Photo Credit: Nelson-And-Nelson-Antique-Silver
Antique English Sterling Silver Creamer and Sugar from the Victorian Era
Buy It Now Price: $420 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is a photogenic English sterling silver creamer and sugar set with a gilt interior. It was created by the silversmith John Keith in London in 1859, during the heart of the Victorian era.
-Creamers, also known as cream pitchers, (for holding milk) and sugars (for holding sugar) first became popular in the British Isles during the early 18th century due to the rapid adoption of tea as the national drink. A fine sterling silver set would have been de rigueur in the household of any wealthy or well-to-do Victorian Britain.
-The creamer measures 5.25 inches (13.3 cm) tall by 6.33 inches (16.1 cm) long by 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) wide, while the sugar is 4.75 (12.1 cm) tall by 9 inches (22.9 cm) long by 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide.
-The set weighs in at a very hefty 16 troy ounces or 498 grams. That is nearly half a kilogram of sterling silver! At the current silver spot price of $19.75 per troy ounce, the set would scrap for over $292.
-The slightly bulbous shape, massive form and heavy construction of this sterling silver creamer and sugar set are consistent with a mid 19th century attribution. The set’s hallmarks also confirm this time period.
-The set is in excellent condition, with no visible dents, dings, cracks or repairs. It also has a wonderfully mellow, satiny patina.
-Antique silver offers a lot of bargains today because it is often viewed as being “old fashioned” or “out of step” with the modern household. But things that are out of fashion today inevitably come back into fashion tomorrow.
-This sterling silver creamer and sugar set is a phenomenal deal. At the asking price of $420, this 150 year old set is only selling for a modest 44% premium over its melt value.
Cons:
-This sterling silver creamer and sugar set could be an anachronism in your kitchen if you don’t drink coffee or tea. Of course, it would also be just as useful (and sumptuous) accompanying your morning breakfast cereal.
-Sterling silver hollowware was produced in large quantities in Victorian England and is not particularly rare today. Even so, this sterling silver creamer and sugar set is of exceptional quality.
-The monolithic, ponderous tendencies of Victorian silver are not currently in vogue. Although it requires a great deal of patience, this preference is likely to change over the coming decades.
