Whiting Antique Sterling Silver and Mixed Metal Macaroni Server, New York City, c. 1880's

With applied mixed-metal ornamentation, this very rare macaroni server is a great example of aesthetic movement silver. Whiting's silver is under-appreciated today and this server is indicative of their high quality design and execution. On an all-over hammered surface, applied silver and copper wild grass overlaps bright cut engraving of grasses on the handle - apparently more inspired by our native American flora than Japanese design. Above the decoration, the handle is monogrammed 'MP' in a beautiful foliate script. The hammered gilt bowl is scalloped with curved teeth on the left hand side.

Macaroni servers are only rarely seen on the market today and we believe that macaroni in the 19th century was meant more generally than just our 'elbow' macaroni of today. Think of pasta and noodles more broadly and you get the idea. These servers are rare: only a privileged few had them.

This wonderful server measures 9.25 inches long and 2.75 inches across the bowl. It weighs 4.4 troy ounces and is in very good/ excellent antique condition with light and fairly even gilding remaining in the bowl. It is marked on the back with Whiting's trademark, "2" and "STERLING".