Bailey & Co. (George Sharp) Antique Sterling Silver Fish Server, Philadelphia, PA, c. 1860s

A blade so beautifully engraved is nothing short of a work of art. Here the silversmith creates a flat, large fish serving knife out of a single piece of silver. The handle is decorated on both sides in an elegant engine-turned design, with the front bearing 'Jett' engraved in the cartouche between two leaves. The shaped blade is completely engraved to display a stunning (renaissance style) dolphin with fins, scales, curled tail, etc.

An outstanding fish server, this piece shows the naturalism of the 1850s at its very best. It was most likely made during the 1852-62 period when George Sharp was the superintendent of Bailey & Co.'s silver shop.

Provenance: Private Collection.

This rare server is marked by Bailey & Co. with marks used while George Sharp was their superintendent. It measures just over 12 inches long, weighs 5.45 troy ounces, and is in excellent antique condition.