William G. DeMatteo Sterling Silver Gravy Boat with Stand, Bergenfield, NJ, c. 1950

This lovely sauce or gravy boat has its original under-tray and is of very high quality. Of Danish-inspired design, it is interpreted with DeMatteo's distinctive traits.

The large hammered body with a shaped edge has a wonderful sparkle and reflective surface. It is attached to the circular stepped, pedestal base with four organic blossoms. A larger execution of this element is used to construct the C-scroll handle. The stand, with it's circular center and raised sides, firmly holds the gravy boat.

Although technically working across the river in New Jersey, William G. DeMatteo is considered (along with Peer Smed) to have been New York's finest mid-century silversmith. His hand wrought silver is always of fine quality. Another of his great achievements was training his son, William L DeMatteo, as a silversmith. William L. DeMatteo became the first master silversmith at Colonial Williamsburg.

Both pieces are stamped underneath 'DEMATTEO/ HAND MADE/ STERLING/ 253', and with DeMatteo's trademark. The tray measures 8 inches bong by 5.25 inches wide by 1 inch high on the ends. The sauce boat measures 8.5 inches across handle and spout by 5 inches high. They weigh a combined 20.05 troy ounces and are in excellent antique condition.