Purely Silver

Spanish Silver

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 09:29:43 +0000

Spanish Silver. Spain has produced high quality silver items for centuries. It can often be identified by the hallmarks which consist of an assay mark (Plata de Ley), town mark and silver maker’s mark.

Below are some examples and price guides of Spanish silver including a silver swan center piece and two religious silver gilt figures.

A Spanish silver swan center piece
unknown maker’s mark, Spain after 1934, stamped .915 purity
Large shaped oval in form, fluting radiating from a central point of the main shallow bowl, suspended between two cast swans head and scrolling neck handles, attached beneath to a pedestal base made up of two stork-like birds standing face-to-face amongst reeds, with realistically embossed plumage, their heads leant back and beaks open to support the bowl above, all stood on a domed shaped oval filled base, length handle to handle 52cm, weight total 41oz.

Sold for £1,211.25 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023

TWO SPANISH JEWELLED SILVER-GILT FIGURES OF MARY MAGDALENE AND SAINT CATHERINE
WITH MAKER’S MARK ONLY IC WITH FLEUR-DE-LYS IN BEWTEEN, 19TH CENTURY
Each on octagonal plinth engraved with foliage on textured ground and inscribed CAPILLA DEL REY CASTO OVIEDO, the standing figures with draping robes chased and etched with foliate pattern, Mary Magdalena holding her lamp, Saint Catherine holding her attributes, a book, a sword and a broken wheel resting by her side, marked on plinths and on base of robes
22 5⁄8 in. (57.5 cm.) high, Mary Magdalene; 23 ½ in. (59.5 cm.) high, Saint Catherine
89 oz. 7 dwt. (2,780 gr.) gross weight, Mary Magdalene; 109 oz.12 dwt. (3,410 gr.) gross weight, Saint Catherine

Sold for USD 17,640 at Christie’s in 2023

STERLING SILVER SPANISH PHEASANTS COCK AND HEN measures approx 17 and 14.5 cms.

Sold for US$450 at SJ Auctioneers in 2024

Vintage Spanish Silver Candlesticks

Group of 6 matching hand hammered silver column candlesticks with raised feet. Two candlesticks with maker’s marks to column tops (B A ? under cross). All with .915 fineness pentagram star and marks (jv ?) to base. Good condition. 1460 total grams approx. 5 1/2″ H x 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ (at feet)

Sold for US$2,500 at District Auction in 2024

Imposing Swordfish in solid silver with Spanish hallmarks. – Weight: 360 g – Shipping available – Region: Spain – Sizes: H 170 mm x L 480 mm – At first glance: normal wear / patina of use

Sold for €1,300 at GOLDFIELD AUCTION in 2023

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Reales

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:18:33 +0000

Reales were minted in both Spain and Latin America from the 16th to 19th centuries in silver 1⁄2, 1, 2, 4 and 8 reales nacional and in gold 1⁄2, 1, 2, 4 and 8 escudos. The silver 8-real coin was known as the Spanish dollar (as the coin was minted to the specifications of the thaler of the Holy Roman Empire and Habsburg monarchy), peso, or the famous piece of eight. Spanish dollars minted between 1732 and 1773 are also often referred to as columnarios. The portrait variety from 1772 and later are typically referred to as Spanish dollars or pillar dollars. Reference: Wikipedia

Below are some examples and price guides of silver bookmarks including a figural Asprey bookmark and an Art Nouveau cherub bookmark.

1797 Corolus IIII pirate treasure 8 Reales coin

Sold for US$110 at Thriftiques of Iowa in 2023

EL CAZADOR 18TH CENTURY SHIPWRECK SILVER COIN. WITH COA, BOOKLET, & WOODEN DISPLAY CASE. 1783

Sold for US$100 at Vintage Auctions in 2023

8 Reales 1863 Mo, Mexico City mint Silver, 26.86 g

Sold for €70 at LA GALERIE NUMISMATIQUE in 2023

A Mexican Carlos and Johanna example from the 1554 Padre Island Shipwreck. With Certificate of Origin as pictured. VF-30.

Sold for US$1,500 at Locati, LLC in 2023

1810 Mexico Silver 8 Reales NEARLY UNCIRCULATED

Sold for US$225 at Gold Standard Auctions in 2023

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Silver Bookmarks

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:40:15 +0000

Silver bookmarks. Bookmarks are an excellent choice for starting a silver collection. They can start at very low prices and come in a range of subjects. Many silver makers and retailers made, and still make, bookmarks. They also make excellent gifts for book lovers.

