Sterling Silver
to
1,433
9,840
244
74
542
2,149
7,149
318
2,140
2,154
829
535
363
375
492
306
326
288
316
187
157
709
639
602
418
370
223
194
139
130
115
62
53
52
49
19
9
5
2
10,039
9,978
8,052
434
367
5,632
4,172
5,191
2,446
1,843
1,767
1,634
10,158
10,099
10,115
414
398
336
317
262
Sterling Silver For Sale
Rare Asprey London Sterling Silver 1917 Jewelry Box Charles & Richard Comyns
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Asprey London 1917 solid sterling silver Jewellery box with a faux tortoiseshell top made by the amazing Charles and Richard...
Category
1910s English Art Nouveau Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
$1,678 Sale Price
20% Off
Sterling Silver Sanborn Mid-Century Modern Tea or Coffee Service Set Vintage
By Sanborns
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and well made vintage sterling tea and coffee service set consists of a tea pot, creamer, and covered sugar bowl. Ribbed design on each piece and all handles are rope ...
Category
1940s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian 1886 Sterling Silver Christening Mug
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive large antique Victorian English sterling silver christening mug; part of our silver christening collection
This antique Victorian silver christening mug has a circular, subtly tapering rounded form onto a circular spreading foot.
The body of the mug is embellished with exceptional embossed and chased decorated angel/putto* head designs, accented with wing motifs to the nadir.
The body of this large mug is further ornamented with large ribbon bow motifs and floral festoons, encompassing the aforementioned portrait designs, all within an arabesque band and matte background.
The decoration to the body incorporates a vacant shaped cartouche to the anterior.
The lower portion of this Victorian silver christening mug is encompassed with a plain applied girdle, above further chased floral designs within a shaped-scalloped border.
This mug is fitted with a cast silver angular handle with leaf decorated bifurcating terminals, in addition to impressive ribbon and leaf ornamentation to the upper portion of the handpiece.
This exceptional example of Victorian silverware retains the original gilding.
This impressive antique silver mug is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire.
* In art and culture, a putto (plural: putti) is a chubby male child, usually nude and occasionally bearing wings.
Condition
This antique christening mug...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Christmas Ornament
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver Christmas ornament by Reed and Barton dated 1982. It is the “Christmas Cross” ornament, just in time for the holidays! Merry Christmas.
Category
1980s American Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Francis I Old by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 67 Pc Dn
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous Old Francis I by Reed & Barton Dinner Size sterling silver flatware set - 67 pieces. This set includes:
12 Dinner Size Knives, 9 3/4" ,
12 Dinner Size Forks, 7 7/8",
12 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Rare Georg Jensen Koppel Cutlery, Dinner Service in Sterling Silver for 10 P.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare Georg Jensen Koppel cutlery. Dinner service in sterling silver for 10 people.
Consisting of 10 dinner knives, 10 dinner forks, 10 tablespoons, sauce spoon and a roast fork.
Kn...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
$4,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Sterling Water Pitcher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
There isn’t much in the way of decoration but the shape and style of this water pitcher is fabulous. Notice the curved body juxtaposed against the straight handle. There’s a ribbing pattern along the neck that’s complimented in the lines and curl in the handle. The spout is narrow, which is helpful when pouring. There is an Old English letter L monogram...
Category
1940s American Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
$1,650
Art deco sterling silver and blue enamel dressing table set made in 1930
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1930 by Henry Matthews, this stylish, George V period, Sterling Silver & Enamel Dressing Table Set, is in the art deco taste, and comprises a hand mirror,...
Category
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Signed Sterling Silver Modernist Hallmarked Modernist Sculptural Pitcher
Located in North Miami, FL
This substantial and signed sterling silver hallmarked modernist pitcher is fantastic. It has been professionally polished and looks like a piece of jewelry. It is so modern and tran...
