The Silver Antiques Insider

Happy Hanukkah From Nelson And Nelson!

Happy Hanukkah from Nelson and Nelson! If you love the classic books from Maurice Sendak, you're familiar with the affectionate, learned stories and beautiful aesthetics of his work. And did you know that the author of the seminal "Where the Wild Things Are" is also an excellent arbiter of taste? This slideshow from the L.A. Times highlights gorgeous menorahs from the 18th century to modern times selected by Sendak, and as collectors and sellers of fine art objects, we're fascinated by the insights he offers. And here at Nelson and Nelson, we also have some beautiful Judaica for your enjoyment!

This is a lovely sterling silver menorah that was made in Israel in the 1960s. It is designed entirely with hand-worked sterling silver filigree and features 8 sconces for oil or larger candles. The menorah, which retains its original patina and is in very good condition, is hallmarked on the underside of the base with "Israel" and "925." For more information, click here. 

A Beautiful Expression Of Faith

In Judaism, it has always been considered a mitzvah to perform religious rites with extraordinary objects, as the beauty of the object is said to honor God's commandments. Hence, the amazing array of silver Judaica, or Jewish ceremonial art. The first mention of silver in the Bible occurs in Genesis, where it's noted that Abraham was rich in the radiant metal. Since then, Jews have observed their cycles of prayer and observation with elaborately designed vessels, such as the kiddush cup used for Shabbat and the Jewish holidays, as well as menorahs and other ceremonial items. These are a few of the beautiful silver Judaica items available at Nelson and Nelson:

This large Israeli sterling silver kiddush cup is decorated with an ornate applied filigree and bead design and multi-colored glass stones. A perfect gift for a bar (Bat) Mitzvah or wedding. For more information, click here.

 

This is a beautiful sterling silver menorah made in Israel in the 1960s. It is designed entirely in the hand-worked sterling silver filigree style with 8 sconces for oil or larger candles. The menorah is hallmarked on the underside of base with Israel and 925, and the filigree retains its original patina and is in very good condition. For more information, click here.

 

A lovely pair of Israeli sterling silver kiddush cups in excellent condition is decorated with an ornate applied filigree and bead design. Fully hallmarked with a beautiful patina, these cups are a perfect wedding gift for a traditional wedding ceremony! For more information, click here.

 

Easter Greetings from Nelson and Nelson

If there's any day to put your eggs all in one basket, it's Easter. Antique sterling silver baskets provide the perfect counterpoint to the lush grass and brightly colored eggs. If you'd like to celebrate Easter with a haute note, take a look at Nelson and Nelson's beautiful assortment of antique silver baskets.

This lovely antique American sterling silver basket has sloping edges that are decorated with an open, lattice design interspersed in four corners with figural scroll detailing and floral swags. The mounts of the stationary handle are also decorated with figural scroll designs and complimentary lattice work travels up the handle. The solid center of the handle is engraved with a delicate oval- a perfect spot for a monogram or name. The basket sits on four charming figural scroll feet. Made by Frank W. Smith Silver Co., Inc., Gardner, Mass., circa 1900. Fully hallmarked, and in perfect condition. For more information, click here.

Happy Passover From Nelson and Nelson

My favorite part of the Passover Seder is always the pour for Kos shel Eliyahu ha-Navi (cup of Elijah the Prophet). This fifth glass of wine for the prophet always marks a beautifully spiritual--and festive--point in the dinner, and we always make sure to serve it in the most beautiful goblet in the cupboard. If your looking for a special cup for your Passover seder, Nelson and Nelson has a lovely assortment of antique sterling silver goblets to choose from. L'chaim!

This antique English sterling silver wine goblet was made by Daniel Houle & Charles Houle in London in 1864. The cup of the goblet is engraved with an etched floral swag design and gilded in its interior. The stem of the goblet is adorned with two finely beaded collars and the engraved pedestal base also has a finely beaded border. Fully Hallmarked. Beautiful Patina. Excellent Condition. 6.5 troy ounces. The cup stands 6 ¾ in. high and measures 3 ½ in. in diameter at its mouth and 3 in. in diameter at its base.   For more information, click here.