Polhamus 'Princess' 1874 Solid Sterling Silver Oyster or Soup Ladle

Princess was a pattern introduced by John Polhamus and continued in production by George Shiebler, both of whom were prominent 19th Century New York City makers.

This 11" long, heavy at 4.5 T. oz., ladle, (likely an oyster which was one step down in size from a full soup), is an early piece marked "J.P. Pat. 74" and "Sterling."

The design is Moorish in style, with a suggestion of Greek or Egyptian Revival influence.

The handle front features a leaf and berry repeating border surrounding a central stylized anthemion or palmette.

The backside presents a simplified rendition of the front, with an open reserve at the end, which in this instance is engraved with a well-articulated, Old English, "F" monogram.

The deep bowl is helmet-shaped, with flanged shoulders, and an upraised, pointed, tip. There are very faint traces of an original gold wash in the interstices of the bowl, front and backsides.

In strikingly fine estate condition, this is without polishing wear, dents or bends in the bowl, and shows a bright finish. The only evidence of use are light surface flecks in the bowl interior.