Whiting (attr) Bird Design Antique Sterling Silver Serving Spoon, c. 1870

A series of various castings create this wonderful and rare serving spoon. The upper part is a beautiful display of a bird watching over his/her nest. A large cast and applied bird with spread wings is perched within a circular vine above another applied leaves and berries ornament. Below this is a nest with two baby birds with heads pointed upwards and beaks open ready to be fed.

The handle is made up of three rods and an applied leaf and berry design at its terminal. Decorative roundels with fine beading attach the handle to the top and bowl sections. The dramatic bowl is beautifully fluted with pointed ends. It has a matte finish and original gilt surface.

This magnificent server is marked 'STERLING' and with the model number 18. It measures 10.5 inches long, weighs 2.8 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.