A Showcase of American Sterling Silver
Guests are coming for dinner? It’s time to break out the sterling. That’s exactly what we’ll be doing this weekend in our auction of great American silver. Set the impressive scene with these silver pieces and sets from the past two centuries. This diverse collection features world-renowned American silversmiths.
Heading the collection is a mid-19th century coin silver serving tray by William Gale of New York City. This large tray features impressive rococo and foliate handles and masterfully engraved vignettes of Mount Vernon, Monticello, West Point, a castle palm trees surrounded by more wildlife. The unique iconography and quality suggest a special production – not a special commission, where one would expect a more cohesive iconography and certainly some sign of ownership in the center. The thought is that this was therefore either a shop sample, kept to show the skill and repertoire of the engravers at Gale’s command, or a piece produced for exhibition, whether in his own shop window or in a formal event, perhaps the New York Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1853. In excellent condition, this unique piece is expected to serve up bids in excess of $10,000.
Large engraved coin silver serving tray by William Gale, New York, N.Y., circa 1851, 232 troy ounces. Estimate: $10,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image
Hosting dinner for 12 people? No problem with this expansive sterling silver flatware set of Towle’s desirable Debussy pattern. The 131-piece set made in the late 1950s weights 185.5 troy ounces and has an $8,000-$12,000 estimate.
Towle sterling silver set of flatware, Debussy pattern, service for 12 plus service pieces, 1959, 185.5 troy ounces. 1959 Debussy. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image
For a more intimate gathering, we offer this 44-piece set of sterling silver flatware in the Richelieu pattern from Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. sterling silver Richelieu flatware, 44 pieces including, partial service for six. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000. Jasper52 image
Also from Tiffany & Co. is a highly engraved sterling silver brandy flask. Numbers stamped on the bottom date the flask to 1879. The detailed engraving of grapes hanging from a vine is in excellent condition, as is the gold flashing on the inside.
Engraved sterling silver brandy flask stamped Tiffany & Co., monogram ‘AR’ on one side, 374 grams, 7 5/8in x 3 7/8in x 1 3/4in. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image
From America’s jazz age comes a trio of sterling silver tazzas in the Modernist style by Reed & Barton in Taunton, MA. Pieces in the same motif are in the permanent collection of the Dallas Museum of Art.
Set of three Art Deco tazzas by Reed & Barton in the ‘Modernist’ style, circa 1928. Estimate: $4,500-$6,000. Jasper52 image
An extraordinary decorative arts piece is this Tiffany & Co. fully hallmarked sterling silver and 24K gold gilt “topiary.” The exquisite handmade potted plant dates to the 1950s.
Tiffany and Co. sterling silver and 24K gold gilt ‘topiary’ with exquisite handmade details, circa: 1950s, 11in high. Estimate: $4,500-$6,000. Jasper52 image
The 102-lot auction also features more than a dozen items made by Gorham including a punch ladle and ice scoops. Take a look at the full catalog here.
