M.S. Rau Serving Pieces

A monumental piece of history, this exquisite silver punch set was made for Czar Alexander III as a gift to British Captain Joseph Wiggins. Heavily decorated with rich engravings and proverbs in old Slavic lettering, this service is a grand symbol of celebration and a testament to the beauty of Russian Imperial silver. The punch set, a standalone treasure in its own right, was gifted by Czar Alexander III to Captain Wiggins in recognition of his pioneering expedition along the Enisei River. Driven by a desire to establish a sea route with Siberia, Captain Wiggins’ journey is notable for being the first successful endeavor by a British seaman in 300 years to extend commercial interests with the northern coasts of Russia. Even more notable is the presentation of this elaborate gift by the Russian government to a foreign national, particularly when the British government all but ignored Wiggins' efforts. In fact, the British government refused his modest request for surveying and observational instruments. Even so, the Czar was impressed, and chose to honor Wiggins with this exceptional punch service — as pictured and discussed in Henry Johnson’s book Captain Joseph Wiggins, written in 1907. The service was commissioned by the Czar from the House of Sazikov, the oldest silversmith and jewelry firm in Russia. Sazikov was established in 1793 by the merchant Pavel Sazikov, and became supplier to the Imperial Court in 1837. The firm, which maintained factories in Moscow and St. Petersburg, became renowned for its high quality silverware, silver sculptures, cloisonné enamels and statuettes with national motifs. The firm exhibited several cups and centerpieces at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, and from 1846, held the Imperial Warrant. The unique charm of this punch service lies not only in its craftsmanship and historical relevance, but also in the inclusion of old drinking...

Sauceboats, Set of 4 Edward Farrell Hallmarked London, 1821 These sauceboats are a fine example of Edward Farrell's craftsmanship, reflecting his distinctive style and attention to ...

This extraordinary pair of silver gilt tazze was crafted by the famed partnership of Digby Scott and Benjamin Smith. The tazze are exemplary of the superior work produced by Scott an...

Crafted by the leading English silversmith firm of the 19th century, this rare and beautifully executed beverage service by Elkington & Co. is a fantastic example of the company's innovative electroplates work. Comprising an acid-etched pitcher, six goblets and a serving tray, the parcel gilt and silver plated service boasts an incredible repoussé and chased Baroque motif. Elegantly draped maidens attended by putti distinguish the set's design, which is similar in manner to the famed Venus Rosewater...

The porcelain handles of this knife and fork are finely hand-painted with botanical specimens native to Denmark in this beautiful Flora Danica carving utensils set. Created by the le...

This grand venison meat dish is masterfully crafted of fine Old Sheffield silver plate. A product of Regency ingenuity, this dish is crafted with ...

This rare 167-piece Wentworth sterling silver flatware service was crafted by the celebrated William B. Durgin Silver Company. Each piece bears an intricate, hand-chased pattern featuring florettes, acanthus leaves, scrolls, and an open cartouche surrounding a monogram. Originally retailed by Grogan Company, the leading retail jeweler in Pittsburgh at the turn of the century, this set of 12 is truly exceptional. The set comes complete in its original fitted, suede-lined case. American, circa 1902 Marked "STERLING" with script "D" mark for Durgin and retailer's mark "Grogan Company" Case: 6" high x 23 1/8" wide x 18 7/16" deep This service comprises: 12 dinner knives12 lunch knives12 butter spreaders12 dinner forks12 lunch forks12...

This impressive set of four Tiffany & Co. silver gilt tazze displays the highly popular and distinctive Chrysanthemum pattern. Sheer brilliance of workmanship is what truly sets apart this timeless pattern, which is still considered Tiffany's finest and most elegant. The exuberant motif’s signature flower graces the scalloped rim of each dish, and extends down to the wide baluster stems and feet. Unlike most Tiffany Chrysanthemum silver...

Created by special commission for a member of European nobility, these exquisite silver-gilt and glass ramekins are the work of the famed Tiffany & Co. The set of four was created in...

This Old Sheffield silver plate epergne showcases a refined Georgian-period scalloped motif embellished with acorns and foliage. It rotates with ...

The perfect complement to a fine dining affair, this George III-period rolling dessert stand is crafted of desirable Sheffield silver plate. In this modified version of an epergne, this centerpiece features an urn-form basket encircled by pierced circular dishes supported on four arms that radiate from the center. In between are ten glass dessert cups...

The grandeur of Regency design meets superb workmanship in this cast ormolu epergne. Three imposing sphinxes support each corner, reflecting the fascination with Egyptian antiquity...

Crafted by Wedgwood, this rare, round-shaped rum kettle is comprised of black basalt and features a molded bail handle and glazed interior. Referred to as “...

Comprised of silver-gilt, these two pairs of beautifully crafted grape shears were designed and manufactured in by famed London silversmiths William Eley and William Fearn. The pairs’ handles are cast elegantly with Bacchanal motifs of fruiting grape vines and baskets bursting with fresh produce. Once used for snipping grapes, these Regency-period scissors bear the monogram “AD” for their original 1815 owner and boast an impressive royal English provenance. Hallmarked London 1815 with maker's mark of "WE / WF" Measures: 7 1/4" length x 2 1/4" width Provenance: Gifted as a wedding present from H.R.H. The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester...

This delightful and extremely rare spoon and bowl pair exemplifies the remarkable artistry of Chinese export silver. Chinese silver pieces are renowned for their exceptional quality and unique designs, and the majority are entirely hand crafted. Today, many of these elaborate designs are housed in major museum collections, and remain a rarity on the market. Beginning in the 18th century, silver workshops in China specialized in the manufacture of silver export pieces for Western audiences. Typically bearing motifs that were popular amongst Americans and Europeans such as dragons, bamboo and floral patterns, these charming pieces were all beautifully handcrafted with the utmost skill. Today, important pieces of Chinese export silver such as this one can be found in many of the major museum collections, and are highly valued amongst collectors. The bowl boasts a fluid, undulating rim exquisitely engraved to depict bamboo, a motif which continues throughout the bowls body. Accompanying the bowl is a matching silver spoon, its handle intricately modeled as a vine with floral buds climbing upwards to its bowl, which seems to bloom with lovely applied buds and flowers. The spoon features the mark of Wing Fat, a firm active in Hong Kong from 1875-1930 and Sing Fat...

An incredibly rare and exceptional pair of grape shears by Paul Storr, one of the most esteemed silversmiths in history. With handles laden with grapevine...