The Silver Antiques Insider

Thoughtful Antique Silver Hostess Gifts

It’s summer and the season of entertaining is in full swing! If you are lucky enough to have weddings or very elegant affairs on your calendar and are racking your mind for an elegant gift, consider antique silver wine coasters. They’re as exquisite as they are functional! Here is a selection from the exclusive collection at Nelson and Nelson.



This pair of sterling wine bottle coasters was made by Hester Bateman, London, in 1789. Circular coasters with straight sides, they feature pierced ornament with Vitruvian scrolls and Greek vases. This is a fine example of Neoclassical silver by the distinguished English craftswoman. For more information, click here.



This fabulous antique Early Victorian English sterling silver wine coaster is designed in the style reminiscent of the Gothic Revival Rooms in the Brighton Pavilion. The ornate stylized column galley of the wine coaster also features figural leaf motifs interspersed between the columns. Made by Henry Wilkinson & Co., Sheffield, England in 1837. For more information, click here.



This pair of unique wine bottle coasters featured straight and faceted sides decorated with strapwork and quatrefoils. An engraved crest with two birds and anchor highlights the center. For more information, click here.

Fanciful Antique Silver From Germany

Some of the most fanciful antique silver figural works we've seen come from Germany, where there's a beautifully delicate balance between workmanship and whimsy. Here is a small example of the lovely figural silver we offer at Nelson and Nelson.

 

This is a fabulous antique German silver vase adorned with three delightful puttis at the footed pedestal base. The crystal vase insert is beautifully etched with an ornate floral design and fits into the silver base. It is made in Germany 800/1000 fine silver and is fully hallmarked with an excellent patina, and is in perfect condition. For more information, click here.

 

Here is a unique and really unusual decorative item, a replica of a late 19th century open carriage, all beautifully detailed and skillfully crafted in the Rococo style from German 800 silver. This distinctive and quite remarkable conversation piece accurately depicts in miniature the stylish mode of transportation used to convey the nobility as they travelled to and from a ball or a night at the opera. The front has been outfitted with a wide bench decorated with fleurs-de-lys and with silver fringes all around, a fittingly luxurious seat for the driver of such an elegant carriage. A lantern is suspended on each side from a curving bracket to light him on his way. The carriage’s main body repeats these elegantly curving forms and has been prettily and exquisitely decorated all over with a series of lovely scrolling motifs, ribbons and roses to create a delightfully charming design. The top has been left open to reveal a gilded interior which can be used either for displaying a small floral arrangement or left as is. For more information on what  is sure to be a great conversation piece, click here.

 

This circa 1920 silver elephant has a turned up trunk which means good luck. The body of the piece has the texture of a real elephant, and it is hallmarked 800 silver which indicates its German origin. For more information on this charming piece, click here.

 

Celebrate National Seafood Month With Exquisite Antique Silver Serving Pieces

June is not only National Iced Tea Month- it's also National Seafood Month! It's a wonderful time to enjoy the warm weather and indulge a bit, which is why Nelson and Nelson is happy to share our suggestions for beautiful antique sterling and antique silver accessories to accent your next seafood extravaganza.

 

This is a lovely English silver-plated fish service for twelve with matching fish servers, made circa 1900. The complete set (12 forks, 12 knives and the fish servers) is beautifully engraved in an ornate shell design. The service fits perfectly into its original storage and travel box, which is still in very good condition. Made by Pierce & Sons Silversmiths, Huddersfield, Leeds, Leicester, the set is fully hallmarked and in excellent condition. For more information, click here.

 

This is a truly magnificent museum-quality sterling silver repousse tray, commissioned from S.Kirk & Son by three groups of Southern Railroad stockholders for presentation to Richard Curzon Hoffman, the former president of the Seaboard Air Line. It is a unique one-of-a-kind item that showcases repousse work of the very finest quality, and is expertly and masterfully crafted by an exceptionally talented silversmith working at the highest level of professionalism. Inside a scrolling rococco style border punctuated by roses and grape clusters and set in relief against a softly stippled background is a fabulous and elaborate array of assorted flowers, ferns, and foliage, all meticulously detailed and superbly executed. It was suggested to us by a railroad afficionado that this flora and fauna represents an indigenous species of wildlife from each of the 14 states through which the railroads in question passed, but we cannot vouch for the accuracy of this suggestion, appealing though it is! For more information on this fascinating piece, click here.

 

This exquisite fish set in the Egyptian Revival taste, made circa 1871, comprises a fork and knife in the Isis pattern. Made by the renowned American silversmiths at the Gorham Manufacturing Company, these two pieces exemplify the beauty and eclecticism of the Aesthetic Movement. Each piece features a plain sterling silver handle with a rectangular grip topped by a geometric finial in the early modern style. The handles bifurcate into curling terminals that attach to the reverse of serving bowl and blade. Both the fork bowl and knife blade retain their lovely gilt finishes and each attach to the handle with a wonderful entwined snake centered on a fan-shaped design. The fork bowl has been intricately pierced with an elegant, stylized lotus design, and accented with an engraved and bright cut border. The knife blade features a complimentary stylized lotus and frond motif, as well as a geometric border, using engraving and bright cutting techniques. This fish set offers a unique and elegant pairing of the popular styles of the late 19th century, at the height of experimentation and exoticism in American silver. For more information, click here.

