Whiting 'Bird on Nest' Antique Sterling Silver Macaroni Server, Attleboro, MA or New York City, c. 1876

This stunning and rare macaroni server is a great example of aesthetic movement silver. Whiting's silver is under-appreciated today and this server is indicative of their high quality design and execution.

This server was made by the Whiting Manufacturing Company from North Attleboro, MA until 1875 and in New York City after. It is a beautiful design made from multiple parts. Three sterling rods form the central part of the handle which is attached with decorative circular joins to the other sections. The finely detailed top of the handle depicts 4 baby birds in a nest about to be fed by a parent. The bowl is quite dramatic. It is lightly gilt with a matte finish and, keeping with the theme at the top, is a wonderful display of bird feathers. The back of the handle is engraved 'William/ and Mary/ 1851 - 1876. Not a bad 25th anniversary gift!

Macaroni servers are only rarely seen on the market today and we believe that macaroni in the 19th century was meant more generally than just our 'elbow' macaroni of today - think of pasta and noodles more broadly and you get the idea. These servers are rare: only a privileged few had them.

This wonderful server is marked on the back with Whiting's trademark, "3" and "STERLING". It measures 10.75 inches long, weighs 3 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.