Category
1970s Mexican Modern Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Set of 5 English Edwardian Enamel Game Bird Place Card Holders
Located in New York, NY
Set of 5 Edwardian sterling silver and enamel place card holders. Made by Sampson Mordan in Chester, 1904-8. Each: Two graduated discs of which the front decorated with grouse standi...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Rare circa 1900 Sterling Silver Diamond & Enamel Powder Compact with Lipstick
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this stunning circa 1900 French or Italian Sterling silver Diamond & Enamel powder compact with lipstick
A very good...
Category
Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$2,797 Sale Price
20% Off
Wonderful Pair Whiting Sheraton Sterling Silver Hand Chased Centerpiece Compotes
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of whiting Sheraton sterling silver hand chased centerpiece compotes.
,
Category
20th Century American Sheraton Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Tiffany American Colonial Sterling Silver Coffeepot
Located in New York, NY
American Colonial sterling silver coffeepot. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1916. Conical with capped and scroll-mounted s-scroll spou...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Egg Cruet Set for Three Persons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique George IV English sterling silver egg cruet set for three persons; part of our dining silverware collection.
This exceptional antique George IV sterling silver egg cruet set consists of three egg cups and three associated spoons, displayed on a functional original purpose-made stand.
The original hallmarked egg cups have a bell shaped form onto a circular spreading pedestal foot.
These silver egg cups are embellished with cast and applied floral and foliate decorated borders to the upper portions, in addition to a band of leaf decoration to the each foot.
The three associated hallmarked English sterling silver spoons have a plain tapering form with leaf ornamentation to the terminals.
This silver cruet set is supported and displayed on the original and impressive cast sterling silver circular rounded stand, ornamented with foliate decoration.
The surface of the stand bears three circular receivers enabling the egg cups to stand securely in situ; these supports alternate with integrated receivers for the three egg spoons.
The receivers surmount an exceptional pedestal constructed of three putto figures stood with their arms elevated, bracing scrolling supports to the plain circular boss.
The original antique stand features a central carrying handle modelled in the form of a foliate wreath.
Each antique egg cup and egg spoon retains the original gilt interior.
The initials displayed within the maker's marks, in addition to the standardization of the surround could pertain to a multitude of antique silversmiths; these silversmiths include William Eaton, Ellerby, Esterbrook and Eley II.
In art and culture, a putto (plural: putti) is a chubby male child, usually nude and occasionally bearing wings.
Condition
These antique sterling silver egg cruet...
Category
1820s British George IV Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Thomas Chawner 1780s Sterling Silver Beer or Water Jug
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique George III English sterling silver beer or water jug by Thomas Chawner; part of our dining silverware collection.
This magnificent antiq...
Category
1780s English George III Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Fiddle Shell by Frank Smith Sterling Silver Silverware Set Service 84 Pcs Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Exquisite Fiddle Shell by Frank Smith sterling silver flatware set, 84 pieces. This popular Classic pattern was first offered in 1914 and was discontinued in 2003. This set includes:...
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage English Silver Two Shilling Coin Pill Box by Asprey, London
Located in Bath, GB
A most unusual English pill box by the creme de la creme of London retailers, Asprey of Bond Steet.
The box with hinged lid and base created from an English two old "Two Shilling" C...
Category
1980s British Modern Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Patricia by W&S Sorensen Danish Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 50 pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Mid-Century Modern "Patricia" by W&S Sorensen Danish sterling silver Flatware set – 50 pieces. This set includes:
8 Dinner Knives, 8 3/4"
8 Dinner Forks, 7 3/4"
8 Salad Forks, 3-ti...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Tiffany Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Water Pitcher
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Classical sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Oval body on raised round foot. High-looping handle and helmet mouth. Chased oval frame with pal...
Category
Early 1900s American Edwardian Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Water Pitcher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver water pitcher by the Schofield Company of Baltimore, Maryland. Known for their super sleek and modern designs, this water pitcher is quintessentia...
Category
1940s American Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
STUNNING ANTIQUE CIRA 1900 STERLING SILVER CHiNESE EXPORT DRAGON COCKTAIL SHAKER
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, circa 1900 Chinese Export Dragon cocktail shaker
A good...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
$2,797 Sale Price
20% Off
Sterling Silver Francis I Server
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver server in the “Francis I” patten by Reed and Barton. Perhaps their most iconic pattern of all time, “Francis I” is considered one of the most popu...
