Velvet Tableware

Inspired by the ornamental characteristics of Art Nouveau — its undulating asymmetrical lines delineate Elizabeth Hayt’s signature fantasy flowers entangled with vines, water lilies,...

Pair of early 20th century Jugendstil/Art Nouveau silver napkin rings and decorative box by german manufacturer Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) By: Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) Material: silver, wood, thread, velvet, cord, fabric, metal, silver plate Technique: cast, gilt, patinated, polished, metalwork, silvered, plated Dimensions: 5 in x 7.5 in x 3.5 in Date: Late 19th Century, circa 1885 Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Belle Époque, Arts and Crafts Place of origin: Germany This is a set of two napkin rings made of gilt, patinated and polished silver, with carved decoration. Both rings feature figures of young boys climbing up one side of the napkin holder. The edges of each piece show the markings 'WMF' (manufacturer's hallmark), 'I/O' (purity mark; in this case it means regular silver coating is used) and 'ig' (process of the silver; in this case it means it's gilt). They come with a decorative box to rest the rings, made of wood lined with fabric inside and a velvet surface surrounded by an ornamental rope. WMF is the abbreviation for Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, which in English means Wurtemberg Metalware Factory. WMF was created in 1880 after the successful merger of two Wurtemberg foundries, the Geislingen factory and the Esslingen factory. The first foundry was commercially more successful, while the second one was using a more advanced technology of galvanic silver deposition. In 1881 the Esslingen factory was dismantled and its equipment was incorporated into the Geislingen foundry. During the next thirty years WMF experienced a period of rapid expansion, which lasted until the beginning of the World War in 1914. The WMF silver-plated production made this period of time (1880-1914) is extremely popular among western antiques...

Pristine and immense in its breadth, this 994-piece silver set, created by the renowned C.J. Vander of London, is in a class of its own. When silver was the coinage of Great Britain, silver flatware sets became affirmations of economic prosperity and affluence. Only the most prestigious families could afford a set of twelve place settings. This complete Vander service comprised of almost 1,000 grapevine pattern pieces, with service for 60 people for a seated meal and service for 82 people for a buffet, was a monumental commission. All of the pieces are held in a remarkable seven-drawer velvet inlaid mahogany case, emphasizing the grandeur of this exceptional set. Vander created silver masterpieces using the time-honored traditions, now incredibly rare. Known for their elaborate designs and intricate engravings, Vander was one of the last remaining English flatware makers to employ the age-old method of hand forging flatware, where each piece of silver starts out as an ingot and is formed by a silversmith using a Hammer. After the pieces were forged, they would be hammered flat, polished, chased and decorated, and then polished again, all by hand. Though time-consuming, such craftsmanship ensured a product that was superior in every possible way. It was this firm's steadfast commitment to quality that made them the favorite of both royalty and nobility alike throughout Europe. Over 117 pounds of weighable silver, this 994-piece set includes: 82 table forks 82 soup spoons 82 table knives with stainless steel blades 82 dessert forks 82 dessert spoons 82 dessert/cheese knives with stainless steel blades 82 tea spoons 60 fish forks 60 fish knives 60 coffee spoons 60 pastry forks 60 grapefruit spoons 60 butter knives 37 table serving spoon...