Mettlach Punch Set

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...

This remarkable cut glass punch bowl by Sinclaire is cut in the rare Brussels pattern. This absolutely stunning pattern is one of the company's sc...

This two-piece punch bowl and ladle set is cut in one of the rarest and most desirable designs of the American Brilliant Period – Meriden’s sophisticated Jewel pattern. On the bowl, ...

Comprised of a platter and serving bowl, this incredibly intricate salad set was crafted in the desirable Delphos pattern by the Libbey Glass Company. Stunning fields of diamonds are cut with immense precision, making this pattern one of the most dazzling American Brilliant Period cut glass patterns ever created. A banana bowl adorned in the Delphos pattern is featured in Rarities in American Cut Glass by Herbert Wiener and Freda Lipkowitz on page 19. The bowl and platter bear the Libbey acid-etched mark. The Libbey Glass Company was the foremost and most respected producer of the best cut glass of the Brilliant Period. From its very inception, the Libbey Glass Company assumed and maintained a prominent position, considered second to none in the production of premium American glass. The company was founded in 1818 in Cambridge, Massachusetts and was known as the New England Glass Company. In 1878, William L. Libbey leased the company, changing the name to the New England Glassworks, LLC, Libbey and Sons, Proprietors. His son, Edward Drummond Libbey, took over the operation in 1883 and, in 1888, he closed the Massachusetts factory and moved to Toledo, Ohio, renaming the company the Libbey Glass Company. Libbey became the largest cut glass factory in the world during the Brilliant Period (1878-1915). The company's incredible exhibit at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair propelled Libbey's world-wide reputation. They brought 130 of their most skilled craftsmen to blow and cut glass, awing spectators by demonstrating the complicated and precise process of transforming raw molten glass into dazzling works of art. Today, examples of Libbey cut glass...

This wonderful late 19th century silver plated wine trolley was crafted by Christofle, the French firm renowned for their commanding silver and plated flatw...

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...

Early 20th century Mettlach stoneware punch bowl with undertray & cover. German works, #2087 with full US & German patent marks. Renaissance Revival style with German towns of note f...

A colorful set of ceramic bowls with hand painted stripes in red, orange and black color over white. Manufactured by Vargas, Spain, 1960-1970. Six small bowls and a big centerpiece ...

Charming Caviar set including 2 elegant Caviar jar and 2 gorgeous Art Nouveau spoons. It can be used as a jam set as well. France, 1900.

Set of English green and gilt banded serving dishes Scallop edged oval dish and shell form shaped sweetmeat dish with Scottish crowned thistle; both with gilt border. Dimensions: Ov...

Spode pottery neoclassical Greek pattern blue printed supper set Early-19th century From a large collection of Greek pattern pieces in various colors ...

A wonderful set of three milk glass w. red dot, serving bowls. The bowls are in rather good condition for their age and use. No chips. Large is 9.5" diameter x 6" height Med. is 8.5"...