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Medieval Sterling Silver

MEDIEVAL STYLE

The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.

Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.

Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.

By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.

Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.

Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Medieval
Italian Sterling Silver Chess Board, Chess Game, Sodalite Marble
Italian Sterling Silver Chess Board, Chess Game, Sodalite Marble

Italian Sterling Silver Chess Board, Chess Game, Sodalite Marble

By Arval Argenti Valenza

Located in VALENZA, IT

Impressive sterling silver chess board medieval style chess set. The chess board, made by ARVAL ARGENTI VALENZA, was made in white marble and sodalite is supported by a STERLING SILVER frame made with the casting method and finished with a chisel, subsequently burnished and reproducing the bricks of a wall of a fortress. This "frame" is supported at the four horses two tone...

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2010s Italian Medieval Sterling Silver

Materials

Marble, Sterling Silver

Medieval/15th Century-Style Continental Silver '.800' Roemer/ Rummer Goblet
Medieval/15th Century-Style Continental Silver '.800' Roemer/ Rummer Goblet

Medieval/15th Century-Style Continental Silver '.800' Roemer/ Rummer Goblet

Located in New York, NY

Medieval (15th Century) - style, Continental Silver (.800) Rummer/Roemer style goblet, Germany, Ca. 1920. This form of goblet was popular from the 15th-17th centuries, although the R...

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1920s German Vintage Medieval Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Vessel
Sterling Silver Vessel

Sterling Silver Vessel

Located in New York, NY

A small well-made sterling silver vessel in the Gothic design style. Piece can be just decorative or use to hold small items, etc., shown in images as a jewelry dish. Markers' mark a...

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Early 20th Century American Medieval Sterling Silver

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Sterling Silver

20th Century Made in Italy Sterling Silver Jug
20th Century Made in Italy Sterling Silver Jug

20th Century Made in Italy Sterling Silver Jug

By Mario Vallè

Located in VALENZA, IT

Fully handmade medieval style solid sterling silver jug. The body is oval and shaped embossed grooves. The base, separated from the rest of the body by a bushing, is round with the s...

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1990s Italian Medieval Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique English silver Victorian gothic style vase, Birmingham 1890
Antique English silver Victorian gothic style vase, Birmingham 1890

Antique English silver Victorian gothic style vase, Birmingham 1890

Located in Central England, GB

This most eyecatching solid silver vase stands on a moulded and domed raised foot. The tall slender body slowly flares to a plain out swept rim. The lower body is decorated with a g...

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Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

20th Century German Enamelled Sterling Silver Armour on Wood Decorated Base
20th Century German Enamelled Sterling Silver Armour on Wood Decorated Base

20th Century German Enamelled Sterling Silver Armour on Wood Decorated Base

By Brumal

Located in VALENZA, IT

Figure realized in Sterling Silver using the lost wax process. The details are gilded and enameled. The figure is 17.5 cm high and depicts a 15th century German soldier with sword ...

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1990s Italian Medieval Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

20th Century French in Enameled Sterling Silver Armor on Wood Decorated Base
20th Century French in Enameled Sterling Silver Armor on Wood Decorated Base

20th Century French in Enameled Sterling Silver Armor on Wood Decorated Base

By Brumal

Located in VALENZA, IT

Figure realized in sterling silver using the lost wax process. The details are gilded and enameled. The figure is 19.5 cm high and depicts a 15th century French soldier with Jousting Lance and shield The wood square base is 7 cm high where there is an engraved label "Armatura Francese XV° Secolo" - "French Armour...

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1990s Italian Medieval Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

20th Century Italian in Enameled Sterling Silver Armor on Wood Decorated Base
20th Century Italian in Enameled Sterling Silver Armor on Wood Decorated Base

20th Century Italian in Enameled Sterling Silver Armor on Wood Decorated Base

By Brumal

Located in VALENZA, IT

Figure realized in sterling silver using the lost wax process. The details are gilded and enameled. The figure is 18 cm high and depicts a 15th century Italian...

Category

1990s Italian Medieval Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

20th Century English Enamelled Sterling Silver Armour on Wood Decorated Base
20th Century English Enamelled Sterling Silver Armour on Wood Decorated Base

20th Century English Enamelled Sterling Silver Armour on Wood Decorated Base

By Brumal

Located in VALENZA, IT

Figure realized in Sterling Silver using the lost wax process. The details are gilded and enameled. The figure is 18 cm high and depicts a 15th century Italian soldier with sword and dagger The wood square base is 7 cm high where there is an engraved label "Armatura Inglese XV° Secolo" - "English...

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1990s Italian Medieval Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Electroplated Silver Bottle Coasters Antique Circa 1940
Electroplated Silver Bottle Coasters Antique Circa 1940

Electroplated Silver Bottle Coasters Antique Circa 1940

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A very good pair of antique electroplated silver bottle coasters; part of our wine and drinks related collection. These antique electroplated sil...

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1940s English Vintage Medieval Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

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Medieval sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sterling silver created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval sterling silver made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sterling silver, popular names associated with this style include Argenteria Etruria, Mario Vallè, Albion Craft Company, and Arval Argenti Valenza. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sterling silver differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $150 and tops out at $26,700 while the average work can sell for $1,233.