An Interesting Spoon from Augsburg & Its Mystery Arms

Maurice Meslans

The author shares a large serving spoon he purchased at auction made about 1730 by Johann Wagenknecht in Augsburg, Germany. It features coin-like medallions and a coat of arms. Maurice is hoping a reader can help him establis a history of the coat of arm

The Silver Sleuth: How an Ordinary Box Lot Can Turn into a History Lesson

Kirsten Rabe Smolensky

With extra time on her hands due to Covid-19, the author delved deep into boxes of sterling she purchasd years prior. She chronicles her journey in discovering the recipient and history of a presentation tray from 1956 made by Meuck-Cary Co., Inc., New Yo

Silversmith Joseph Bear of New Market, Virginia & Engraver William Wagner of York, Pennsylvania

Catherine Hollan, Laurence Lindberg, and Cliff Nunn

The discovery of a watch paper provides historical intrigue in how silversmith Joseph Bear of New Market, Virginia may have crossed paths with engraver William Wagner of York, Pennsylvania.

Beyond These Borders: A Tablespoon by the Quebec master silversmith Francois Sasseville

Rowland L. Matteson

A tablespoon from Quebec, provides examples of marks from the silversmith Francois Sasseville. There is additional history from other key silversmiths from Quebec and Montreal in the 1800s.

Queen Victoria’s Sexagenarian Anniversary Souvenir Spoon

Robert M. Wilhelm

History & examples of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 - souvenir spoons and commemorative medals.

Schulz & Fischer’s Homeric Medallion Flatware

Richard Tuck

The article discusses Schulz & Fischer's Homeric pattern with other Medallion patterns of the era with history and silver examples.

Trophies of the Gilded Age: the Collection of J.D. Parks

Karen Rigdon

J.D. Parks and his collection of presentation silver yachting trophies made by Tiffany & Co., as well as history yacht racing in the late 1800s.

How British Silversmiths are Coping with Covid-19

John Andrew

The author interviewed a number of British silversmiths to understand how the Covid-19 virus has affected their businesses and how they are moving forward crafting their silver in new surroundings and "studios."

"More Hand-Painted Souvenir Spoon Bowls: West Baden Springs Hotel — Johns Hopkins Hospital — McKinley Memorial"

Robert M. Wilhelm

History & examples of hand-painted souvenir spoons of various landmarks made by Shepard Mfg. Co., Watson & Newell Co., and an unknown maker.

Beyond These Borders: A 19th Century Tablespoon from Borgå, (Porvoo)

Rowland L. Matteson

A nineteenth-century tablespoon from Borgå, Finland, provides examples of marks from the silversmith Jacob Granbom and the date mark for 1846.

A Special Chalice

Osep Tokat

The author translates and interprets the engravings and motifs of an extremely ornate chalice with Armenian scriptures.

Seeing in Silver: The Amazing World of Michael Galmer

Elyse Zorn Karlin

This article provides amazing silver examples from silversmith/sculptor Michael Galmer who is also an artist and jeweler who works in silver to create personal adornments, tableware, and other objects.

The Duhme Silver Company: Cincinnati’s Tiffany of The West, Part 2

Michelle P. Wilhelm

History & examples of souvenir spoons of top landmarks from Cincinnati, OH, made by the Duhme Silver Company.

David H. Friend, Alabama Silversmith

Cliff Nunn

The author illustrates coin silver spoons with the silversmith marks "DHF" and shares his research of how he attributes the mark to the Alabama silversmith David H. Friend.

Tennessee – Chattanooga: When Travel, History and Collecting Coincide

Toni Fraser

The author researches the history of a silver luggage tag in his collection - its owner, family, and the city where they live.

Beyond These Borders

Rowland L. Matteson

Six salad forks from Gent, Belgium, 1831-1868, provide examples of marks from silversmiths J.B. Mahieu and C. Belleville & G. Gabriels.

At Home with Silver: Bringing Back Graciousness One Place-setting at a Time

Roxanne Hughes Packham

The granddaughter of silversmith Allan Adler, Roxanne reinforces the importance of bringing back silver - craftsmen matter, family heritage matters, and silver matters.

The Duhme Silver Company: Cincinnati’s Tiffany of The West, Part 1

Michelle P. Wilhelm

History & examples of souvenir spoons of top landmarks from Cincinnati, OH, made by the Duhme Silver Company.

The 1896 Harriet Beecher Stowe Spoon: A Reminder about Race History in America

Patricia F. Singer

This article illustrates the inspiration of a 1896 sterling teaspoon by the Watrous Manufacturing Company from the book Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Beyond These Borders

Rowland L. Matteson

Author shares history and examples of twelve tablespoons & marks of silversmiths Delheid Brothers and Auguste Bonnevie.

