the front of this portrays anthemion and leaf detailing against a fine line background that mimics engine turning...

Patented in 1881, as stamped on the handle backside, along with Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem and "Sterling," this piece is a 6 1/2" long, 1.3 T. oz., sugar sifter.

The pattern is "Domestic," which employs a variety of design elements, the primary one of which is an intricate and finely rendered array of ivy leaves and vines, accented by a rosette midway on the handle and an anthemion at the tip.

This has a strikingly attractive bowl with fluted walls and a pierced interior...

Readily identifiable from their length and round bowl spoon, chocolate muddlers are designed to reach deep inside tall chocolate pots to stir any settled powder on the bottom.

This example measuring 7 1/2" long and weighing 1.3 T. oz. was made by Dominick & Haff in the "No. 10" pattern.

A dense yet delicate multi-floral design dominated by a single chrysanthemum set at the handle end, "No. 10" was patented in 1896, as marked on backside...

Measuring 5 5/8" long and weighing 1.6 T. oz., this serving, aka table, spoon is an early example of Whiting's 1905 "Violet" pattern, marked with the company "lion" logo, "Sterling," "Pat. App. For," an Old English "O," and an "M," which might be a weight designation (medium).

An Art Nouveau design, this features violet blossoms on the end and midpoint of the handle, along with trailing, sinuous, stems the full length of the handle, ending with a leaf detail at the join with the bowl...

This lengthy at 9 1/8", and weighty at just under 2.5 T...

This lengthy, 9 1/8", and weighty, 3.2 T. oz., berry scoop or shovel has origins in Boston, marked for "Bailey. Kettell & Chapman," 1854-58. It is also stamped "Pure-Coin," which is a characteristic New England term.

The handle is a die struck "Bead" pattern that appears on both the front and back sides. There is a cursive "EWL" monogram inscribed on the reverse.

The generously proportioned, 3 1/2" by 2 3/8", scoop is engraved with a highly detailed and finely rendered motif that portrays ...

Likely a preserve, although possibly a large sugar, spoon, this piece measures 6 13/16" long and weighs approximately 1.1 T. oz.

An "Olive" pattern, it was made by Farrington & Hunnewell, whose multi-part emblem appears on the handle back but is over stamped by the name of the retailer, "A.F. Burbank," Boston, 1853-67, and Worcester, 1867-80, Massachusetts.

It is also marked "Pure-Coin," which is a characteristically New England term for the silver standard.

While "Olive" was a generic ...

One of the premier names in Philadelphia silver manufacturing in the second half of the 19th century, Peter L. Krider produced items that set a standard for design and quality.

This exceptionally large, 10 1/4" long, 3.1 T. oz., ice cream server validates the above statement.

The handle has a rounded end with a "Tipt" backside. The blade is triangular with an upswept, pointed, end, a rolled upper edge, and double, mirror finish, vees with rounded shoulders in the heel (see image 2).

The...

The 1880s generated innumerable engraved floral flatware patterns from various manufacturers, with Gorham's 1885 "Jac Rose" one of the most well-received. Its appeal continues to the present day.

This example is a large, 5 1/4" long, 1.0 T. oz., pair of sugar tongs.

The basic pattern is an "Old English," i.e. "Antique Tipt," with an open blossom, bud, and leaves engraved on a matte finish ground at the top and midpoint of the arms.

The grips are highly detailed talon or claw form, with ...

At 7 5/8" long and weighing 1.6 T. oz., this may be a preserve, jelly, or small berry serving spoon.

The pattern is John Wendt's "Florentine," which is a Renaissance Revival with Moorish influences design introduced in 1870.

There is a shield reserve on the front, which in this instance has never been monogrammed.

This has an elongated, 3" by 2", oval bowl with scalloped edges and fluted sides.

It is in very fine estate condition, free of polishing wear and with a bright finish. The ...

Soup ladles in the Victorian era were characteristically large and this example is dramatic validation of this convention.

It measures 14" long and weighs 8.1 T. oz.

The capacious helmet-shaped bowl is 4 1/2" long by 3 1/2" at the widest, and 1 1/2" at the deepest (see image 2). It has a bright gold finish on the interior.

Made by Gorham, whose "lion, anchor, G" emblem, "Sterling," "Pat. 1864," and the name of the retailer, "Geo. W. Webb & Co.," Baltimore, the pattern is "Medallion."

One of several patterns that originated with John Polhamus and was later continued in production by George Sheibler, "Princess" was first issued in 1874. It incorporates Greek Revival and Moorish design elements reflective of its period.

This example is an 8 7/8" long, 2.0 T. oz., berry or other large serving spoon.

It has a plum-shaped bowl with a pointed tip and scalloped edge, fluted heel. The interior is engraved in an Aesthetic mode design that is reflective of its later, post Polhamu...

One of Gorham's earliest full line patterns, Rosette reflects the Greek Revival style popular in the 1860s period when it was issued.

Having a double lined border, the handle end incorporates an anthemion flanked by scrolls, while there is a rosette placed midway up the shank, hence the pattern name.

This example is a 6" long, 1.3 T. oz., sugar sifter with a 2" diameter, round, pierced bowl with scalloped edges and coffered sides. The bowl is finished in a bright gold wash front and...