Collections: Decorative Arts: Fish Server

Fish Server

Maker: William Rogers & Son, 1855-1898
Medium: Silver-plate
Place Manufactured: Hartford, Connecticut, USA
Dates: ca. 1885
Dimensions: 11 1/4 x 2 5/8 x 2 1/2 in. (28.6 x 6.7 x 6.4 cm)
Markings: backstamp reads: "PAT.JUNE 79" and "NICKEL SILVER".
Signature: Unsigned
Inscriptions: no inscriptions
Collections:Decorative Arts
Museum Location: This item is not on view
Accession Number: 88.156.3
Credit Line: Gift of Robert Tuggle
Caption: William Rogers & Son (1855-1898). Fish Server, ca. 1885. Silver-plate, 11 1/4 x 2 5/8 x 2 1/2 in. (28.6 x 6.7 x 6.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Robert Tuggle, 88.156.3. Creative Commons-BY-NC
Catalogue Description: Slice consists of a flat metal blade, which flares out on one side, tapers inward and terminates to a point at top center. The opposite edge has three variously shaped scallops. Top surface of blade is stamp decorated with an allover design, consisting of an S-scrolled vine and foliate decoration. Base of handle is narrow and widens gradually; terminating at top with a semi-circular projection. The decoration begins at top projection with three varying sunflowers and a bent fern motif at bottom, left corner. Below this is a tri-banded border that frames five four-petal flowers; each connected to one another by a line and dot motif (stem) that is flanked on either side by a leaf. Below this is a trapezoidal division containing (at top right) a branch with three stylized florets and a long-tailed exotic bird perched and facing inward; opposite (in left corner) is a semi-circular sunburst framed below by three evenly-spaced tulip motives; the center is flanked by a line and dot motive. At the bottom edge is a staggered branch decoration, consisting of four large sprigs, each terminating with an abstract, tri-petal tulip. Below is a diagonal band containing a zigzag pattern. The reverse of the slice is decorated with a stamped anthemia motif at handle top. Lyonaise Pattern. CONDITION: Fair; blade bottom has several scratches; the end of blade is distorted and bent slightly out of shape.
Record Completeness: Meh (29%)
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