Capture Beautiful Birds in Antique Silver

It's been beautiful here in New York City, and at Nelson and Nelson we love to take advantage of our Pierre Hotel location and slip across the street after work to the gorgeous expanse of Central Park. Sometimes we just like to linger on a bench and watch the world go by, and what always catches our eye is the fascinating variety of birds that are always present. In honor of our feathered friends, we present a selection of our beautiful figural silver. (Yes, there are peacocks in Central Park, but you have to go to the zoo!) 

This beautifully formed antique Dutch silver figural bird, possibly a Piping Plover, is designed with a detachable head. This particular figural creation is deeply carved to emphasize the intricate feathering of its real counterpart. It's a particularly clever and personal gift for the avid bird aficionado. Made in The Netherlands circa 1900, it is fully hallmarked. with excellent patina and in perfect condition. For more information, click here.

This delightful sterling silver figural peacock is designed with its feathered fan spread out in all of its regal glory. Made in Germany in 1963 exclusively for import to England, it is fully hallmarked and weighs a hefty 11 troy ounces. For more information, click here. 

This elegant and charming antique diamond, cabochon sapphire, pearl, silver, and 18 karat gold bird brooch is of European origin and was made circa 1910. The brooch is designed as a diamond-set adult bird perched on a fence with three baby diamond and cabochon sapphire wing-set birds. The birds are diamond encrusted and set in silver-topped gold. The fence is 18 karat gold set with 14 small pearls. The lower rung of the fence is hallmarked with three indistinguishable touchmarks. The round diamonds weigh approximately 1.50 carats total. For more information, click here. 

It's A Triple Crown Of Silver Antiques At Nelson And Nelson!

It's Triple Crown Season! For the Kentucky Derby last weekend, Nelson and Nelson was rooting for Gemologist and Creative Cause (although, of course, if there was a horse named Antique Sterling Speedster, we would have placed all of our hypothetical bets on that one!). In two weeks there's the Preakness, and then the Belmont Stakes comes here to New York in June. If you've been feeling a bit like a member of the horsey set lately, you'll love our beautiful horse-inspired objets d'art: 

This German 800 silver figural polo player on horse, made circa 1910, features beautiful and realistic workmanship. In pristine condition, it weighs 10 troy ounces and is fully hallmarked with the half moon and crown mark and 800 on the bottom of one of the horse’s feet. For more information, click here. 

This is a beautiful English sterling silver and enamel compact with scene of a female rider and her stead accompanied by a group of hounds. The back of the compact is decorated with a classic design of engine-turned engraving. Inside the compact is a mirror in perfect condition as well as space for pressed powder. Made by H C D Makers of Birmingham in 1927, the compact is fully hallmarked and in excellent condition. For more information, click here. 



This circa 1920 American sterling silver cigarette case has a horse head prominently displayed on the lid; the engraving carefully mimics the texture of the horse's skin and mane. Gilded on the inside and marked Sterling with American makers marks, this case in in excellent condition. For more information, click here. 

Keep Reading With Beautiful Antique Silver

It's been a beautiful May so far here in New York- especially since it's Get Caught Reading Month! Here at Nelson and Nelson, we love a good book, especially if it's the lovely antique version that still has pages and a beautiful cover! If you're looking to make your reading experience a bit more luxurious, explore these gorgeous antique silver reading accessories from our Pierre Hotel store location.


This is a most unusual letter opener/page turner made in London 1886 by Ebenezer Newman. The top is in the form of a large parrot head with glass eyes, with well-worked engraved figural feathers. The wooden blade features a very dark finish. An original monogram (A.L.E.) is on the slightly gilded mount above the wood blade, and a full set of Victorian sterling silver hallmarks are on the head. For more information, click here.


Keep your place with this beautiful sterling silver paper clip, decorated with an ornate scroll and leaf design. The raised pedestal holds the hinged mechanism that lifts up to secure a page, note, invitation, etc. This clip was made by Frank W. Smith Co. Inc. of Gardner, Massachusetts and dates to 1895. It is fully hallmarked with a beautiful patina. For more information, click here. 


This beautiful English magnifying glass features a swirled sterling silver handle inlaid with multicolored Scottish agate. Made in Birmingham in 1894, it is in excellent condition. For more information, click here. 