Below are some examples and price guides of silver bookmarks including a figural Asprey bookmark and an Art Nouveau cherub bookmark.

Asprey Sterling Silver Book Mark
London, 20th century
in the form of a southeastern European or Turkish man in historical attire; lg. 5 in.

Sold for US$828.75 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bookmark
Late 20th century
Length 4 inches, approximately 2 ounces.

Sold for $88 at Doyle in 2023

Sterling Silver Princess Ingrid Bookmark
Creator: Frank Whiting (Manufacturer)
Dimensions: Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Width: 1 in (2.54 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Materials and Techniques: Sterling Silver
Place of Origin: United States
Period: 1940-1949
Date of Manufacture: 1945

Sold for US$195 at Mynt Auctions in 2023

Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau sterling silver bookmark. Made by William B. Kerr in Newark. Dagger blade engraved with interlaced script monogram set in open frame. Cast terminal in form of winged cherub a guiding spirit to help you keep your place. Back plain. Fully marked including no. 922. Dimensions: H 3 5/8 x W 2 x D 1/2 in.

Sold for US$415 at Bidhaus in 2023

FINE ITALIAN SILVER ROMULUS REMUS ROME BOOKMARK

Finely worked silver bookmark to symbolize Rome. Etched, stamped and repoussé flowers and leaves surrounding a bas relief of Romulus and Remus. The myth of the twins Romulus & Remus were suckled by a she-wolf and founded the city of Rome.
Marked 800.
Weight: 25.8g.

Sold for US$30 at Converse Auctions in 2023

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Silver Bird Boxes

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:10:28 +0000

Silver bird boxes are exquisite collectibles. They are small musical boxes which have singing birds in them. Although they are normally rectangular in shape, they can also be found in novelty shapes such as pianos or bird cages.

Below are some examples and price guides of silver bird boxes including a German box by J D Schleissner and Sohne and a piano shaped bird box.

A German silver singing bird box with key
J D Schleissner and Sohne, Hanau, stamped 930
In the manner of Karl Griesbaum, shaped-rectangular form, the top with oval hinged cover opening to a singing bird automaton, ornate case decorated in relief with scrolls and birds, catch to the front in the form of a bird, with key, length 10cm.

Sold for£1,912.50 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023

AN AUSTRIAN ENAMELLED SILVER-GILT MUSICAL BIRD BOX
VIENNA, CIRCA 1880
In the Japonist style, rectangular on four ball feet, enamelled with a white and pale green background framed by silver-gilt borders chased with geometrical motifs, the front panel enamelled with a mother and child, the right side and back panels sparesly decorated with cherry blossoms, the left side with a pagoda and a cherry blossom tree with a branch extending on the cover centred by a hinged oval lid painted with a bird resting on the branch, opening to reveal the singing bird and an engraved grill, activated by the push button fitted on the cover, the bird rotates on its axis in time to a realistically imitated bird song and retreat inside the box when the song has finished and the lid will close, with brass key, marked underneath and stamped underneath ‘Made in Austria, Sterling’
3 7/8 in. (100 mm.) long

Sold for GBP 9,375 at Christie’s in 2021

German Sterling Silver Singing Bird Box
20th Century
Shaped rectangular decorated with birds and foliate scrolls. Length 3 7/8 inches (10 cm).

Sold for $2,016 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2023

GERMAN 925 STERLING SILVER SINGING BIRD BOX CIRCA 1900 WITH CHERUBS
Composition: Sterling Silver

Sold for US$20,000 at Mynt Auctions in 2023

A LOVELY ANTIQUE SINGING BIRD SILVER AUTOMATON SINGING BIRD BOX decorated with putti and figures. 521 grams. 10 cm x 8 cm.

Sold for £1,100 at Hannam’s Auctioneers Ltd in 2023

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Victorian Silver

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:02:34 +0000

Victorian Silver. The Victorian era is named after Queen Victoria who reigned from 1837 to 1901. The era saw a wide range of styles during that time, from lavish and extravagant designs to the simpler, organic style of the Art Nouveau era.

Below are some examples and price guides of Victorian silver antiques including a silver-gilt and enamel goblet by Mappin & Webb and a set of Art Nouveau tea glasses.

An unusual Victorian silver-gilt and enamel goblet
Mappin & Webb, London 1884
Plain tapering bowl, the whole gilded, the main body decorated with groups of mounted enamelled beads of varying shapes, all within a shaped applied border and set against a matt ground, other areas plain polished, a slender knopped stem flaring to a pedestal foot, decorated with varicoloured enamelled oval beads and finished with a balled decorative rim, height 20cm, diameter 8.5cm, weight 10.5oz.

Sold for £3,570 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2013

A LATE VICTORIAN SILVER FLAGON
MARK OF ROBERT HARPER, LONDON, 1879
Cylindrical and on spreading foot, the hinged cover with reclining Celtic warrior, leaf-capped scroll handle and bacchic mask to spout, each side with scenes of Queen Boudica triumphing over Roman invaders, with presentation inscription, marked to body and inside of cover
14 in. (35.5 cm.) high
64 oz. 13 dwt. (2,011 gr.)
The inscription reads ‘1880 LUDLOW HUNTERS CUP / WON BY / W. R. H. Powells B. G. Milton / RIDDEN BY / Mr. R. THOMAS’.

Sold for GBP 5,040 at Christie’s in 2023

Set of Six Victorian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Tea Glasses
Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co., London, 1900-1901
Each cylindrical body with swirling openwork scrolls and leaf-capped handle, together with five green glass liners and six silver demitasse spoons, en suite. Height overall 4 inches (10 cm), total approximately 18 ounces, weighable.

Sold for $1,260 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2023

Sampson Mordan & Co.: A silver vesta case with enamel hunting scene to top, hallmarked London 1896, maker Sampson Mordan & Co. Approx. 2 1/4″ x 1 1/4″ x 3/8″

Sold for £950 at Claydon Auctioneers Ltd in 2023

AN UNUSUAL VICTORIAN SILVER HORN SHAPED VINIAGRETTE. London 1872. 34.2 grams. 5.5 cm x 4.25 cm.

Sold for £150 at Hannam’s Auctioneers Ltd in 2023

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Mythical Beasts

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:42:15 +0000

Mythical beasts come in many forms and different cultures represent them in different ways. Offering bowls often depict mythical creatures and many are made from silver. Mythical beasts is a broad term and can include sea monsters as well and creatures from classical mythology.

Below are some examples and price guides of silver antiques which depict mythical beasts, including a silver offering bowl and a silver seal.

A SILVER OFFERING BOWL WITH FLORA, FAUNA, AND MYTHICAL BEASTS
BURMA (MYANMAR), SHAN STATE, CIRCA 1930
The underside is engraved with a design of a lotus bud with pairs of men and monkeys resting on petals.
7 1/8 in. (18 cm) high;
9 7/8 in. (25 cm) diameter;
42 troy oz (1,314 grams) approximate weight

Sold for US$1,275 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022

A SILVER-INLAID BRONZE MYTHICAL BEAST-FORM WATER POT AND BRUSH REST
MING – EARLY QING DYNASTY, 16TH – 18TH CENTURY
The beast with bulging eyes and a bifurcated tail is shown in a recumbent position and has four tall peaks and an aperture on its back, the body accented with silver-wire inlay.
5 ¾ in. (14.6 cm.) long

Sold for USD 12,500 at Christies in 2021

Pair of George W. Shiebler & Co. Sterling Silver Fish Servers
Late 19th century
The handles cast of mythical sea creatures, the shaped blade and tines bright cut with Aesthetic design on a satin ground. Length of knife 13 inches, length of fork 10 1/2 inches, total approximately 15 ounces.

Sold for $4,095 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2021

SILVER MYTHICAL BEAST STAMP SEAL ; Ht.2 in, Lg.2 1/4 in, Wt.787g

Sold for US$900 at Treasurehouse Inc. in 2022

A silver two-handled tray, 20th century

rectangular with a border of roses, the centre engraved with a mythological representation of Ceres framed by two large trees and surrounded by engraved rocaille and floral decor, the border engraved with the monogram PG

length 24 7⁄16 in.; width 12 5⁄8in.; weight 47 oz.; 62 cm; 32 cm; 1488g.

Sold for 1,260 EUR at Sothebys in 2022

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Babies Rattles

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 06:45:27 +0000

Silver babies rattles have fallen in price over the past few years but they are still collectible items. They can come in many shapes including animals and some have teethers and / or whistles as well.

Below are some examples and price guides of silver babies rattles including a Hermes rattle with a rocking horse and a Goldsmith and Silversmith’s Asprey rattle.

SET OF THREE: A SILVER CHEVAL Á BASCULE RATTLE & TWO SILVER ROUND RATTLES
HERMÈS, CIRCA 1996

GRADE: 3.5
8 cm x 8 cm, 2.5 cm d, 2.5 cm d
includes three boxes and two dustbags

Sold for EUR 882 at Christie’s in 2022

AN ANTIQUE SILVER AND MOTHER OF PEARL BABIES RATTLE. 60 grams. 14.5 cm x 4.5 cm.

Sold for £45 at Hannam’s Auctioneers Ltd in 2022

A Victorian silver and coral teether rattle, London 1877, hexagonal section, chased and engraved with knotted ribbon panels between foliate scroll motifs, 13cm long

Sold for £150 at Kinghams Auctioneers in 2022

A GOLDSMITH AND SILVERSMITH’S ASPREY & CO. LTD. SILVER GILT BABY’S RATTLE with coral end.
London 1992 in a red box.

Sold for £220 at John Nicholson Auctioneers in 2022

Two silver rattles, Torino, 19th century

Designed as lanterns, suspending several bells

Sold for 756 EUR at Sotheby’s in 2022

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Camels

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 06:13:22 +0000

Camels are often known as the ships of the desert and have been depicted in both Asian and European antiques. Camels have often given the impression of exotic places and were particularly fashionable as decor from the Victorian era to the Art Deco period. Camels are still very collectible today.

Below are some examples and price guides of silver camels including a Viennese silver timepiece and a bronze camel inlaid with silver and gold.

A VIENNESE RENAISSANCE REVIVAL ENAMELED SILVER TIMEPIECE
Date: Last quarter 19th century
Movement: Gilt full plate key wound with verge escapement, fusee, bridge pieced with scrolls, coqueret, signed “Lorentz Engelbrecht à Wienn”
Dial: Oval gilt with champlevé enamel scrolls enclosing enamel roman chapters, gilt scroll hands
Case: On winged cherub feet, domed base with enamel vignettes of winged Eros with various mythologic personages, supporting a silver camel and oval watch case with further mythologic scene, cherub finial
Size: 18.5 cm high

Sold for US$ 4,462 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2020

FAR EAST INDIAN HAND CHASED SILVER BOWL

Depicting exotic animals including: Peacock, camel, lion, birds etc. unmarked 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches Condition: GoodTemp No 58

Sold for US$170 at John McInnis Auctioneers, LLC in 2022

An Edwardian novelty silver pin cushion, Carrington and Co., London 1904, cast in relief as a camel, sitting, with two saddle bags, on a wooden plinth base, 9.5cm long

Sold for £700 at Kinghams Auctioneers in 2022

GOLD & SILVER INLAID BRONZE CAST CAMEL CENSER Height 12 cm / Width 18.5 cm / Thickness 11 cm / Weight 1620g

Sold for US$7,500 at Cordier Auctions & Appraisals in 2022

ELEPHANTS AND CAMEL: A GROUP OF SILVER AND ENAMEL CIRCUS FIGURES, DESIGNED BY GENE MOORE FOR TIFFANY & CO., NEW YORK, CIRCA 1990

comprising four caparisoned elephants, one holding a woman in his trunk, one standing with a dragon cape and with elephant trainer, two with stands, and a caparisoned camel supporting a harlequin, 9 pieces

all marked TIFFANY & CO., STERLING, and Made in Italy

116 oz

3608 g

height of tallest 5⅝ in.

14.3 cm

Sold for 25,000 USD at Sotheby’s in 2020

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Charles Rawling & William Summers

Sat, 22 Feb 2020 17:46:19 +0000

Charles Rawling & William Summers makers mark consists of the initials CR over WS in a square lozenge. Their marks have been found on snuff boxes, bottle labels and novelty items. Below are some examples of their silverware including a silver musical automaton and a novelty match holder in the form of a dog.

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Richard Hodd & Son

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 12:01:36 +0000

Richard Hodd & Son made some exquisite silverware and silver plate, including some rare novelty silver mounted claret jugs, such as the monkey claret jug below. Their mark has been found on other items such as candlesticks and bottle lables.

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