Silver Triennale International 2019: A Closer Look at Contemporary Silver Craftsmanship

Karolina Stefanski

A review of the catalogue for the Silver Triennale International and exhibit.

"Sources of Inspiration for Souvenir Spoons: Statues, Portrait Busts, Paintings, Photographs & Public Monument "

Robert M. Wilhelm

History & examples of souvenir spoons of famous statues, paintings, photographs, and public monuments.

A Glimpse of a Life at Sea, Reflected in Silver

Cliff Nunn

Author illustrates a simple coin silver spoon in the Tuscan pattern made by the firm of Eaton, Gordon & Bogert, of Newburgh, NY, circa 1856-60; and explores this history of it's owner inscribed with "L.H.Newman."

Silver Sugar Jars - Everyday Objects & Status Symbols

Christine Keruth M.A. and Karolina Stefanski, Ph.D.

Inspired by the Silver Sugar Jar Collection at the German Museum of Technology in Berlin, the authors share many examples of silver jars as well as their evolution through history.

The Family of Silversmiths & Designers

Roxanne Hughes Packham

The granddaughter of famous silversmith Allan Adler provides a glimpse into growing up in a family filled with silversmiths and designers.

A Souvenir Spoon Designed to Memorialize The Ohio State University

Robert M. Wilhelm

History & examples of Ohio State University souvenir spoons.

Beyond These Borders: François Sasseville and Other Early Silversmiths of Québec City and Montréal

Rowland L. Matteson

Author shares history and examples of spoon & marks of silversmith François Sasseville as well as other early silversmiths of Québec City and Montréal.

The Art Cabinet of Apolonius Harthals: Assignments for Young Dutch Silversmiths

Janjaap Luijt

The Dutch Silver Museum recently presented Designed by Nature, an exhibition featuring a special collection of contemporary works by young Dutch silversmiths - assignments from Apolonius Harthals.

Women in the Silver World: Flatware Designer Lillian V. M. Helander

Patricia F. Singer

Flatware Designer Lillian V.M. Helander and the history of her work.

Sterling Souvenir Map Spoons: Unique & Distinctive

Robert M. Wilhelm

History & examples of souvenir spoons: Niagra Falls, Lake Huron – Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, and Lake Winnipesaukee.

Beyond These Borders: An Empire Hovedvandsaeg from Horsens

Rowland L. Matteson

Author shares an Empire-style vinaigrette made in Horsens by silversmith Jochum Carl Gorm Bisgaard as well as his mark.

"A Dozen Unique Japanesque Table Knives: ?Antecedents of Tiffany’s Japanese Pattern " "A Dozen Unique Japanesque Table Knives: ?Antecedents of Tiffany’s Japanese Pattern "

William P. Hood Jr. and John R. Olson

Hood and Olson provide beautiful examples of twelve Tiffany & Co. Japanesque table knives that favor the company's Japanese pattern. They illustrate and chart the designs and similarities.

Two Unusual Serving Pieces by Gorham

Patricia F. Singer

Two Gorham serving pieces are illustrated and by reviewing period styles, the author helps to determine design influence and when they were produced.

Souvenir Spoons of Venice

Robert M. Wilhelm

History & examples of souvenir spoons from Venice.

Book Review: Gorham Silver: Designing Brilliance, 1850-1970

Gerald W.R.Ward

Gerald W.R. Ward reviews the book: Gorham Silver: Designing Brilliance, 1850-1970 by editor Elizabeth A. Williams.

Beyond These Borders: A Beaker Crafted by Sweden's Leading Silversmith of the 20th Century, Wiwen Nilsson

Rowland L. Matteson

Example of a 1962 silver beaker and its mark by Swedish silversmith Wiwen Nilsson.

In Search of the Perfect Fish Slice - The English Invent the Scimitar

Dale E. Bennett

History and beautiful examples of fish serving slices from various countries and English scimitar blades and descriptions of their marks.

Sheffield Silver Millennium Gallery

Caroline Rubinstein

History and Sheffield silver examples from England's Millenium Gallery.

Souvenir Spoons of St Peter's

Robert M. Wilhelm

History & examples of souvenir spoons from Italy's St. Peter's Square.

Book Review: American Silver in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Volume 1, Makers A-F

Catherine B. Hollan

Sir Richard Hoare’s Sauceboat? A Re-engraved Piece Retains its Integrity and Interest

Ralph Hoyle

An interesting theory on a sauceboat made by John Cafe from 1743 and how it changed through the generations.