Category
1940s American Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Cardeilhac: 5pc. French Antique Sterling Tea Set with Puiforcat Sterling Tray !
By Cardeilhac, Puiforcat
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, a magnificent 5pc. sterling silver tea set by two of France’s premier silversmiths “Cardeilhac” and “Puiforcat”, currently owned by Hermes. The set is in like con...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Georgian English Sterling Silver Waiters
By Robert Abercromby & George Hindmarsh
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive pair of antique Georgian English sterling silver waiters, an addition to our silver tray, salver and platter collection.
These fine...
Category
1730s English George II Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
$5,528 / set
American Colonial by Amston Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service, 60 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Stunning American Colonial by Amston sterling silver flatware set of 60 pieces.
This set includes: 12 knives, 8 7/8" 12 forks, 7" 12 s...
Category
1940s Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Duncan & Scobbie Antique Boxed Sterling Silver Napkin Rings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive set of six antique George V English sterling silver napkin rings - boxed; an addition to our dining silverware collection.
This exceptional set of antique George V silver...
Category
1930s British Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
20th Century Rococo Style Sterling Silver Set of Two Sugar Spreader, Italy, 1993
Located in Cagliari, IT
Gorgeus set of two sterling silver sugar spreaders.
The incomparable chisel work reproduces the motif with vollutte and shells is typical of Ge...
Category
1990s Italian Rococo Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
$895 Sale Price / set
50% Off
Radiant by Whiting Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 63 Pieces Total
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rare Radiant by Whiting Sterling Silver Flatware set - 63 pieces (including 12 Celluloid handle Knives). This set includes:
12 Dinner Knives, with celluloid and inlaid shell handl...
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Peter Taylor George II Sterling Silver Kettle on Stand, 1741
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional sterling silver globular form kettle on stand hallmarked by London silversmith Peter Taylor, 1741, with a floral swag to rim and stand, center with cartouche, with pin...
Category
1740s English George II Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Bowl on Pedestal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver bowl on a pedestal by Gorham Silversmiths of Providence, Rhode Island. It has a modern shape and contemporary style with just a design on the pede...
Category
1940s American Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Georgian Silver Serving Spoon, London 1805 Peter and William Bateman
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Antique Georgian Silver Serving Spoon, London 1805 Peter and William Bateman. Old English pattern, monogram B. Length 11.75 inches. Weight: 103 grams. Condition: Good, extreme minor ...
Category
Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Georgian Sterling Silver Nathaniel Mills Vinaigrette England, circa 1832
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Exquisite! Vintage Georgian Heirloom Sterling Silver vinaigrette by Nathaniel Mills shaped rectangular form, the lid and base finely en...
Category
1830s British Georgian Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
$556 Sale Price
20% Off
Sterling Silver Bottle Label
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Entertaining is an art and we have something special to add to your beautiful soirée; a sterling silver “wine” label to put either on a decanter or bottle of wine. It adds a rich an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Renaissance by Dominick and Haff Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 168 pc Din
Located in Big Bend, WI
Exquisite figural Renaissance by Dominick and Haff flatware set, 168 pieces. The Renaissance pattern was patented in 1894. The handle front and the back at the base of the handle are...
Category
19th Century Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Arts and Crafts Silver Christening Cup London 1900
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Arts and Crafts silver christening cup with hammered finish
Date : Hallmarked in London in 1900 for Johnson, Walker and Tolhurst
Period : Victoria
Origin : London, England
...
Category
Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
20th Century Italian Art Nouveau - Liberty replica Sterling Silver - Cruet Set
Located in VALENZA, IT
Set of Art Nuoveau - Liberty replica of oil cruet, parmesan bowl and salt/pepper in 925 Sterling silver made in Milan. Italy, late 20th century.
The whole set was made by hand, model...
Category
1970s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Christopher Nigel Lawrence - Limited edition pepper grinder & salt shaker - 1973
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1973 by Christopher Lawrence, this stylish, Sterling Silver Pepper Grinder & Salt Shaker, is presented in it's original box, and is number 25 of a limited edi...
