Harris & Shafer Co. Sterling Silver Sugar Sifter Spoon in the 'Dauphin' Pattern
Flatware (Sugar Sifter / Bon Bon Spoon) · Harris & Shafer Co., a prestigious Washington D.C. retailer and manufacturing jeweler active from the late 19th to early 20th century, known for supplying high-end silver to the American capital's elite.
Pattern: Dauphin (or similar Neo-Renaissance/Classical pattern), characterized by the clipped corner geometric handle and elaborate pierced bowl. Likely introduced circa 1890-1910.
Type
Flatware (Sugar Sifter / Bon Bon Spoon)
Maker
Harris & Shafer Co., a prestigious Washington D.C. retailer and manufacturing jeweler active from the late 19th to early 20th century, known for supplying high-end silver to the American capital's elite.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout with no base metals; standard American silver composition of the era.
Dimensions
Estimated length 12-14 cm (approx. 5 inches). Weight typically ranges between 20-35 grams based on similar perforated serving pieces.
Description
An elegant example of American Gilded Age flatware, this sugar sifter showcases the high-quality craftsmanship of Harris & Shafer. The stark, geometric simplicity of the handle provides a striking contrast to the intricate, lace-like piercing of the bowl, making it a functional yet highly decorative piece of serving silver.
Key Features
Distinctive fleur-de-lis piercing pattern; 'HARRIS & SHAFER CO' retailer mark; clipped corner handle terminal; high-purity sterling content.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout with no base metals; standard American silver composition of the era.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-polished mirror finish with elaborate openwork piercing in the bowl featuring foliate scrolls, fleur-de-lis, and crucifix-style motifs. The handle features a simple, elegant Art Deco/Classical transition style with stepped corners.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'STERLING' followed by 'PAT'D' (Patented) and the retailer's mark 'HARRIS & SHAFER CO' on the reverse handle neck. Note the lion-in-a-circle mark often associated with their manufacturers.
Construction Details
Die-struck handle and bowl form with secondary decorative piercing. The openwork is achieved through machine-punching or hand-sawing, followed by hand-finishing and polishing.
Functional Features
Perforated circular bowl designed to sift granulated or powdered sugar over fruit or desserts while retaining larger particles. Can also serve as a bon-bon or nut server.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver integrated handle. Features a flat, flared grip with distinctive notched or 'clipped' corners at the terminal for a secure index-finger hold.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-work with excellent symmetry. The piercing is exceptionally clean, indicating a high-end production run typical of pieces sold by Harris & Shafer.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic 'STERLING' and 'HARRIS & SHAFER' stamps consistent with late 19th-century typography. Wear patterns are appropriate for a piece used for dessert service.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, specifically associated with the Washington D.C. market. Often manufactured by high-end firms like Dominick & Haff for Harris & Shafer.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Edwardian transition (c. 1890-1915). Includes early elements of Art Deco geometry paired with traditional ornate piercing.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1910 based on the 'PAT'D' stamp and the stylistic transition between late ornate Victorian and cleaner Edwardian lines.
Cultural Significance
Represents the elaborate dining etiquette of the late 19th century where specific tools were required for every course, reflecting the owner's status and social grace.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Excellent. Light surface scratches (swirls) consistent with age and polishing. Piercing remains crisp with no visible breaks in the delicate scrollwork. No evidence of monogram removal.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD depending on the current spot price of silver and collector interest in D.C. regional silversmiths.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash in warm soapy water. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Use a soft horsehair brush to clean sugar residue from the intricate bowl piercings.
Similar Pieces
Dominick & Haff 'Pointed Antique' (simpler), Tiffany 'English King' Sifters (more ornate), or Gorham 'Chantilly' Sifters (more floral).
Interesting Facts
Harris & Shafer were the 'Tiffany of D.C.'; they notably produced inaugural medals for various U.S. Presidents and were the primary choice for diplomatic and White House gifts.