Table Silver

Antique silver is one of the oldest and most rewarding collecting fields. What could be more enjoyable than to gradually build a selection of quality silverware to use at mealtimes and decorate the dining table?

There is a dazzling choice of antique silver bowls, dishes and baskets to choose from in many differing styles from baroque, rococo and classical through to Regency and Victorian. Dinner plates and serving trays were usually made for grand households and often come with finely engraved coats of arms. Smaller pieces such as silver sauce boats and condiments are an ideal starting point for the collector and items such as table salts, silver peppers and mustard pots are always popular.

Silver table cutlery is available in a wide variety of patterns and can be bought in complete sets or built up piece by piece. Before the 18th century the only items of table silver made in any quantity were spoons. Forks were rare prior to the 18th century and sets of table cutlery only started to become available from the late 18th century.

In many countries the art of table decoration is highly prized and nothing can be more beautiful than an antique centrepiece bowl filled with fresh flowers or a silver table epergne gracefully decked with sweets and candies. Smaller accessories, such as menu holders, napkin rings, cutlery rests and spoon trays, will add the finishing touches to a table display. Silver table birds make a marvellous talking point.

Table Silver

Circa 1600

9453 Antique Nuremberg Silver Wine Taster
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A rare piece of early German silver dating back to circa 1600. A charming little silver taster with scalloped borders and shaped side handles. The centre is engraved with a single flower and leaf motifs picked out with prick dot chasing. The scalloped sides also have prick dot decoration, possibly crown motifs. The interior still has its original gilt finish and the exterior retains traces of the original gilt. Weight 47 grams, 1.5 troy ounces. Width across handles 10.1cm. Height 3.1cm. Top 8.3cm. German silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for Nuremberg circa 1600. Maker Wolff Loschen.
Circa 1631
William Maddox
9605 Antique Charles I Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early 17th century sterling silver dish with applied shell side handles and scalloped rim. Unusual large size. Although quite shallow, this is more probably a wine taster than a sweetmeat dish. The embossed decoration has 10 segments containing flower motifs. The centre has a prick dot circle containing flower heads and a shield shaped cartouche with a simple coat of arms. Weight 217 grams, 6.9 troy ounces. Width across handles 25.6 cm. Diameter 19.2 cm. English silver hallmarks stamped on the edge for London. Circa 1631. Maker William Maddox.
1634
Benjamin Francis
9394 Charles I Silver Tazza
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A fine piece of early English sterling silver. An antique sterling silver footed salver (or paten) of plain form with a simple reeded border. Small size. Superb colour. Uninscribed. Total weight 93 grams, 3 troy ounces. Diameter 12.5 cm. Height 2.5 cm. London 1634. Makers mark possibly “BF” for Benjamin Francis (Jackson’s page 109), a known maker of salvers and patens.
1634
Thomas Maundy
8190 Antique Charles I Silver Wine Taster
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A rare and very beautiful 17th century sterling silver dish with pretty little shell side handles. Although rather shallow, this is more probably a wine taster than a sweetmeat dish. The embossed decoration has 8 segments containing scroll and other motifs. The centre is embossed with concentric prick dot circles containing flowers; inside there are 4 leaves and a shield shaped cartouche with scratched initials “TO” over “EF” to the reverse . Weight 95 grams, 3 troy ounces. Width across handles 18.35 cm. Diameter 11.6 cms. English silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for London 1634. Maker Thomas Maundy* (Jacksons P.119).
1643
Arent Verstege
10201 Antique Dutch Silver Jug
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An extremely rare antique silver jug dating from the 1600’s with a cast, shaped handle and superb decoration with embossed cherubs’ heads and bunches of fruit. Very heavy quality and feels good in the hand. Deep bright gilding throughout. Originally an altar cruet jug for wine and/or water. Weight 226 grams, 7.2 troy ounces. Height 15cm. Spread 10.3cm. Foot diameter 6.7cm. Haarlem 1643. Maker Arent Verstege. 17th century.
Circa 1650
Hans Jakob Baur
8683 Antique Augsburg Silver Dish
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An early antique German silver dish (or possibly wine taster) of plain oval form with a scalloped border. To the centre there is a charming bird scene surrounded by raised dot decoration. The cast side handles are very pretty. Original interior gilding and a gilt around the top on the outside. Weight 129 grams, 4.1 troy ounces. Height 3 cms (4.5 cms to top of handle). Top of dish measures 16 x 14 cms. Marked on either side of one of the handles with German silver marks for Augsburg and on the inside rim with the makers mark for Hans Jakob Baur. Circa 1650.
1654

