William Gale & Son Antique Coin Silver Fish Serving Set, NYC, 1853

This is a magnificent fish serving set in the ‘Jenny Lind’ pattern. The handles have classical ornamentation including leaves and strapwork and are engraved 'EGL.' The fork is beautifully engraved with flowers and leaves traveling down the tines. The blade to the flat server is amazing. A stylized dolphin forms the shape of the blade and the whimsical expression and details are exquisite. Also very unusual is the reverse of the blade which is also engraved, something one rarely sees. Here are more exceptional engravings of large foliate scrolls around a cartouche with sailboats at sea.   

This early serving set is marked 'WGS&CO/ 1853'. The fork and knife measure 10.25 and 13.25 inches long respectively. Aside from a little wear to the handles and a small gap between the handle and blade of the knife, they are in excellent condition. 

Provenance: From the collection of Dale E. Bennett

Literature: William P. Hood,Dale E. Bennett, Charles S. Curb and John R. Olson, "American Silver Fish Servers 1840-1910", in Silver Magazine, November/ December 2002, pp. 18-29, illus. p 19.