Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-02-14
public Ledger, Philadelphia
A SILVER EXHIBITION.
Handsome Display Of American Work
by Messrs. Bailey, Banks 4 Biddle,
of Philadelphia.

An exhibition of silverware. said to be SUI
perior in every way to anything of the kind
ever heretofore displayed, is now open in an
apartment in the rear of the store of Bailey,
Banks q Biddle.
The prime object of this display is to show
the great advance made by metal-workers in
silver dun ing the last dozen years or so. In
the centennial exposition number Of choice
objects in silver were shown. but they did not
equal, either in variety, numbers or finish
those shown by the aforementioned firm.
Another thing that deserves to be mentioned is
the fact that the present display is American
in every particular. 1t is American in design:
that is to say it is original, and does not follow
the old European STYLES. While the renais-
sance is to be admired the newer school, if
such it can be called, offers novelty and a
freshness in spirit not to be looked for in the
other. The art of application in design, if not
OF American origin, is certainly seen in a
higher state OF perfection here than anywhere
else. Small. and what were then thought in
signlficant things. such as shells, seaweeds and
leaves were not applied few years back to
ornaInentlng silver ware. or, if 50, only in a
painfully correct manne-. the charming pictur-
sequences of late years being unthought of.
The chasing and repousse work of to-day is
superior to the old. and the beautiful enamel
work, with its delicious effects. SO admirably
introduced into many of the articles on exhibit
ton, is new
As one passes through the spacious store,
lined on all sides with a great display of works
ofart, the quiet dreamy light from innumerable
candles, as 1t reflects on the shining surfaces
or the silverware exposed in a rear apartment,
is barely seen through the partly opened por-
there.
Entering the room, the appearance presented
Is one OF dazzling grandeur. Scattered in pic
turesque confusion about the scene are beauti-
ful cabinets and other pieces of splendid fur
niture and at intervals handsome standing
lamps, with shades of chaste and subdued hues,
cast harmonious lights on the glittering sur
roundings. And. as if to add to the charm of
the scene. the tall Odd clocks that one meets at
different points III the room occasionally lend
enchantment to the whole by their melodious
chimes.
On dainty table, set off in charming fashion
with a scarf. just opposite the entrance, are
exposed chased tea service, in oxidized silver,
and water pitcher of exquisite pattern, with
beautiful ornamentation in enamel. of shells
and seaweeds Back of it. and forming most
attractive center piece to the exhibition. stands
a massive oak dining-table on which are ar
ranged numerous articles for dinner and other
services, az unique in design, the whole admir-
ably set of with candelabra. and dishes filled
with natural flowers. At the farther end of the
table Is displayed what is decided novelty in
Its way-crystal and silver Roman punch SER
vic.
The little hooks and corners are delightfully."-
Htted up. 10 the left. as one enters the apart
ment. Is seen gentleman's dressing case. on
which are exposed the various articles, such as
mugs, shaving brushes, etc., that gentleman
needs in his toilet
A little further on stands an English dinner
service. set upon frail little table over which
a standing lamp throws. by means of its shade.
red beam. BY the side of this, and separated
from 1t by luxurious looking chair. is chased
silver afternoon tea or reception service with
dainty Dresden china cups and saucers.
Beyond large case. that contains children's
pap bowls, cups. porringers, knives, ETC.. beau
tlfui in pattern, in a recess. is placed a fine
piece of sculpture. entitled 1.-The Sleeping
Boy, lighted from above. and encased by gar
net curtains and growing palms.
On table between two large cabinets, that
contain silver ware, after the English and
Augsburg or old German styles, is an exhibit
OF manicure sets, mounted in novel designs. In
an out-of-the-way place, on the right is cor
ner that has been called the CLUB corner by
reason of a display of articles for the festive
recreations usually supposed to be INDUCED in
by ''clubmen." In it are punch-bowls, tankards
and ladies'.
Another exhibit that is of considerable inter-
est is collection of ivory toilet sets, decorated
with chased and oxidized silver
Desks of ebony or mahogany, fitted up with
all the requisites for writing. are arranged in
different parts of the room. the various articles
being mo1tnted in sterling silver A dazzling
arrangement of pierced silver bowls, orange
dishes, and bon-bon baskets is exhibited to the
right of the entrance of the apartment.
The scene is enriched by a glittering back
ground of beautiful dinner services spread out
before immense mirrors that reflect the MANY
Pickering lights Of the waxen tapers and the
glimmer of the polished silver.
Taken as whole. the exhibition is UNIQUE.
and its value and grandeur cannot be overesti-
mated.