Dominick & Haff 'Cupid' Solid Sterling Silver Ice Cream Knife

An elaborate figural design ssued in 1891, the central motif of Dominick & Haff's Cupid is a winged cherub. While always a cupid's face and portion of the upper torso, there is variation in the specific portraiture from piece to piece.

Overall, the pattern is rococo in style, featuring a series of scrolls and leafy elements arrayed in an asymmetrical manner.

This example, a 10" long, heavy at 3.9 T. oz., solid silver ice cream knife is one of the largest and most commanding serving pieces in the line.

The raised design on the solid handle features a cupid with crossed arms set amid intricate detailing front and backsides.

There is a delicate, flowing script, "EPW" monogram engraved on the handle obverse.

The blade is broad, 1 1/2" wide, and flat, with a scrolled upper edge and beveled lower edge.

In choice estate condition, the only suggestion of use is light surface scratches. Pattern detail remains clear and well-defined, while the blade is without bends, nicks, or burrs, and the overall finish is bright.

Marks are Dominick & Haff's three part emblem, "Sterling," and "Rand & Crane" for the Boston retailer and small manufacturer.

Note:the handle backside is faintly inscribed with a social security number along the edge. This practice set up some decades ago (to protect against theft) when the Hunt brothers attempted to corner the silver market and prompted an extreme surge in the price of the metal.