Silver Sale
by Kelly Keating on 10/13/11
I currently have 3 interesting pieces of silver for sale on eBay and 3 wonderful pieces also for sale on my website. Each piece would make a lovely gift for the silver collector in your life or someone who just appreciates antiques.
The first item for sale on eBay is a rare and unusual piece of tobacciana- a sterling silver pipe rack from the Edwardian period.
This English piece is clearly hallmarked London 1907 by the silversmith George Betjemann & Sons which was founded in 1851. The rack measures 5.75" in length x 2.75" in width x 3.375" in height and it weighs 2.95 ounces. It has a lovely delicate and swirled design that is evocative of the refinement and restraint of the Edwardian period in contrast to the indulgent fussiness of the Victorians.
The pipe rack can hold 4 pipes. In one of the spoon shape bowls that holds a pipe there is a monogram of PMB in a block lettering. Smoking memorabilia can be very collectible especially this uncommon example in silver. Starting bid at $25.99.
The second piece for sale on eBay is a late 19th century German hand-chased silverplate trio of sugar, creamer and tray by B. Bohrmann of Frankfurt.
The sugar bowl measures 3" in diameter at the mouth, 1.875" at the base diameter and 2" in height. The creamer measures 3.25" at the mouth's widest point, 1.875" at the base diameter and 2" in height. The tray measures 7" x 5". The interior of both the creamer and sugar have the subtle remains of an elegant gold wash. All the items in the trio have a lovely undulating edge that looks like a swirling silver ribbon. The handle of the creamer is constructed of 2 pieces of metal that resemble the cut tendrils of a vine. Its elegant curve echoes and complements the rippling profile of the creamer’s circumference. Besides the edge detail all 3 pieces of the set have a nicely detailed chased decoration that in its wavy lines complements the swirling profiles of the trio. This chased embellishment resembles waves as they crash on the shoreline and then recede creating a bubbling foam. Or it evokes a stylized shell. Either way there is the suggestion of water and the sea. This decoration seems almost late Aesthetic or proto-Art Nouveau in its curving forms and lines as well as its references to nature.The mark of the finial and the 2 “B”s on each piece seems to indicate a date from 1871 when the Bohrmann factory was founded to 1894 when the mark appears to have changed to a complete spelling of the name “Bohrmann” rather than merely initials. My guess is that the piece is on the latter side of that range, 1890 or so with its Aesthetic and almost Art Nouveau form and styling. All 3 pieces are in excellent condition with no plate loss, breaks or significant scratches just the general signs of age and use. Starting bid for the set is $29.99.
The final item for sale on eBay is a sterling silver pickle fork by Whiting in the elegant and ornate Old King pattern introduced in 1890.
The fork measures 6.125" in length and was used to serve pickles from a relish tray. This piece is marked on the reverse with the Whiting hallmark, "sterling" and the letter "I". The piece has a lovely and intricate AH monogram and weighs .85 ounces. A great piece of 19th century American sterling that with its variation on a traditional pattern would coordinate with most other silver patterns. Buy It Now for $29.
The following 2 pieces are for sale on The Flaneur website. The first is a gorgeous gilt sterling berry spoon by John R. Wendt in the "Bird" pattern which was introduced in 1865. With its bird motif it demonstrates the influence of Japanese art on American silver.
When found this spoon had a slight crack to the back of the bowl. The spoon has been repaired, restored and regilt by an expert silversmith and now it is in excellent condition. The handle motif has crisp detailing as does the engraving around the bowl edge. The berry spoon measures 10.25" and weighs 2.98 ounces. Price is $325.
The final piece I have for sale on The Flaneur website is actually a set of 6 silverplate medallion coffee spoons or 5 o'clock spoons. The spoons feature a medallion head of a Greek or Roman soldier wearing a plumed helmet and have a lovely twisted stems. Made by R Strickland of Albany which was in business from 1857-1884, the spoons are 5.125" in length. They were replated and are in excellent condition with crisp detailing. Price is $98 for the set.
If you are looking for a specific piece of silver not found in this sale whether it is sterling or plate, English, American or continental, contact me at [email protected] and I can assist you.