7794 Antique Commonwealth Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early English silver dish of circular shallow form with simple wire handles. The design of punched beading and lobes is typical of the period and forms a flower design in the base of the bowl. Weight 41 grams, 1.3 troy ounces. Height 2 cms. Diameter 8 cms. Spread across handles 10.5 cms. English silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for London 1654. Makers mark IW* (Jacksons P.120).
1655

7013 Commonwealth Period Silver Gilt Wine Taster
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A rare and very beautiful 17th century sterling silver dish with original gilt finish. With leaf side handles and decorated with plants and flowers. Although rather shallow, this is probably a wine taster. The centre is engraved with prick dots and initials M over I*R. Weight 186 grams, 6 troy ounces. Width across handles 23 cm. Diameter 17 cms. English silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for London 1655. Makers mark ‘M’ over a star (Jacksons P.121).
Circa 1655

10189 Commonwealth Period Antique Silver Wine Taster
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A superb early English silver dish of circular shallow form with simple wire handles. Very rare and charming small size. The design of punched beading and lobes is typical of the period and forms a flower design in the base of the bowl. Stamped around the rim with owner’s initials “ALS”. Weight 19 grams, less than one troy ounce. Height 2.2cm (to top of handle). Diameter 6.2cm. Spread across handles 8.5cm. London circa 1655. Maker “WH.” 17th century.
Circa 1660
Reinhold Ruhl
8290 Early Antique Nurnberg Silver Wine Taster
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A rare piece of early German silver. This charming little 17th century silver taster has scalloped borders and shaped side handles. The centre is embossed with a single flower stem surrounded by simple leaf motifs picked out with prick dot chasing. Traces of the original gilt finish, Weight 41 grams, 1.3 troy ounces. Width across handles 11.5 cm. Height 2.7 cms. Top 10.4 x 9.8 cms. German silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for Nurnberg circa 1660. Maker Reinhold Ruhl, noted for his fine quality cups and beakers.
Circa 1661
Stephen Venables
9086 Antique Charles II Sealtop Silver Spoon
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An early English period sterling silver spoon with a fig shape bowl and double baluster seal terminal. The seal end has the original gilt finish (worn) with prick dot initials “IW”. Initial “R” to the reverse of the bowl. Weight 42 grams, 1.3 troy ounce. Length 17.1cm. Bowl 6.5x5cm. London circa 1661. Maker Stephen Venables, a leading spoon maker of the period.
Table silver of this date was stamped with “up the handle” silver marks and it is not unusual that marks punched on the thin central part of the handle stamps are distorted or badly struck and difficult to read.
1661
Richard Farmer
9659 Charles II Silver Charger
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A rare antique silver dish dating from Charles II period having the high relief embossing of animals, flowers and foliage, typical of the period. The quality of the decoration is excellent and the animals (lion, dog, stag and deer) are very charming. Weight 1172 grams, 31.1 troy ounces. Scratchweight 38=14. Diameter 41cm. London 1661. Maker “RF”, probably Richard Farmer (page 122 Jacksons Silver and Gold Marks”. Sterling silver.
1664

6134 Charles II Silver Plate
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A fine example of early English silver having excellent patina and very clear hallmarks to the front of the plate. Of plain, circular shape the plate has a wide border with chased reeded edge. There are prick mark initials to both sides and a date of 1665. Weight 334 grams, 10.7 troy ounces. Diameter 24.25 cms. London 1664. Makers mark “H” in a heart.
1667
William Norman
9673 Charles II Gilt Silver Salver on Foot
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An outstanding piece of early English silver. A rare antique silver tazza, dating from Charles II period, having a plain form, thick gadroon borders, and a bright gilt finish. To the centre is a large, hand engraved coat of arms within a plumage feathers cartouche, very typical of the period. The quality of the piece is excellent and the finish is very crisp. Weight 1135 grams, 36.4 troy ounces. Diameter 33cm. Height 6.2cm. Sterling silver. London 1667. Maker “WN ”, probably William Norman* (courtesy of Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). Maker “WN ”, probably William Norman* (courtesy of Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). There is a gilt salver on foot by Norman in the Duke of Portland’s collection catalogued in 1935.
1669

