J E. Caldwell Antique Sterling Silver Fish Server, Philadelphia, c. 1860

This magnificent flat-blade server is in the ‘Olive’ pattern. Both the front and back of the handle features a large oval blank flanked by olive leaf decoration.  The figural blade is an exceptionally engraved example of a dolphin or fish with a looping tail and circular pierced eye.  These rare servers are sometimes referred to as dolphin-blade servers.  Marked by the Philadelphia retailer, J. E. Caldwell, it was likely made by Farrington and Hunnewell of Boston, who specialized in this pattern.

This spectacular server is stamped on the back with the Philadelphia retailer ‘J.E. CALDWELL & CO’ and ‘STERLING.’  It measures 13.5 inches long, weighs 4.95 troy ounces, has never been monogrammed and is in excellent antique condition.