Makers’ Marks: European Souvenir Spoons

Donald G. Tritt

A great guide for European souvenir spoons - shows spoons and images of their marks.

Sheffield Cathedral Silver Collection

Caroline Rubinstein

History and silver examples from England's Sheffield Cathedral Silver Collection.

Some of My Favorite Souvenir Spoons…

Michelle P. Wilhelm

Author shares the history & examples of five of her favorite souvenir spoons in her collection.

Book Review: Flatware That’s Not “Flat”: Design and Production of Innovative Table Cutlery, 1890-2015

Catherine B. Hollan

Silver Magazine staff reviews the book: Flatware That’s Not “Flat”: Design and Production of Innovative Table Cutlery, 1890-2015 by William P. Hood Jr. and Phil Dreis

Survey of Silver

Holly Frisosky

Author shares silver jiggers found for auction in a magazine - pieces were made by artist Grainger McKoyand how they were made.

The History and the Marks of The Charter Company, a Special Division of the International Silver Company

W. Scott Braznell

Historical information on a special division of the International Silver Company - The Charter Company. Examples of exquisite silver and their marks, as well as manufacturer's literature is showcased.

Book Review of Beauty of the Flowers: American Floral, Birth Month and Art Nouveau Sterling Spoons 1888-1919

Silver Magazine Staff

Silver Magazine staff reviews Beauty of the Flowers: American Floral, Birth Month and Art Nouveau Sterling Spoons 1888-1919 by author Carolyn Keating.

Greek Souvenir Spoons: The Noblest Ornaments of Illustrious Athens Acropolis, Parthenon, Athena Nike

Robert M. Wilhelm

History & examples of Greek-themed souvenir spoons: Athens Acropolis, Parthenon, and Athena Nike.

Love & Kisses: Viennese Enameled Vinaigrettes

Dorothea Burstyn

Numerous images of Viennese enameled vinaigrettes and helpful information on collecting.

Reclaiming the Gilded Age for a Tiffany & Company Cigar Stand

Tia Polidori, Katie Rovito, and Ann Wagner

A beautiful cigar stand crafted by Tiffany & Co. silversmiths and the museum quality process to restore it back to its original granduer.

Scottish Provincial Fish Slices

Dale E. Bennett

History and beautiful examples of Scottish provincial fish serving slices and descriptions of their marks.

Gorham's Unusual Items

Silver Magazine Staff

Unusual Gorham examples gathered from catalogues and advertisements.

Souvenir Spoons of Mammoth Cave: Alluring and Enduring

Robert M. Wilhelm

History & examples of a souvenir spoon illustrating Kentucky's national park Mammoth Cave.

A Pair of Sugar Tongs in the Gustaviansk Style form Landskrona, 1793

Rowland L. Matteson

Example of a pair of 1793 sugar tongs and its mark by Swedish silversmith Johan Schröder.

Loose Threads & Buttons, Mississippi Valley Silver

Maurice Meslans

Example of a silver button and the history behind its marks and symbols.

Maria Regnier: Rediscovering a Modernist Silversmith

Marissa S. Hershon

The author provides the history and wonderful examples of work by silversmith Maria Regnier.

Baltimore - Maryland Silver and the Silver Collection at the Maryland Historical Society

Caroline Rubinstein

The article illustrates many silver examples found in the Maryland Historical Society. History of Maryland silversmiths, assay office, marks, etc.

Book Review: Gorham Spoons - Sterling Souvenirs from a Bygone Era

Silver Magazine Staff

Silver Magazine staff reviews the book: Gorham Spoons - Sterling Souvenirs from a Bygone Era by Chris A. McGlothlin.

Egyptomania: The Washington Monument and Cleopatra's Needle

Robert M. Wilhelm

History & examples of a souvenir spoons illustrating the Washington Monument and Cleopatra's Needle.

A Reed & Barton Cake Basket: A Hard Look

Richard Tuck

A Reed & Barton Medallion cake basket is featured along with hisotry and patent information on other Medallion patterns.

Pages from the Past

Silver Magazine Staff

Some interesting silver-related papers from manufacturing catalogues and newspapers found in our Silver Magazine "archives" and files.

Silver in India

Chitra Balasubraniam

The author shares the value silver has in India and Indian homes with silver examples and history on their craft.

Silver in the Spotlight: A Report from TEFAF, Maastricht 2018

Karolina Stefanski

Maastricht 2018 fair categorized eight major sections: antiques, modern art, paintings, works on paper, design, ancient art, tribal art, and haute joaillerie. The author showcases amazing works of silver.

