19th Century Moser Punch Bowl Set

A monumental piece of history, this exquisite silver punch set was made for Czar Alexander III as a gift to British Captain Joseph Wiggins. Heavily decorated with rich engravings and proverbs in old Slavic lettering, this service is a grand symbol of celebration and a testament to the beauty of Russian Imperial silver. The punch set, a standalone treasure in its own right, was gifted by Czar Alexander III to Captain Wiggins in recognition of his pioneering expedition along the Enisei River. Driven by a desire to establish a sea route with Siberia, Captain Wiggins’ journey is notable for being the first successful endeavor by a British seaman in 300 years to extend commercial interests with the northern coasts of Russia. Even more notable is the presentation of this elaborate gift by the Russian government to a foreign national, particularly when the British government all but ignored Wiggins' efforts. In fact, the British government refused his modest request for surveying and observational instruments. Even so, the Czar was impressed, and chose to honor Wiggins with this exceptional punch service — as pictured and discussed in Henry Johnson’s book Captain Joseph Wiggins, written in 1907. The service was commissioned by the Czar from the House of Sazikov, the oldest silversmith and jewelry firm in Russia. Sazikov was established in 1793 by the merchant Pavel Sazikov, and became supplier to the Imperial Court in 1837. The firm, which maintained factories in Moscow and St. Petersburg, became renowned for its high quality silverware, silver sculptures, cloisonné enamels and statuettes with national motifs. The firm exhibited several cups and centerpieces at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, and from 1846, held the Imperial Warrant. The unique charm of this punch service lies not only in its craftsmanship and historical relevance, but also in the inclusion of old drinking...

Created by special commission for a member of European nobility, these exquisite silver-gilt and glass ramekins are the work of the famed Tiffany & Co. The set of four was created in...

Enameled Glass Wine Goblet Moser Late 19th Century This large wine goblet is a stunning showcase of Moser's renowned craftsmanship and luxurious design. The goblet features a striki...

Comprised of a platter and serving bowl, this incredibly intricate salad set was crafted in the desirable Delphos pattern by the Libbey Glass Company. Stunning fields of diamonds are cut with immense precision, making this pattern one of the most dazzling American Brilliant Period cut glass patterns ever created. A banana bowl adorned in the Delphos pattern is featured in Rarities in American Cut Glass by Herbert Wiener and Freda Lipkowitz on page 19. The bowl and platter bear the Libbey acid-etched mark. The Libbey Glass Company was the foremost and most respected producer of the best cut glass of the Brilliant Period. From its very inception, the Libbey Glass Company assumed and maintained a prominent position, considered second to none in the production of premium American glass. The company was founded in 1818 in Cambridge, Massachusetts and was known as the New England Glass Company. In 1878, William L. Libbey leased the company, changing the name to the New England Glassworks, LLC, Libbey and Sons, Proprietors. His son, Edward Drummond Libbey, took over the operation in 1883 and, in 1888, he closed the Massachusetts factory and moved to Toledo, Ohio, renaming the company the Libbey Glass Company. Libbey became the largest cut glass factory in the world during the Brilliant Period (1878-1915). The company's incredible exhibit at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair propelled Libbey's world-wide reputation. They brought 130 of their most skilled craftsmen to blow and cut glass, awing spectators by demonstrating the complicated and precise process of transforming raw molten glass into dazzling works of art. Today, examples of Libbey cut glass...