8705 Charles II Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early English silver dish of circular shallow form with two simple side handles. Lovely design with fleur de lys and dots to the lower body and to the centre a large flower within a circle of punched dots. Weight 77 grams, 2.4 troy ounces. Height 3 cms (4 cms to top of handle). Diameter 9.4 cms. Spread across handles 18.5 cms. English silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for London 1669. Makers mark GS (Jacksons P.127 – see photo). Sterling silver.
Circa 1670

8131 Charles II Miniature Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early English toy two-handled wine taster in sterling silver from the reign of Charles II. With a simple plain form and wirework handles. This little cup has an excellent patina and hammered finish. Contains 10 ml approx. Weight 12 grams. Height 2 cms. Diameter of top 4.5 cms. Spread across handles 6.7 cms. Marked underneath with the makers mark only “WH conjoined, mullet below”. Mark entered 1670 (see Jacksons page 130*).
Circa 1670
William Harrison
10343 Charles II Antique Silver Charger
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A rare antique silver rose water dish of substantial size dating from Charles II period. The high relief embossed decoration of flowers and foliage is typical of the time. Excellent quality. The centre is engraved with a large hand engraved armorial and crest. Weight 1258 g, 40.4 troy oz. Diameter 44.5cm. London circa 1670. Maker William Harrison. Sterling silver.
1675
Balthasar Haydt
7799 Antique German Silver Wine Taster
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A 17th century continental silver dish of small size with flat shaped side handles. To the outside there is an embossed decoration of fruit and ribbons. Very charming. Weight 93 grams, 3 troy ounces. Height 4 cms. Diameter 8.5 cms. Spread across handles 13 cms. On the base there is an assay scrape and German silver stamps for Augsburg. Maker Balthasar Haydt. Circa 1675.
Circa 1680

8717 Antique Silver Trefid Spoon
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A good antique sterling silver spoon with a trefid terminal and rat-tail bowl. Dessert size. The spoon has a very attractive hand hammered finish. Weight 36 grams, 1 troy ounces. Length 18.5 cms. Bowl 6×4.75 cms. Makers mark ‘TA’ within a shield. Circa 1700.
Circa 1680
Ralph Leake
8895 Charles II Silver Tazzas
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A fine pair of early English sterling silver footed salvers with a thick reeded border. Hand engraved to the centre of each is an armorial engraved within plumage feathers (the marital arms of Banks and Dethick*). You can still see the hand hammered finish on the feet. Total weight 758 grams, 24.3 troy ounces. Diameter 23.5 cms. Height 6 cms. Makers mark only stamped to the top of each for Ralph Leake (Jacksons page 137). Circa 1680.
1680

6392 Antique Silver Bun Pepper
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An antique sterling silver pepper pot of simple baluster form with a pierced detachable top. Marked underneath with an early leopards head. London. Circa 1680. Sterling silver.
Circa 1680

9734 Antique German Silver Wine Taster
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A charming little 17th century silver dish with scalloped sides and shaped side handles. The centre is embossed with a single flower stem picked out with prick dot engraving. Bold flowers, including poppies and daffodils were very popular during the mid to late 17th century. The gilt finish appears original and there is a gilt band to the outer edge. Owner’s initials “SW” engraved to one side, “EK” to the other. Weight 72 grams, 2.3 troy ounces. Width across handles 16cm. Height 2.8/3.8cm. Diameter 13cm. German silver marks stamped by the handle for maker Paul Hedel Hofer, Breslau. Circa 1680.
Circa 1680

9855 17th Century Continental Silver Pomander
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A fascinating piece of history contained in a small silver globe. This antique silver pomander of spherical form has all-over chased decoration of flowers & leaf-scrolls in low relief. The screw top unturns to release the six numbered, hinged segments with sliding covers, the interior with hand engraved flowers. The foot unscrews to reveal a secret hollow compartment. Weight 89 grams, 2.8 troy ounces. Height 6.5cm. Spread 9cm fully extended. The pomander is made of unmarked silver It is quite usual for a small article of this date to be unmarked. Probably Dutch. Circa 1680.
Circa 1680

9876 Antique German Silver Wine Taster
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A charming little 17th century silver dish with scalloped sides and shaped side handles. With a gilt finish inside and to the outside top rim. The centre is embossed throughout with shells, flowers and fruits. Weight 158 grams, 5 troy ounces. Top measures 16.5 x 12.5 cm. Width across handles 16.1 cm. Height 3.1 cm. Continental silver marks stamped by the handle. Probably German. Circa 1680.
Circa 1680