Gorham’s First Panel Sheriff ’s Jury Teaspoon: A Favor at Delmonico’s – January 12, 1892

Robert M. Wilhelm

Illustrations of a Gorham souvenir spoon dated 1892 for First Panel Sherriff's Jury. History information and the story of the dinner.

Pages from the Past

Silver Magazine Staff

Some interesting silve-related papers from manufacturing catalogues and newspapers found in our Silver Magazine "archives" and files.

Quest for Authenticity, Part 2: The United Indian Traders Association, Better Quality; Greater Sales

Bille Hougart

History of Native American silver - how the government influenced backstamps and standards. Examples of jewelry and their markings.

The Origin of English Fish Serving Pairs - An Unexpected Finding

Dale E. Bennett

History and beautiful examples of English fish serving pairs and descriptions of their marks.

The HammerClub, an Annual Informal Gathering of Silversmiths

Janjaap Luijt

The story of how the silversmith group The HammerClub was formed and information on their annual conferences.

A Pair of Sugar Tongs in the Gustaviansk Style form Landskrona, 1793

Rowland L. Matteson

Example of a pair of 1793 sugar tongs and its mark by Swedish silversmith Johan Schröder.

Old Man of the Mountain Souvenir Spoon

Michelle P. Wilhelm

Various illustrations on two "Old Man of the Mountain" souvenir spoons and their historical information. On Cannon Mountain in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a rock formation appeared in profile of an "old man."

Book Reviews

Silver Magazine Staff

Silver Magazine staff reviews the books: Unger Bros. Newark, NJ - Art Nouveau – Manufacturing Silversmiths by Judith and Arthur Levitan; and Miller’s Encyclopedia of World Silver Marks by Judith Miller and Duncan Campbell

The Mystery of “TL” in the Serrated Punch

Carolyn Law

The author provides examples of a "TL"mark and the research involved to determine if the silversmith was indeed Thomas Law.

Warsaw Silver Plate Companies. History and Marks: IV.Bros.Henneberg

David N. Nikogosyan & Joanna Paprocka-Gajek

History of the Bros. Henneberg, examples of their work and varying backstamps.

Two Danish Christening and Baptism Spoons

Robert M. Wilhelm

Various illustrations on two Danish Christening spoons and their historical information.

Dr. George McClellan’s Silver Spoons

Donald L. Fennimore

The McClellan spoons, a rare example of American silver fiddle spoons die-stamped, not with maker, manufacturer, or retailer’s names but with their owner’s name. Many illustrations of various Philadelphia silversmiths.

A Dessert Spoon Crafted in Antwerp, in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (1814-1830)

Rowland L. Matteson

Example of a dessert spoon and its mark by Antwerp silversmith Petronella Angelica Foelen Thomassen.

Book Review

Silver Magazine Staff

Silver Magazine staff reviews the books: World Hallmarks Volume I and Volume II by William Whetstone, Danusia Niklewicz, and Lindy Matula.

Russian Fish Slices

Dale E. Bennett

History and beautiful examples of Russian fish slices and descriptions of their marks.

The Signer’s Noble Urn

Rachel Lovett

A silver urn in the family of Samuel Chase, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Grant's Hat Souvenir Spoons

Robert M. Wilhelm

Various examples of Grant's Hat souvenir spoons as well as historical information on Ulysses S. Grant.

Abraham Dubois Mark Attribution on a Bird-Back Teaspoon

John R. McGrew

John McGrew details his research path to the attribution of his bird-back teaspoons, along with examples of marks and designs.

A Set of Six Forks in the Fiddle Pattern from Antwerp Crafted by Jean Jacques Coetermans

Rowland L. Matteson

Examples of forks and their marks by Dutch silversmith Jean Jacques Coetermans.

Book Reviews

Silver Magazine Staff

Silver Magazine staff reviews the books: Virginia and West Virginia Silversmiths and Related Artisans to 1900 by Catherine B. Hollan; and Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London: Their Lives and Their Marks by David M. Mitchell

Quest for Authenticity - U.S. Government Hallmarks on Native American Silver, 1938-1941: Short-Term Project; Long-Term Impact

Bille Hougart

History of Native American silver - how the government influenced backstamps and standards. Examples of jewelry and their markings.

Frederick Towle, Jeweler of Tallahassee, and His Successors

Cliff Nunn

Historic information and detailed examples of silver and backstamps from Frederick Towle and successors.

Images of Native Americans on Souvenir Spoons

Robert M. Wilhelm

Various examples of Native American souvenir spoons.

Anglesey Abbey: The Silver Collection

Caroline Rubinstein

The author provides a brief history of Angelsey Abbey and a detailed listing of the items in the silver collection.

Editorial

Bob Slater

Silver Magazine 50 Years: 1968-2018, Robert F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King