Decorative Lattice Work Howard Sterling Silver Tea Ball on Chain

Generously-sized, this tea ball is a 1 3/4" diameter perfect sphere, hung from a 5 3/4" long chain with a ring end.

Solid silver, it weighs just over 1.0 T. oz. and is marked on the inside lip of the top half, "Sterling" and with the three part emblem of the "Howard Sterling Company," Providence, Rhode Island, used 1891-1901.

The interior of both the top and bottom are stamped "24."

It has a pierced dotted pattern top and bottom halves that forms an eight-pointed star.

In addition, there is a 3/8" wide band of fine lattice work on the upper edge of the lower section (which is the bigger portion of the sphere).

There is a small, thumb grip indent on the lower rim and a dimple on the upper rim, which together form a snap closure.

The chain is attached to the top of the piece by a ring which itself has a five-lobed base. This is yet one more decorative detail that sets this item apart from more ordinary, plainer, tea balls.

The entire interior is finished in a gold wash, which, unusual for older tea balls, in neither worn nor stained.

In essentially original condition, this is without dents or bents, the hinge is secure, and the finish is lustrous. It has never been monogrammed or inscribed.