Hi Jay,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Marcus & Co. was a prestigious American jewelry firm based in New York City, highly regarded for its craftsmanship and artistic design from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. At the turn of the 20th century, Marcus & Co. was considered one of America’s top jewelry houses, comparable in reputation to Tiffany & Co. and contributing to the growth of American fine jewelry design. The firm catered to affluent and influential clients, and its pieces were seen as symbols of luxury, craftsmanship, and artistic flair. The company was sold to Gimbels department store in 1941 and later, in 1962, merged with fellow jeweler Black, Starr & Frost, ending its independent existence.

The small "L" mark in a half-circle is the mark of Lebkuecher & Co, a company in Newark, NJ from around 1896 to 1909 that later became the Eleder-Hickock Co. They were known for making a variety of sterling silver hollowware and decorative objects, including trays, bowls, vases, frames, small table articles and children's silver sets. They would have made this vase and would have sold it through Marcus & Co.

Other Lebkuecher & Co vases of comparable size and design that have sold at auction recently have realized prices ranging from $300 to $500.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique American sterling silver pierced trumpet vase
made by Lebkuecher & Co, Newark, NJ, circa 1900
Retailed by Marcus & Co, NYC
pattern number 01683
Of circular section, the flaring body with pierced top, monogrammed tapering body, on a domed hollow foot, marked underneath.
11 inches high
CONDITION: This appears to be in generally good condition with some minor wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia