Antique silver shoes by Neresheimer of Hanau

Antique Silver Shoes

Dated 1898 and 1902 this pair of antique silver shoes were made by a well known silversmith in Hanau, Germany. They are quite large and heavy and have romantic figures and scenes in considerable detail.

The hallmarks tell us that they were imported into Britain by a retailer Bethold Mueller who had them assayed and had the import hallmarks put on.

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A Tiffany Antique Silver Pitcher in the Indian Style

Tiffany Antique Sterling Pitcher in the Indian Style

circa 1880

A most unusual Tiffany pitcher came into our possession in the most wonderful condition. The most interesting thing about the engraving was that the fully engraved handle matched the body. The angular band of engraving is repeated on the handle which looked a bit like an elephant's trunk. The pattern looks a lot like paisley and the engraving is so deep that my first reaction upon seeing it for the first time was that I would give anything to meet the engraver and to watch the engraving process. The sad thing is that it would not be possible to pay someone to do this engraving today. Looking at the base one can see the superb monogram embellished with leaves engraved to last 150 years.

I have to say that to is a great pleasure to be a custodian for such a masterpiece and to think it was probably used on some posh table by some important family in the gilded age.

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English Silver Sandwich Markers

The Fast 1920s

English Silver and Celluloid Flag Sandwich Markers

The 1920s was a time when little things were somewhat important to the wealthy and here is something that never fails to impress. 

The little flags are all hallmarked sterling and the celluloid inserts slide right into the flags. Some have no words printed so that one could write their own. There are six little flags and lots of extras in the bottom row. Imagine marking the sandwiches with these miniature flags.

Even automobiles has sterling silver posy holders. On a visit to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn I once saw J P Morgan's Rolls on display and remember thinking that if you filled the engine with oil and started it it would probably purr like a cat. Quality is something that can never be overlooked but people need to be aware of what is quality.

It's always a good idea to look at antique silver and see how well it is put together. There is an old saying that things can look good from far but can be far from good when approached closely.

One good thing about working with an experienced dealer is that experienced experts can identify techniques that are a sign of quality. This is what I look for when scanning something that I have not seen before. It tells me how many hours were put into a piece and I use this to assign value.

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The Year 1851

1851

This two piece English antique silver fish serving set has the date of 1851. The maker was Hilliard and Thomason. The handle and silver blades have engraved and chased water lilies.

1851 was the year of the Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace, the first of the great expositions that became the place for the world to meet and exchange ideas. It was the brainchild of the Prince Consort, Albert husband of Queen Victoria.

One of the great showpieces of the first exposition was the display of exotic flora and I think these inspired designs like this. It has become an iconic piece of Victoriana and quite often comes in the original fitted case of a retailer. Thus particular set is in pristine condition.

The crystal palace was all glass and steel and it had a problem. Birds got in and could not get out. The story goes that Queen Victoria and Albert were troubled and in a conversation brought up the subject with Arthur the Duke of Wellington because they could not shoot the birds for fear of breaking the glass. The Iron Duke responded by telling the Prince Consort to put some birds of prey in that could be recalled after killing the birds. Success!

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Whiting Fantasy Pattern

Whiting Fantasy Pattern

This amazing antique sterling fish set would probably date about 1890 and has what is known as pearling which is a chasing of small dots or bubbles from inside creating a sort of nautical or marine effect. Under the direction of Charles Osborne Whiting used acid etching and applied sea horses to create unique pieces in the Fantasy pattern. This particular set was either special ordered or purchased as a presentation for a yacht owner and most likely used on board the vessel. The gilded age was a period of extreme opulence.

Another piece of the Fantasy pattern by Whiting. Notice the acid etched seaweed on the plate at the center.

This rare and important inkwell has the same pearling as Whiting pieces. Probably the result of Charles Osborne moving back and forth between the two companies.

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Kirk Landscape Chased Silver

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One has to remember that Samuel Kirk was chasing away in his workshop long before Gorham and Tiffany were making silver. Consequently we should show Kirk respect for the fact that they were a well organized American silver manufacturer in Baltimore and because they consistently produced some of the best silver hollowware in the United States.

What really gets people excited in the Kirk landscape series and if you examine the landscape pieces you will notice that some of the best chasing was done later rather than earlier. In fact the chasing of the 1900s to 1920s is really fantastic down to the detail of birds flying in the background to the rod in a fisherman's hand.

I have put some pictures into this page to show some examples:

 The teapot is massive and has the 11  ounce mark, a rams head handle and floral finial. Most of this type will have a Chinese influenced scene chased on the pot unless the focus is on castles and architecture

Here is a Kirk 11 ounce landscape covered sugar with a stag finial on the lid. Both the lid and the urn have a French touch mark indicating that it had been either sold in France or imported into France.

Here is a Kirk teapot with a cast lion finial and large floral finial. The shape is somewhat traditional and the landscape features large important looking buildings. Most of these pieces are well made with considerable weights.

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Dominick & Haff Pond Series Japanese Influenced Silver

Dominick & Haff Pond Series Loving Cup
Circa 1881

This Dominick & Haff antique sterling hand hammered square two handle loving cup was found in remarkably good condition and has a spot hammered surface chased with Japanese pond life including dragon flies and water plants. Dominick & Haff was known for this series and it stands alone out there different to anything else made in the 1800s. The quality can only generate the respect of collectors and silver experts.  We found this article complete with the original documents from 1881 when presented to the doctor mentioned in the inscription on the base.

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