Thinking Of Selling Your Antique Silver? Consider Nelson and Nelson

With the price of silver still high, people everywhere have been selling their unused antique silver and jewelry. At Nelson and Nelson, we understand that people often inherit antique sterling and antique silver or antique jewelry that may not be to their taste, or that is so infrequently used that it makes sense to sell it. This harrowing article demonstrates, however, how in the rush to unload unwanted antique silver and gold jewelry, people are unwittingly sending rare and priceless pieces to the smelter. “I would imagine 25-30% of our heritage of gold and silver antique jewelry has been scrapped in the last two years,” says one British auctioneer. 

So why sell to Nelson and Nelson? We take the time to properly value your antique silver and antique jewelry, and when we buy antique silver and gold we'll never, ever scrap your items. Instead, we'll lovingly curate them until the right buyer comes along. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

For more on how to sell us your antique silver, click here.

For more on how to sell us your antique jewelry, click here. 

Antique Sterling Silver Trophies Celebrate Important Moments In Life

News flash! A silver cup awarded to the Greek runner who won the first Olympic marathon in 1896 was sold for $865,000, Christie’s auction house in London said. Spyros Louis was presented with the cup, a silver medal, an antique vase, an olive branch and a diploma by King George I of Greece for his victory.

Antique sterling silver trophies honor fantastic accomplishments and future promises! Explore Nelson and Nelson's thoughtfully curated collection of beautiful antique silver trophies to celebrate the amazing milestones in the lives of your family and friends.

This two handled trophy cup from Currier & Roby, circa 1920, is wonderfully decorated with a stepped-decorated circular base and removable lid with two scroll-shaped applied handles. This trophy is hallmarked and in excellent condition. For more information, click here. 

Have a card player in your life? This charming late 19th-century Neoclassical sterling silver trophy by Tiffany & Co. features a V-shaped body on a spreading, circular base. The handles have a sharp upward curve and architectonic quality that creates a dramatic silhouette. The body is decorated with a laurel wreath forming a vacant (and monogrammable!) cartouche on one side and playing cards on the reverse. The trophy is marked under the base with the mark of Tiffany & Co., the words Makers, Sterling Silver 925-1000, pattern number 13220, order number 342, and the letter T for its founder Charles L. Tiffany, used from 1891-1902. For more information, click here. 

This is a beautiful sterling silver loving cup made by the American silversmiths at Reed & Barton has a wonderful Art Nouveau sensibility. The elegant design features a circular, cup-shaped body on a flaring shaped, circular base. The three side handles have a lovely, organic curve and are embellished with sculpturally rendered flowers and leafy vines. The base has a similarly decorated border with flowers and leaves. This trophy is in excellent condition, and has not been monogrammed. For more information, click here. 

Antique Silver Table Utensils Of A By-Gone Era

One of the delights of antique silver is finding items that were once considered de rigueur at any well-appointed table, like grape shears. These beautifully crafted antique sterling silver scissors were used to daintily nip off small bunches of grapes at dinner parties. When you're trading witty conversation with the duke or countess at your side, why paw at a cluster of glistening cluster of Red Globes or Muscats when you can snack in style? Grape shears were typically placed beside a bowl or board of the fruit, allowing guests to scissor off small portions. At Nelson and Nelson, we love the ornate decorative styles that the finest antique silver grape shears feature.



These sterling silver grape shears, circa 1910, portray a large head of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. The hallmarked sterling handles are adorned with floral buds and leaves, while the cutting blade is stainless steel.For more information, click here.



These circa 1910 Art Nouveau grape shears feature extra-heavy cast-silver handles that are intricately decorated with flowers, leaves, and scrolls. In excellent condition, they are hallmarked with the Reed and Barton symbol and marked sterling. For more information, click here.



What's a fancy pair of grape shears without the appropriate accompanying grape dish? This American sterling silver figural grape leaf dish was made by Redlich circa 1890. It is is beautifully formed, and features the delicate veins of a grape leaf. A looped grape vine emanating from the leaf serves as the grape shear holder. The dish is fully hallmarked with a nice patina, and is in excellent condition. For more information, click here.

Russian Antique Silver Treasure!

Some of the beautiful antique silver recently discovered in a Russian mansion, via

Talk about a treasure trove! Workers restoring a 19th-century mansion in St. Petersburg, Russia, recently made an extraordinary discovery: 

"[M]ore than 1,000 pieces of jewelry, silver service sets stamped with the name of one of Russia’s most prominent noble families, mirrors and brushes in silver frames. Many of them were wrapped in newspapers dated from the early months of 1917, as Russia careened toward the Bolshevik Revolution that ended life as the nobles had known it."

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Where will this extraordinary antique silver collection go? The renovators of the palace, which served as a workers' canteen during the Soviet Union, would like to put them on display in a new cultural center on site. Meanwhile, the head of a regional Communist organization is applying for ownership, claiming that the stash was nationalized property under the U.S.S.R. 

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For more on this remarkable antique silver discovery, click here.