10325 Antique Silver Table Trivet
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An unusual 17th century miniature table of rectangular form standing on cabriole legs. A perfect display for a small tea set or pair of candlesticks. The solid wood top, with inset armorial plaque, is mounted with a silver framework. The underside still has the original claws to hold the wood in place and the pretty little wing nuts for the silver plaque; the remains of an old collector’s label can be seen in the corner. Top measures 26.2cm x 16.4cm. Height 6.3cm. Maker “GJ”. English, circa 1680. Provincial silver. Probably East Anglian.
Circa 1681

8897 Charles II Silver Alms Dish
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A rare and beautiful early English silver plate. Simple plain design with reeded border. Lovely patina and excellent original condition. Weight 171 grams, 5.4 troy ounces. Diameter 17.2 cms. Very clear markers mark only to the top edge. Circa 1681. Makers mark SH – see Jacksons page 137.
1683
Samuel Hawkes
9523 Charles II Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early English two-handled wine taster in sterling silver from the reign of Charles II. With a simple plain form and wirework handles. Excellent patina and faint signs of the hand hammered finish. Owners initials inscribed underneath. Weight 27 grams, just under 1 troy ounce. Height 2.2 cm (bowl), 3.5 cm (to top of handle). Diameter of top 6.5 cm. Spread across handles 9.2 cm. London 1683. Maker’s mark “SH” within a heart shaped shield, probably Samuel Hawkes (*see David Mitchell’s book on “Silversmiths in Stuart and Elizabethan England”).
1686

9283 Antique James II Silver Sugar Caster
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A late 17th century antique sterling silver muffineer in the traditional lighthouse design with a bayonet fitting, so typical of these very early casters. This lovely castor is of heavy quality and feels good in the hand. The base is plain styled with pierced motifs, the top is simply pierced, the holes are quite large as crushed loaf sugar was still in use at this early date. Engraved to the front is a large armorial, the top has the matching crest. Weight 243 grams, 7.8 troy ounces. Height 17 cms. Diameter of base 8.2 cms. London 1686. Makers mark “FA”* – see Jacksons page 133.
1689

9261 Antique Silver Trefid Spoon
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A good antique sterling silver spoon, the oval bowl with incised and beaded rat tail heel, the flat stem with a trefid pattern terminal. William & Mary period. Hand hammered finish. Owners initials to the front and back. Weight 51 grams, 1.6 troy ounces. Length 20cm. Bowl 7×4.6cm. Makers mark ‘IL’ over a mullet, within a shield. London 1689.
1689
Seth Lofthouse
9940 William & Mary Antique Chinoiserie Silver Porringer
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A fascinating and rare piece of chinoiserie silver. This early English antique sterling silver porringer, or side handled cup, is flat chased with an exuberant oriental scene incorporating Chinese people and exotic birds. The large bowl, of circular form with flared lip, is ideal for use as a drinking cup or for displaying flowers. Weight 482 grams, 14.4 troy ounces. Height 12.3cm. Diameter 14cm. Spread across the handles 21.5cm. London 1689. Maker Seth Lofthouse. Sterling silver.
1690
Thomas Brydon
8362 William & Mary Antique Silver Sugar Caster
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A late 17th century antique sterling silver muffineer in the traditional lighthouse design with a bayonet fitting, so typical of these very early casters. This lovely castor is of heavy quality and feels good in the hand. The base is plain styled with fluted borders, the top is simply pierced, the holes are quite large as crushed loaf sugar was still in use at this early date. Uninscribed. Weight 310 grams, 9.9 troy ounces. Height 20 cm. Diameter of base 8.5 cm. London 1690. Makers mark for Thomas Brydon (overstruck) – see Jacksons page 148, bottom mark.
1690

9997 William & Mary Antique Silver Nutmeg Grater
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A charming little late 17^th century silver nutmeg grater of teardrop form, one side fitted with a serrated rasp. Each side has a hinged lid with stand-away hinge. Both covers are hand engraved with simple foliate decoration. Weight 29 grams, 0.9 troy ounce. Height 2.5 cm. Top 3.7 x 2.9 cm. Total spread across the covers 8.3cm. Unmarked silver. English. Circa 1690.