Lovely boxed set of antique sterling silver Gorham flatware, in the attractive New Queens pattern, with double shell finial (concave on top and convex underneath), and triple shell on heel. The set includes: 6 tablespoons, 5 tableforks, 5 dessertspoons, 6 dessertforks, 12 teaspoons, 1 soupladle, 1 sifter ladle, 1 butterknife, 1 saltspoon, 1 condiment ladle, 1 serving spoon, 1 jamspoon (total 41 pieces).The soupladle, serving spoon and and jamspoon all have rattails. Each of the 41 pieces is fully hallmarked, with the Gorham hallmarks (lion, anchor, Gothic G), and "Sterling, PAT, 1899". An additional letter hallmark (T, D or H) is also present on some pieces (H on tablespoons, T on dessert spoons and forks, D on tableforks and teaspoons). We believe these additional marks refer to the weight, T being Trade and H being Heavy, unmarked pieces are regular weight. The set is housed in an attractive solid oak box, with brass mounts on corners, brass handles and nameplate, complete with lock and key in working order...

A fabulous set of 6 Tiffany Sterling silver Indian Chrysanthemum tablespoons, in immaculate condition, they could not be better. The pattern is truly beautiful, it extends right down the back of the spoon bowls as well. All 6 spoons are clearly hallmarked "TIFFANY & Co STERLING PAT.1880.M, the M indicates these are early pieces (the pattern was produced from 1880-1934). This must be one of the most beautiful example of hallmarks, with the design wrapping over and through the hallmarks. Each individual spoon weighs 120 grams, certainly the heaviest tablespoons we have encountered (the very best quality English tablespoons can reach 100 grammes). Indian Chrysanthemum has been described as "one of the most magnificent and celebrated sterling silver designs of the 19th century. Chrysanthemum represents one of the last great designs of the Victorian period" -(www.replacements.com), it was designed by Charles Grosjean. "Master silversmith Charles T. Grosjean joined the Tiffany firm as the Superintendent of Silverwa...

A fabulous Tiffany Sterling silver Indian Chrysanthemum soup ladle, in excellent condition, it does not appear to have seen much use. The pattern is truly beautiful, double struck on both sides, with a vacant cartouche for initials or a family crest (this has never been engraved). The bowl is also fluted and has a scalloped edge. The soup ladle is clearly hallmarked "TIFFANY & Co STERLING PAT.1880.M, the M indicates this is an early piece (the pattern was produced from 1880-1934). This must be one of the most beautiful example of hallmarks, with the design wrapping over and through the hallmarks. The soup ladle weighs over 350 grams, so quite hefty to hold, needless to say the quality is excellent. Indian Chrysanthemum has been described as "one of the most magnificent and celebrated sterling silver designs of the 19th century. Chrysanthemum represents one of the last great designs of the Victorian period" -(www.replacements.com), it was designed by Charles Grosjean. "Master silversmith Charles T. Grosjean jo...

Attractive set of antique Tiffany sterling flatware in the rare Tiffany pattern, comprising matching set of Tablespoons, Tableforks, Dessertspoons and Dessertforks (6 of each). The Tiffany pattern (pattern No 1 in the book "Tiffany Silver Flatware, 1845-1905) was designed by Edward C Moore, and was the first pattern he designed. The pattern is lovely, described as "Renaissance Revival, with modified Greek double scroll with shell like antefix and honeysuckle blossom" in the Tiffany Flatware book. It was produced between 1869 and 1917. In 1956 this pattern was re-introduced as the Beekman pattern, which does not have the intriguing scrolls that protrude halfway up the stems. Each piece has a monogram JHC, and each is clearly hallmarked "C Tiffany & Co, Sterling, PAT 1889". They are of exceptional quality, as you would expect from Tiffany, and are all a good weight. The Tiffany Silver Flatware book describes this pattern as "rare, seldom seen" (page 171). This pattern was the first flatware pattern that Tiffany...

An interesting sterling silver Presidential Mint Julep cup, made by Mark J. Scearce of Shelbyville, Kentucky during the Presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. It is a copy of an early Kentucky silver mint julep cup, with beaded top and bottom borders, the cup is a substantial size and weight, the quality is very pleasing. This example has no engraving. The base is engraved "Mark J. Scearce, Shelbyville, Kentucky, Sterling", and has a Presidential eagle hallmark above the letters DDE, all the hallmarks are very clear. Scearce was fascinated by early coin silver mint julep cups, and started to produce these replica's during the Presidency of Harry Truman (1945-1953), they are still produced today, each with the eagle hallmark and initials of the current President. This cup has the initials DDE for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served between 1953 and 1961, so it is one of the earlier versions. As tradition goes, each new President receives one of these silver cups with their engraved initials, other famous r...