Category
1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Silver Baptism Set, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Silver baptism set is a precious decorative set realized by French manufacturer in 19th century.
The lot consist in antique and decorated silver cutl...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
$537 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Three Sterling Silver Tiffany & CO Dishes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a set of three sterling silver nut dishes by the world renowned Tiffany and Company. Designed and manufactured in the 1950’s, they have that quintessential Mid-Cent...
Category
1950s American Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
$1,200 / set
Sterling Silver & Crystal “Chip-n-Dip
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver and crystal “chip-n-dip” tray by the Watson Silver Company. The silver rim is reticulated and has a one and half inch wide border. The crystal ha...
Category
1920s American Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
$550 / item
Tapio Wirkkala Kinetic Silver Moon Hopeakuu Pendant, 1974
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hopeakuu (Finnish: silver moon) sterling pendant designed by Tapio Wirkkala, comprising nine concentric rings that move independently around a small orb at ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
$1,800 Sale Price
55% Off
Art Deco Silver Engine Turned Ladies Compact, 1948, David Sutton & Sons, London
Located in London, GB
Art Deco silver Engine turned ladies Compact, 1948, David Sutton & Sons, London
Gross weight 6.2 troy ounces,very heavy gauge of silver.
Beautifully designed with a 14ct gold thumb...
Category
1940s Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Gold, Sterling Silver
Magnum Wine Cooler or Champagne Bucket Louis XV Style with Solid Silver
Located in Paris, FR
This elegant tulip-shaped champagne bucket a magnum fits, it is resting on a molded bate, edge outlined with bypassed threads. Decor with curved cut sides separated by large grooves,...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Louis XV Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
$6,116 Sale Price
20% Off
Creel and Gow Silvered Sea Shell Tibia Fusus
Located in New York, NY
Tibia fusus fully silver coated seashell. Creel and Gow has been working with the same atelier in Rome, Italy for over 20 years to make our signature sil...
Category
2010s Italian Victorian Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
$180 / item
Valdres by Marthinsen Norway 830 Silver Flatware Set Service 56 pieces Luncheon
Located in Big Bend, WI
Valdres by Th. Marthinsen (Norway) 830 silver flatware set with ornate pierced handle, 56 pieces. This set includes:
8 Luncheon Knives, 8 1/4"
8 Luncheon Forks, 6 3/4"
8 Pastry Fork...
Category
20th Century Norwegian Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Two Cut Glass and Silver Claret Jugs, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
These exquisite jugs have been expertly crafted in glass and are mounted with sterling silver necks, spouts, handles and lids.
The broadest part of the glass base, just above the...
Category
Late 19th Century German Rococo Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Redlich & Co. Sterling Silver Serving Tray #9392
Located in Big Bend, WI
Redlich & Co.
Redlich & Co. sterling serving silver tray. The piece is marked with #9392, it weighs 107.66 ozt., and it measures 2 x 26 1/2 x 16 . It is not monogrammed and is in ex...
Category
20th Century American Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of Floral Silver Vases Produced in Qajar Persia
Located in London, GB
Pair of floral silver vases produced in Qajar Persia
Persian, late 19th century
Measures: Height 27cm, diameter 9.5cm
These fine Persian silver vases are adorned with repoussé a...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks in the arts and crafts style, hallmarked in the city of Sheffield in 1905/06 by James Dixon...
Category
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
$5,944 / set
Louis XIV by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service Dinner 65 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Celebrate all of your meals in style with this Louis XIV by Towle sterling silver flatware set. Founded in 1690 in Massachusetts, the elite artisans at Towle Silversmiths handcrafted...
Category
1920s American Louis XIV Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Japanese Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
Japanese Silver Bowl, Meiji period (1868-1912)
A round, double-walled bowl with a wavy rim of beautiful design, the exterior finely embossed and chased in high relief with a three-c...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
$10,490
Antique Georgian Sterling Silver Ladle, 18th Century
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive Georgian sterling silver ladle.
It has a deep round bowl with a bright cut engraved handle.
Large clear hallmarks to the reverse with a rat tail end pattern.
