As lovers of late nineteenth-century silver have long known, the variety and quality of artistic silverware produced by George W, Shiebler and Company is outstanding. Beginning with spoons and forks, Shiebler's repertory soon encompassed creative hollow ware and a broad range of imaginative jewelry. Like many nineteenth-century entrepreneurs, George Shiebler maintained a low public profile, and it is not known to what extent he was the creative inspiration behind the many wonderful designs that came from his shop. The only designs officially credited to him are patents for flatware. However, he is known to have been an astute and ambitious businessman, and either because of his own inventiveness or because he relied on talented employees, he left a remarkable legacy.

The “Naturalistic” Tea Set, c. 1885, has been decorated with overlapping leaves, and copper details on the handles.