A set of 6 Gorham sterling silver dessert sized forks in the Strasbourg pattern, first launched in 1897. The forks are fabulous quality, as you would expect from Gorham, and are in excellent condition and without any monograms or engraving. The forks have 4 tines, these would be described as salad forks in the USA. The beautiful and graceful Strasbourg pattern is inspired by French rococo style, with a series of different sized scrolls, with shells on the finials and heels. Strasbourg, designed by William Codman who was Gorham's chief designer from 1891-1914, is described by Gorham as "one of the best loved of all Gorham designs", and according to Pinterest it was used on Air Force One, (U.S. Presidents aeroplane). All 6 forks are clearly hallmarked with the Gorham lion, anchor and gothic G, alongside STERLING and PAT. 1897. They also have an additional T hallmark, we believe this was used briefly by Gorham at the turn of the century, to denote a specific weight (T for Trade, H for Heavy). Gorham Corporatio...

A fabulous set of 6 arts and crafts sterling silver teaspoons, made specially for leading Boston retailer Shreve, Crump & Low by Whiting of New York. The spoons are beautiful, the stems are hand hammered (planished) on both the back and front, and have an applied cast silver floral arrangement with flowers, leaves and berries. The bowls are gilded, these are high quality spoons and would have been expensive when new. All 6 spoons are clearly hallmarked, both with the Whiting lion holding W trademark, and retailers mark "SHREVE. CRUMP & LOW". All 6 spoons are also hallmarked "STERLING". We have not been able to identify this pattern, it does not appear in the Whiting pattern index, so we believe it was specially commissiuoned by Shreve, Crump & Low as an item exclusively available in their store in Boston. Shreve, Crump & Low is the oldest purveyor of luxury goods in USA, having been founded in 1796, it adopted this name in 1869. They still exist today, and describe themselves as "The gem of Boston and America...

Two interesting early 20th century American sterling silver hand forged Arts & Crafts silver spoons, by 2 of the leading silversmiths of the period. The first is by Old Newbury Crafters (ONC), in the panel antique pattern, with long narrow handle, fiddle handle and teardrop shaped bowl, with a pronounced rim around the back edge of the bowl. It is hallmarked "STERLING ONC", clearly struck, this mark was used before 1955. Hammer marks can be seen on the back of the bowl. The second is by Stone Sterling, founded in 1901 by Arthur J Stone, the "Dean of American Silversmiths". This spoon is slightly larger, it has an almost heart shaped bowl, and long elegant handle with pointed terminal. It is hallmarked with the STONE hammer mark, STERLING, and letter E, which denotes it was made by one of Stone's assistants, George C Erickson, between 1915 and 1932. Old Newbury Crafters was established in 1915, and still operating today, with 2 silversmiths, using traditional hand forging. The Boston Globe wrote "Paul Revere w...

A rare and interesting American sterling silver souvenir spoon, with gilded detail, retailed in Nome, Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush of 1899-1909. The spoon has beautiful detail, and is excellent quality and condition. The bowl reads "Nome, Alaska, Struck It Rich" and has a gilded prospector panning gold in a stream below a waterfall, gilded elements on American silver souvenir spoons are rare. The handle has a rising sun above NOME, with pan, shovel and pick below, above a canoe with 4 hunters, 2 paddling, one with bow and arrow, and a 4th with harpoon, all wearing furs. The back features a miner tipping pay into a sluice box, above a paddle, bow and arrows and harpoon. The spoon is clearly hallmarked, retailers mark L.W. Suter, makers mark empressed Fleur de Lis in raised triangle for Mayer Brothers of Seattle, Washington, and raised Sterling. Louis Suter was a jeweller and retailer who arrived in Nome in 1900, he prospered and built the leading Jeweller in Nome, with the largest selection of stock in Ala...

A fabulous pair of Baltimore silver tablespoons, in the Kings pattern, by Samuel Kirk of Baltimore, and bearing Baltimore assay marks for 1824-1826. The spoons are very good quality and gauge, unlike many American spoons of the period, which were often thinner and lighter than their English counterparts. They are single struck (in Scottish fashion), the back of both spoons is engraved Lyon, we assume the original owner. In addition to makers mark S.Kirk in script in rectangular punch, the spoons have the oval Baltimore Coat of Arms quality mark, in rectangular punch with cut corners, and date letter C, used by Assay Master LeRoy Atkinson between 1824 and 1826 (see www.imperialhalfbushel.com for information on these marks). These date to an interesting period in American silver history, Baltimore between 1814 and 1830 was the only place and date where hallmarks were required on silver in the USA, following the passing of the Assay Act by the State Legislature of Maryland in 1814 (it was unpopular so repealed i...

A pair of Gorham sterling Medallion serving implements, the first a pastry fork and the second a pickle knife. Both have the medallion motif of a classical femaile looking left, with hair braids, the face is strong. Both are pierced with the "tulip cut", the knife also has bright cut engraving. Both have the original owners initials MMC in Gothic script engraved on the back. Gorham medallion pattern was designed by George Wilkinson in 1864, it is a multi-motif pattern, with 4 different medallion options. Medallion pattern proved popular, it was copied by numerous other firms, but the original Gorham items are most collectable today. The hallmarks are clear on both pieces, and include Gorham makers mark, PAT 1864 and STERLING. Gorham Corporation, which still exists today, was founded in 1831, they dominated the solid silver flatware market in the USA for 125 years (Gorham Silver, page 50). The medallion pattern was even retailed by Tiffany.

A collection of ten American sterling silver souvenir spoons, 5 of which have decorated bowls and 6 of which have decorated stems, 2 decorated front and back, and 2 are gilded. As is usual for these American souvenir spoons, the details are lovely. The spoons include: 1. California, by Gorham, Golden Gate bowl, Eureka, Sutters Fort and California on front, State Capitol, Mission Dolores and Golden gate on back - a lovely spoon 2. Honolulu, maker R in wing, Surf Rider 3. Boulder Dam 4. Philadelphia, Hamilton & Diesinger, Founding Father 5. Hawaii, 1959, maker EJTC, 50TH State, Aloha Tower, Hawaii front, Admitted to the Union Aug 21 1959, The Aloha State rear 6. Washington, Abram French Co, Tip Top House 1852, Washington 7. Detroit, Mechanics Sterling, Detroit Harbour bowl 8. Detroit, Mechanics Sterling, Belle Isle Bridge bowl 9. Detroit, Mechanics Sterling, Water Works Park bowl 10. Chicago, Whiting, Ft Dearborn bowl.

A beautiful Gorham sterling silver Louis XIV pattern gilded sugar sifter spoon and matching ladle, retailed by Starr & Marcus of New York. The pattern is striking, described as "17 th Century Magnificence", named after King Louis Quatorze of France, who "made his reign famous for it's splendour". The sifter spoon bowl is intricately pierced, clearly done by a master craftsman, one of the best we have seen. The design has 12 panels around the outside, each with a pierced starburst and V shaped flower, the centre has more starbursts and a pierced branch design, completed with pierced circles. The ladle (we assume for gravy) has a plain bowl, but with deep gold gilding (described as goldwash in the USA), both have original owners engraved initials Gothic S. The hallmarks are clear on both items, "Patent 1870, Sterling, and the Gorham lion, anchor and gothic G, along with retailers mark "Starr & Marcus". Gorham Corporation, which still exists today, was founded in 1831, they dominated the solid silver flatware m...

A very interesting American sterling silver Arts & Crafts ladle, made by W. Depp in the 1950's. The ladle is the traditonal shape, but has 2 bars that join in a loop for the handle, with the base of the handle wrapped in a thick silver wire, we love this design! The bowl has been shaped by hand with a pouring lip on the side, so well suited for gravy, cream or even a toddy (the shape and size is very similar to Scottish silver toddy ladles). The ladle is clearly hallmarked with makers mark W Depp in a triangle (looks like V V rather than W), alongside "Hand Wrought" and "Sterling". W Depp is a mystery to us, he (or she) did produce some modernist hand wrought sterling silver jewellery, we have not been able to find any other flatware by this maker, or information about them (all assistance welcome). Note 1 July 2024 - Thanks to assistance from Susan who has a very similar ladle, we have identified the silversmith as Wesley Depp (1922-2002), of Saranac Lake, New York. Wesley was the son of John Depp and start...

Delightful Gorham Sterling nursery rhyme plate, with embossed pictures depicting scenes from nursery rhymes around the rim. Rhymes depicted include "the cat and the fiddle", "the cow jumped over the moon", "sing a song of sixpence", "4 and 20 blackbirds" and some we haven't identified (teapot, cock, spoon and bowl, teacup and rose, wolf). 31 pictures are present, with 9 different designs, repeated in a random fashion. The plate is very good quality, the embossing is superb, with very fine detail. The plate is engraved on the back "J.M.W., X mas 1885" - indicating it was a Christmas present. The initials "W.W.S." in different script are below, we assume a later owner. The hallmarks are very clear, the Gorham trademarks (Lion, Anchor and capital G), along with "Sterling" and "L93" (L is the yearmark for 1879). This beautiful antique silver Gorham plate would make an ideal Christening present. This plate is depicted in the book "Gorham Silver 1831-1981", by Charles Carpenter, pg 212, which is shown with a matchi...