N...
Category
18th Century British Georgian Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
$278 Sale Price
20% Off
Art Nouveau Silver Jardinière In Navette Form, Hermann Schrader Germany, Ca 1907
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant silver jardinière in the shape of a small boat standing on four rocaille feet that project downwards, the vessel in the middle section with a horizontal band of lamellas that...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Antique George V Sterling Silver Letter Opener / Bookmark (1912)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique George V English sterling silver paper knife/letter opener/bookmark; an addition to our silver flatware collection.
This exceptional and rare antique English sterling silver letter opener/bookmark has a plain tapering blade.
This antique paper knife...
Category
1910s English Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
A Fabulous Large Silver Fox c1904
Located in Pewsey, GB
A Large Silver Fox by Berthold Muller a German Import. In superb condition and the head twist off like a very large stirrup type cup. Fully marked and a fabulous centrepiece. Weight...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Bridal Rose by Alvin Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 12 Set 49 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Beautiful Bridal Rose by Alvin sterling silver flatware set of 49 pieces. This set includes:
Measures:
12 knives, blunt, 9".
12 forks, 6 3/4".
12 salad forks w/bar, 6".
12 teaspoon...
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Poppy by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 60 Pcs Dinner
By Gorham
Located in Big Bend, WI
Exquisite dinner size Poppy by Gorham sterling silver flatware set - 60 pieces. This set includes:
12 Dinner Size Knives, 9 5/8"
12 Dinner Size Forks...
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Tiffany Bread (challah) Knife
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver bread (challah) knife in the “Century” pattern by the world renowned Tiffany and Company. First introduced in 1937, ”Century” quickly became a fav...
Category
1940s American Vintage Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Danish Silver Hand Hammered Vase by C. Heise
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century continental 0.826 Danish silver hand hammered vase with beaded rims, inscriptions, and applied decorations by Christian F. Heise. Mea...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
America by Christofle Silverplate Flatware Service for 8 Dinner Set 102 pieces
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
With a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations.
Fo...
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver Plate
Vintage, New and Antique Sterling Silver
Dining and entertaining changed drastically when we began to set our tables with sterling silver for holiday gatherings, wedding receptions, engagement parties and, in some of today’s homes, everyday meals.
Often called the “Queen of metals,” silver has been universally adored for thousands of years. It is easy to see why it has always been sought after: It is durable, strong and beautiful. (Louis XIV had tables made entirely of silver.) Sterling silver is an alloy that is made of 92.5 percent silver — the “925” stamp that identifies sterling-silver jewelry refers to this number. The other 7.5 percent in sterling silver is typically sourced from copper.
Neoclassical-style sterling-silver goods in Europe gained popularity in the late 18th century — a taste for sterling-silver tableware as well as tea sets had taken shape — while in the United States, beginning in the 19th century, preparing the dinner table with sterling-silver flatware had become somewhat of a standard practice. Indeed, owning lots of silver goods during the Victorian era was a big deal. Back then, displaying fine silver at home was a status symbol for middle-class American families. And this domestic silver craze meant great profitability for legendary silversmith manufacturers such as Reed & Barton, Gorham Manufacturing Company and the International Silver Company, which was incorporated in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1898, a major hub of silver manufacturing nicknamed “Silver City.”
Today, special occasions might call for ceremonial silver designed by Tiffany & Co. or the seductive sterling-silver cutlery from remarkable Danish silversmith Georg Jensen, but there really doesn’t have to be an event on the calendar to trot out your finest tableware.
Event- and wedding-planning company maestro Tara Guérard says that some “investment pieces,” such as this widely enamored alloy, should see everyday use, and we’re inclined to agree.
“Sterling-silver flatware is a must-have that you can use every single day, even to eat cereal,” she says. “Personally, I want a sterling-silver goblet set for 12 to 20; I would use them every time I had a dinner party. Ultimately, there are no criteria for buying vintage pieces: Buy what you love, and make it work.”
Whether you’re thinking “ceremonial” or “cereal,” browse a versatile collection of vintage, new and antique sterling-silver wares on 1stDibs today.