Based purely on the informational data, and superb photographic illustrations that you have provided, and a transparent image of this silversmith’s logo, I would distinguish the piece as follows: Renderings depict a single antique handle cup with an applied unique spoon rest, leaf scroll, decorated surface, attributed to and is marked manufactured and quaranteed by Knickerbocker Silver co. 370 High Grade {today know as ti - titanium base metal from as early as 1791 modern 1900's is from Australia}, arm with a hammer logo, New York, USA, Victorian epic, circa 1899.

Knickerbocker Silver company date marks 1894-1903;

Was a successor to James A. Badcock in 1894 under William Tuscang at the Knickerbocker Silver Manufacturing Company, which became the Knickerbocker Silver Company before 1904, was taken over by the Crescent Silverware Manufacturing Company, in 1922 moved to Port Jarvis 1939, in 1962 manufacturing pewter & chrome plate, to Samuel Kirk & Son Inc., which owns all tool's & dies since 1977.

Victorian 1837-1901, refers to a time period rather than a particular style. The Victorian period fell between 1837 through 1901. The industrial revolution allowed for the mass production and styles from earlier periods were drawn upon. Heavy ornamentation is a hallmark of the Victorian period. Victorian can be further subdivided into Victorian-American and Victorian-English.

The Victorian period is marked by variety of inspiration, stimulated by the use of different styles to suggest different moods. In the first half of the period the changes from the original to the Victorian interpretation were probably greater. After 1880 there was a more faithful adherence to the lines of the models, although the results always differed from the originals.

Silversmiths use a variety of techniques for decorating the surface of the silver itself, either by cutting metal from, applying it to, or manipulating the surface of the object. One of the earliest and simplest techniques for decorating silver is engraving, extracting thin filaments of silver with a sharp tool to form a decorative pattern on the surface of the metal. The graver is a diamond-shaped steel rod, set in a wooden handle; the rod’s end is cut off diagonally, giving a sharp point to the cutting edge. Until the mid-sixteenth century engraving on European and English silver was somewhat crude, but by the late sixteenth century it had become highly refined and was used to carry out entire pictorial compositions. Engraving was also favored for heraldic work, following a universal code, fine lines and dots.

Solid silver content, antique sterling silver is not mere merchandise, while utilitarian, is also an embodiment of art! The softness of 100% pure or 99% fine silver is one of its characteristics, and anything made from it would withstand very little handling. It is only excelled by gold as a malleable metal. It can be appreciated, therefore, that articles made from it would prove impracticably short lived in use. To give it strength, and yet preserve it’s distinctive, and agreeable appearance, it has been invariably alloyed with another metal: copper. The amount of the latter employed is of great concern, because it is of a very low monetary value in comparison with the silver. In what is commonly marked or called Sterling Silver is an alloy of fine silver (92.5%) and copper (7.5%)

Quadruple Plate is a piece plated once with 4 times the amount of silver over a base material that may be nickel, and not meaning plated 4 times.

Rare? All too often rarity is "in the eye of the collector" Rarity is a word with kaleidoscopic meaning when applied, but certainly rarity, true rarity, is an essential factor in this evaluation. The term does not necessarily denote how many of something exists. It can indicate how many are available. Prices for this antique single cup are in the $179.00 {FM} to $299.00 {RV} range.

The two values prearranged, envision differing scenarios. The fair market {FM} value figure assumes that the piece(s) might be sold at an estate sale, auction, or sold to a dealer. The replacement value {RV} reflects what one might have to pay to replace the item(s) with similar. This is the figure to use for insurance purposes. The two figures typically are quite a distance apart, given the different markets they refer to. A selling price somewhere between the two would be an acceptable result.

Provenance, and Condition is Paramount, collectors look for pieces in good condition, with the original surface, and it is important that a piece has not been "cleaned", this meaning repainted, marred, under some conditions re-stored, and the like, with a provenance and/or known maker if at all possible. Good pieces can stand on their own, however information about the history of a piece, especially about the maker, is what collectors are always looking for. Yet good examples, with even minor excuses, or parents appeal to a limited market at best, or "door stops" if they are squat, poor quality, and/or bruised/damaged by years of abuse, in truth, the buyers for the best work by known makers are still very concerned with original condition.

Market History; The immense volume and diversity of decorative and useful wares has meant that antique silver has consistently proved to be one of the most collected types of antique. The history with its manufacturing secrets, serves only to increase its appeal. Because it covers such a broad spectrum, it is always difficult to make sweeping generalizations about the state of this market but, generally speaking, it is relatively stable at the moment. However, there are trends and movements in specific areas that are of interest to the collector.

Of recent years {1990’s} old Sheffield plate after long neglect has come into fashion again, and genuine articles in good condition have greatly gone up in value, often exceeding in cost those of more modern date in sterling silver. Concurrently fraudulent imitation has regrettably increased. In some cases the whole object is a modern reproduction in electro-plate, but more often really old articles from which the original plating has been worn off in course of time have been re-plated, both equally being in the eyes of the connoisseur unworthy of serious attention and comparatively valueless.

There is no question that in the past year there has been a renewed enthusiasm for silver collector items. Hall Marked Tea Pots, Candle Holders, Silver Frames, trays, and baskets are also bringing in big figures at auction. The result’s of increased awareness, advanced scholarship, and with the arrival of a new generation of collectors. Victorian tea pots have always had an appealing quality. However, the research scholars and enthusiasts have in-vested, means collectors are becoming better informed. Over the past decade much has been written about makers and pieces and this has inspired more people to start collecting.

The values expressed herein are based on my personal judgment. This data is not a warranty that the property will realize that value if offered for sale. The values expressed were based on current information on the date of the evaluation and no opinion is hereby expressed as to any future value nor, unless otherwise expressly stated, as to any past value. The appraisal report should be reviewed and updated periodically. It is recommended that such a review take place every five years.

When caring for silver, it is necessary to clean pieces occasionally, being cautious not to over-clean. Overall, a good cleaning with hot, soapy water will maintain a piece without damage. For older stains and build-up, a gentle scrub with ammonia and whiting paste will work. Using a soft silver cleaning brush and scrubbing in a circular motion will remove most debris. For tougher spots, a piece can be treated with silver dip, a clear, powerful chemical that should release stubborn grime. Polishing Sheffield items can be done with any polish that does not contain harsh abrasives.

Fortunately for you, not many of these old silver pieces endure, and predominantly in good order so you have an excellent collectable, and an extraordinary article that may become a terrific family heirloom, however an article that can only go up in assessment with the passing of each year. The above statistics corroborate, and do imply authenticity, far be it {from me} to be backward, when admiration for this Knickerbocker design is in order, incidentally was produced by a prolific Silversmith. Thank you for your time and persistence, from our organization here in the great lakes. I, Bruce L. Taylor AOA, an antiquarian, am your assigned enthusiastic independent evaluator.