A pair of full figural Indian sterling silver souvenir spoons, with bowls decorated with Mudlavia, Kramer, Indiana. The spoons are a good weight at 30 grammes each, and very pleasing quality, The detail on these spoons is excellent, the Indian is carrying a bow and tomahawk, his feathered headrest hangs to his waist. The bowls feature the Mudlavia Hotel in Kramer, Indiana, once again the detail is excellent (one spoon bowl is very clear, the second has some wear and is not as crisp). Both spoons are clearly hallmarked "Sterling", they also have a Dutch duty mark V in shaped shield, this mark was used 1906-1953 on imported silver, so at some stage these spoons were imported into the Netherlands. No makers mark is present. The Mudlavia Hotel was a spa built in 1890 by Harry Kramer to use the natural spring water, it drew visitors from around the world until it burnt down in 1920. Today the springs are owned by Perrier for use in their bottled water. The book "Collectable Souvenir Spoons" by Wayne Bednersh desc...

A rare and beautiful Tiffany sterling silver melon (or pickle) fork, in the Greek Handle or Greek pattern, made between 1870 and 1891. The pattern has a geometric 3 petalled flower on wavy stalk, the flowers increase in size up the handle. The bowl is long and elegant, with shaped centre tine, the handle is tubular, increasing in diameter towards the top, the end is monogrammed with script initials MEL, we assume the original owner. The fork is clearly hallmarked "Tiffany & Co M Sterling 332", the M was used by Tiffany between 1870 and 1891, to denote Edward C Moore, who headed Tiffany's silver operations. The number 332 is a pattern number. This Greek Handle pattern is extremely rare, and does not feature in many of the Tiffany flatware guides. We have noted 2 other examples, one on the Peter Cameron website, his examples include pickle forks, melon forks and fruit knives, the forks with gilded bowls, he describes this as Greek pattern, dated 1870-1875. The second example is on the Antique Cupboard website, ...

A Tiffany silver baby or child's spoon and fork, intended as a Christening present. These are quite small, suitable for use by a toddler, they are really sweet. The pattern on the back and front has a double reeded edge, terminating in a V shape in the bowl. The fork tines are quite fat and blunt, so not dangerous. Both are hallmarked "Tiffany & Co Sterling M", the M indicating a date between 1907 and 1947.

A rare American coin silver sugartongs, made in New York in 1808-1809 by 2 members of the Forbes family of silversmiths. The tongs are quite different from the traditional shape, with a Fiddle shape on the arms, and oval bowls, they are also larger than usual. The tongs are engraved with original owners initials LI in script (could also be IJ if reversed). Both arms are hallmarked with maker mark "C & IW FORBES", with wear to the C, but still clearly visible on one, worn on the other. Colin Van Gelder Forbes and John Wolfe Forbes were brothers, sons of silversmith William Garrett Forbes and brothers to silversmith Garret Forbes. Colin and John were only in partnership between 1808 and 1809, so this is a rare makers mark (Colin worked between 1798 and 1839, John between 1802 and 1835). The Forbes family "dominated the silversmith craft in New York in the late 18th and early 19th century, with shops at 88 and 169 Broadway" - source Silversmith Forbes on www.genealogy.com. This particular makers mark is not dep...

A beautiful sterling silver antique cheese scoop, in the Indian pattern, made by Whiting of New York and retailed by N. Harding & Co. of Boston (Haverhill). The scoop bowl is gold washed, and has lovely bright cut engraving (flowers with pattern) on the back of the bowl. The scoop has 2 engraved initials on the front, an ornate P and M, and on the back is engraved "Fathers Day 02" (for 1902). This spoon is described as a cheese scoop in the pattern books, but the extreme foldover of the bowl shows it was designed for Stilton cheese. The hallmarks are clear, including Whiting lion makers mark, "PAT 1874 STERLING", retailers mark N Harding & Co (slightly worn but still visible), and additional marks 3 and A near the makers mark. We can date this scoop between 1874 when the pattern was designed by Charles Osborne, and 1889 which is the year Harding & Co closed (operated 1851-1889). We really like this cheese scoop.The Whiting Manufacturing Company was established in 1866, and was a supplier to Tiffany. They wer...