Michael Gibney Antique Coin Silver 'Grape' of 'Vintage' Pattern Pastry Server, NYC, c. 1855

This lovely, early server is in the uncommon ‘Grape’ or 'Vintage' pattern and is a very rare form.  Wonderfully cast bunches of grapes and leaves flow from vines around the fiddle shaped cartouche engraved with the name 'Ella'. The pattern is also executed on the back of the handle. The oval bowl is beautifully engraved and has a raised and shaped back edge to assist in serving. 

Noel Turner, in American Silver Flatware, notes this server is in Whiting’s ‘Grape’ pattern. Michael Gibney, an important New York flatware maker, was the first silversmith to receive a US design patent for flatware in 1844 and marked much of his flatware with patent dates, although not always with his maker’s mark. 

This server is marked by the Albany, NY retailer 'MULFORD, WENDELL & Co.' It is also marked ‘PAT^ED 1855’.  Whiting wound up with many of Michael Gibney’s dies and this is the pattern for which he received patent number 698 on April 3, 1855. (1)

This lovely server measures 9.25 inches long, weighs 2.80 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.

Endnotes:

1. Dorothy Rainwater & Judy Redfield, The Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers, 4th Revised Edition, pp. 121-122.