The Silver Antiques Insider

Silver: The Wonder Metal!

We're certainly big fans of silver here at Nelson and Nelson, but this article from the Guardian has silver trivia that even we didn't know! This fascinating, light-sensitive, edible (yes, edible!) metal can be used to treat burns and create photgraphs, and has the highest reflectivity of any metal, which is why everyone loves beautiful objects crafted from silver, whether it's a simple silver chain or antique sterling silver candlesticks. Want to know more about silver? Check out this video!

 

 

 

What Is Sterling Silver?

At Nelson and Nelson, we feature a wide assortment of beautiful antique sterling silver. But how does sterling silver differ from other silver?

A majestic sterling silver centerpiece bowl by Tiffany & Co., New York, circa 1910. For more information on this piece, click here. 

 Pure silver is too soft for creating functional objects like flatware, pitchers and plates. To compensate for the softness of pure silver, it's alloyed in a standard mass ratio of 92.5% silver to 7.5% other metals (often copper). This is why sterling silver often bears a ".925" stamp (see below).

Sterling silver most likely originated in mainland Europe, and gets its name from the Old English "steorling" ("with/like little star"), possibly in reference to Norman coins stamped with the symbol. 

 Nelson and Nelson not only sells antique sterling silver, but also buys antique sterling silver flatware sets, tea sets, and other antique sterling silver items. If you're unsure about whether or not your item is indeed sterling, check it for a .925 hallmark. For other tips on selling us your antique silver, click here. 

 

When Is A Tray Not A Tray?

When it’s a salver. Salvers are footed trays without handles. Interestingly, their name comes from the Spanish salvar, which means “to save”: in earlier times, servants were expected to taste the food of their wealthy, albeit paranoid, patrons before the meal was served. While we can thankfully expect our dishes to be poison-free these days, salvers still make a delightful serving piece for your table.

This is a handsome neoclassical sterling silver salver by London silversmith Frederick. This flower-shaped salver is supported on four leafy shell bracket feet that are beautifully formed and crisply articulated. The field is engraved with a large band of abstracted shell and leaf designs executed in a bold and brilliant pattern that creates a central vacant cartouche that could be monogrammed. The salver has a stepped molded rim accented with a large beaded border. This salver is in pristine condition and is without a monogram. It measures approx. 2 1/4" high, approx. 18" in diameter, and weighs 73.5 troy ounces. It is fully hallmarked, has the maker's mark of Frederick Elkington. This antique silver salver shows the highest quality of Victorian silversmithing and is an exceptionally balanced design that is timeless yet striking.

Silver to Love

What’s a Loving Cup? For me, it's a nice cuppa Earl Grey with a shot of Jamesons. It’s also a classic Rolling Stones song. Most importantly, it’s a large, silver cup with two or more handles, which would usually contain wine and be passed around a group; as part of a ceremony symbolizing unity and friendship, it’s believed to predate Christianity. Often used in the past couple of centuries at banquets or weddings, Loving cups became a popular motif for trophies in the 19th and early 20th century.

This is a beautiful sterling silver loving cup made by the American silversmiths at Reed & Barton. The elegant design features a circular, cup-shaped body on a flaring shaped, circular base, while the three side handles have an organic curve and are embellished with sculpturally rendered flowers and leafy vines. This trophy, with an exquisite Art Nouveau sensibility, weighs approx. 26 troy ounces and is marked under the base with the mark of Reed & Barton, the word Sterling, and pattern number 420.

This elegant loving cup is made by the premier American silversmiths at Tiffany in a timeless neoclassical design. It stands on a domed circular base and has a large urn-shaped body with three architecturally shaped handles. The body is decorated with three vacant shield-shaped cartouches embellished with bellflowers and bowed paterae at intervals. The rim and base of the cup are both decorated with borders of geometric designs and small flowers, along with a band of dentil molding. The handles are also trimmed with bellflowers. All of the decoration is unified and compliments the strong silhouette of this design. It is marked under the base with the maker’s mark of Tiffany & Co., the words Makers, Sterling Silver 925-1000, pattern number 16603F1, order number 6931, the letter M for John C. Moore, Tiffany’s president from 1907-1947. This beautiful antique silver loving cup is truly a classic interpretation of the Adams style, and would make a distinctive addition to any interior.

When Is A Pitcher Not A Pitcher?

When it’s a ewer. A ewer is a vase shaped pitcher or jug with a pedestal base, an oval body and a flaring spout to prevent liquids from sloshing about. Often beautifully decorative, ewers are frequently used for wine. The word is believed to have its origins in the Old French word eviere, which comes from the Latin aqua, or “water.” Ewers have been used to transport liquids since ancient times.

 

This outstanding Victorian double-walled sterling silver ewer on a stepped pedestal base is made by London silversmiths Charles Reily and George Storer in the Cellini pattern. It features Renaissance Revival chased decoration all over, with strapwork, masks, arabesques, foliage and animals against a matte silver background. The body has three banded sections, each with its own motifs. The tall neck compliments the deeply curved spout with conforming decoration that includes a large central mask. The interior of the spout is gilt, creating a striking silhouette. The ewer also has a remarkably sculptural caryatid handle.

In superb condition, the ewer is fully hallmarked under the spout and stamped under the rim of the foot with the number 303. It measures approx. 10 1/2” high and its base measures approx. 3" in diameter. The original fitted case, from London retailer H.H. Dobson and Sons, is wood with a hinged lid and lock mechanism and a recessed brass handle on one side; it is lined with blue velvet and retains the original paper label of Dobson and Sons with the royal coat-of-arms. This exceptional ewer is superbly crafted and would make an outstanding addition to any collection.