Whiting Laureate Pattern Antique Sterling Silver Fish Server, NYC, c. 1880

This lovely server has a wonderfully shaped and pierced blade with bright-cut ivy decoration flowing down the blade.  The Laureate pattern dates to the later 1870's and features scrolling ivy leaves, a reserve for a monogram ("B" in this case) all within a laurel border.  While we cannot find any records of a patent, this may have been designed by Charles Osborne during or after the 1876 Philadelphia Exposition and the associated celebration of William Cullen Bryant as the poet laureate of the United States.

Measuring just under 12 inches long, this rare server weighs 3.25 troy ounces.  It is marked with Whiting's trademark, "STERLING" and by the retailer "B. HYMAN & CO." (of New York City) and is in very good antique condition.