A classic 19th century French 2nd standard (900/1000 pure silver) tastevin, inset at the base with a 1702 coin bearing the likeness of King Louis XIV surrounded by the legend translated as "Louis XIV by grace of god King of France and Navarre." The bowl of the tastevin is finished with the typical arrangement of "perles" and elongated "godrons" designed to create reflections in the wine to better judge its color and clarity...

Great pair of cast iron owl andirons with glass eyes that light up from the flames of the fire. They measure 15" tall X 9 1/2" wide x 16" deep, are attributed to Howes Foundry of Boston, Mass., and are from the 1880s. They are marked on the side of the rail #918-1 and Made in USA, and on the back of the owl 3000 and the number 2. They are in excellent original condition with no damage, including the glass eyes.

Wonderful old fox hunting motif whip rack. Painted metal, solid brass hooks, iron fox head. Measures 28" tall by 22" wide and 5" deep.

A cheerful Aesthetic Period sunflower card receiver with a cricket on the front and a dragonfly on the back. This silver plate receiver by Meriden Silver Plate Company of Connecticut dates late 19th C. Measures about 7 inches high.

A classic 19th century French silver tastevin of traditional form and the bottom inset with a silver coin from the reign of Louis XV. The sides of the tastevin are decorated with the traditional raised "perles", recessed "cupules" and elgongated "godrons" for viewing the depth of color in a wine...

From our European Collection, an absolutely marvelous Victorian sterling silver two-handled oval serving platter by Mappin & Webb, London, 1897, fully marked, with superb chasing and casting featuring floral scrolls and phoenix, open-work gallery lions, basins and ancient mask heads, and with curled serpents for handles...

A delightful early 19th century French silver tastevin featuring a 1770 Louis XV coin and a wonderfully decorated handle. The handle decoration depicts a man seated atop a wine barrel grasping a wine bottle in one hand and a Cupid's arrow in the other. The design is completed with the legend "Vive l'amour et le vin" ("Long live love and wine."). This type of handle was developed in the early 1700s and was used mostly in the Burgundy region...

Elaborately handled server by Reed & Barton in the "Love Disarmed" pattern. It has the old hallmarks dating back to 1899. This piece is in excellent condition, the figure on the handle and all of the repousse work are very crisp. Originally an asparagus server, it can be used for so many things. It has lovely piercings on the flat portion, and it shows no wear. It measures approximately 11.25" long and 3.75" at its widest. It weighs 255 grams. It is not monogrammed.

An absolutely delightful bronze calling card tray, the center designed with a small frog atop a traditional baroque-style wave. The top edge of the dish has a wonderful scene of four frogs riding big-wheel bicycles along a road. They have quite good balance, as all have their arms crossed. The lead frog is even smoking a pipe. Road markers reading “2Km” and “3Km” mark their progress...

Absolutely beautiful silver plate tray with center crest and decoration, handles on each end and fabulous serpentine, reticulated edges. This tray is marked by the maker, but I couldn't find the mark. It is old and in excellent condition. It measures 29 1/2" long x 22" deep.

A very attractive French silver (1st standard=950/1000 pure silver) tastevin, the bottom inset with a 1785 silver coin showing the bust of King Louis XVI. This tastevin departs slightly from the traditional form, with the fluted “godrons” placed immediately around the coin and the sides finished with very nice repousse decoration of grapes, vines and leaves. The tastevin is finished with a single coiled snake handle...

A very attractive late 19th century first standard (950/1000 pure silver) wine taster by Parisian silversmith Louis Coignet. The tastevin is decorated in the Bourgogne style with an applied handle in snake form. The serpent is beautifully decorated with engraved scales and eyes. The sides are enhanced with repousse and chased decoration of grape clusters and vine leaves. This example is classic form, but has a very steep convex bottom and no “godrons” or “perles” along the sides...

A classic 19th century French silver tastevin of traditional form by master silversmith Alexandre Vauger. This example is of small size, intended for use in evaluating cognac, Armagnac or calvados instead of wine. Unlike the “perles” and “godrons” found on the walls of a wine taster, a cognac taster more accurately reflects the liquid’s color using a smooth surface...

A classic 19th century French silver tastevin of traditional form by master silversmith Alexandre Vauger. This example is of small size, intended for use in evaluating cognac, Armagnac or calvados instead of wine. Unlike the “perles” and “godrons” found on the walls of a wine taster, a cognac taster more accurately reflects the liquid’s color using a smooth surface...

A classic 19th century French silver tastevin of traditional form by master silversmith Alexandre Vauger. This example is of small size, intended for use in evaluating cognac, Armagnac or calvados instead of wine. Unlike the “perles” and “godrons” found on the walls of a wine taster, a cognac taster more accurately reflects the liquid’s color using a smooth surface...

A Compete Set of Five Pair of Diamond Brass Candlesticks. The Original Three Pairs (Ace of Diamonds, King of Diamonds and Queen of Diamonds) were Designed to Commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee (1837-1897). The Remaining Two Pairs (Prince of Diamonds and Princess of Diamonds) came out in 1901, after Victoria's Death. There are several ding and scratches on the individual pieces, but overall in very good condition. The full set is a rare occurrence.

A Georgian Silver Flat Top Tankard by Solomon Hougham, London, 1796. A reeded design, with an engraved handle and a dragon in the front. Dimensions; 7.5 inches high, 36.5 traditional ounces, 33.3 "Troy ounces. Excellent condition.

A hammered copper Arts and Crafts style plaque decorated with three stylized marine fish amongst bubbles and seaweed. This item will have been made in the British Isles circa 1890-1910...