The Silver Antiques Insider

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.