Antique Silver

Photo Credit: silverperfect

Set of Twelve Wallace Nautical Sterling Spoons – Clam Shells

Buy It Now Price: $475 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)

Pros:

-This is an exquisite set of 12 sterling silver teaspoons in a unique, clam and nautical-themed design. Each spoon is 4.5 inches (11.4 centimeters) long.

-This set was produced in the late 19th or very early 20th century by the respected American company Wallace Silversmiths. It is fully hallmarked with the Wallace Silversmiths maker’s mark and the word “sterling”.

-Wallace Silversmiths was known for its high-quality, 3-dimensional silver patterns and this nautical themed set of teaspoons does not disappoint. Mussels, barnacles and clams are quite literally encrusted along the entire length of the utensil handle – both front and back. Even the bowl of the spoon is fashioned to look like half a clam shell. The overall effect is stunning.

-You won’t find this clam pattern in any standard reference book on American silver manufacturers. This is a rare, unnamed pattern, produced only in very, very limited quantities. In fact, I’ve never seen this nautical-themed pattern previously. The only unifying characteristic I’ve discovered for these exceedingly rare American patterns is that they are invariably of the highest quality and finest craftsmanship.

Cons:

-The seller does not disclose the weight of the spoons. This is a minor quibble because this set is worth many times it bullion value. You are primarily buying the artistic execution here, not the silver. Having said that, I estimate that each teaspoon probably contains around 0.5 troy ounces (15.5 grams) of fine silver. This would give the entire set an estimated bullion value of about $90, based on $15 a troy ounce silver.

-The teaspoons are monogrammed on the inside of the bowl. Some silver collectors dislike monograms and avoid them when possible. However, I don’t believe monograms detract from an item’s desirability or impact its value significantly.

-The asking price of $475 is ever so slightly on the high side. Although this is an exceedingly beautiful and rare set of sterling silver teaspoons, I would still feel more comfortable with a price around $400. Of course, if you let this set slip through your fingers at $475, you could potentially spend a lifetime trying to track down another example.

Photo Credit: ricou251

Antique French Sterling Silver Liquor Goblets, Set of 12, Late 19th

Buy It Now Price: $295 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)

Pros:

-This is a complete set of one dozen antique French silver cordial cups made by the Parisian firm Henin & Cie during the late 19th or early 20th century. Small cordial cups like the ones featured here were often used at Belle Époque parties for expensive alcohol like sherry or liqueurs.

-The somewhat restrained, neo-classical decoration and the hallmarks are both completely consistent with a late 19th or early 20th century date and French manufacture.

-All the pieces of the set are undamaged, with only modest wear. This has a massively positive impact on the investability of the set.

-These pieces are made from solid silver of the French 1st standard – 95% fine. This is a higher fineness than British sterling silver (92.5% fine). With a total weight of 314 grams (10.09 troy ounces) for the complete set, the bullion value comes to approximately $144 (with spot silver at $15 a troy ounce). This high intrinsic value represents a compelling, low risk case for investing.

-These silver cordial cups measure 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) tall by 1.3 inches (3.3 centimeters) wide. Although rather small, each individual cup weighs a hefty 26 grams (0.84 troy ounces) of solid silver. This substantial weight is indicative of the good quality of the set.

–Antique Continental European silver is extremely undervalued in today’s alternative asset market.  It is sometimes possible to buy good investment grade pieces – like this set – for only $200 or $300.

Cons:

-Each cup in the set is monogrammed, which some collectors of antique silver dislike. I personally believe monograms ground antique silver in its historical context and either has a neutral or slightly positive impact on pricing.

-The set would be significantly more valuable if it came with its original storage box. Unfortunately in this instance, the original case appears to have been lost to the ravages of time.

-This set of silver cordial cups might have limited usefulness today, unless you intend to serve your party guests shots of hard liquor. Of course, if you did find a way to use these stylish cordial cups at a dinner party, they would quickly become a talking point.

Photo Credit: A & F Silver & Virtue

Fine Art Deco 222g Solid Sterling Silver & Gold Cigarette Case – Birmingham 1937

Buy It Now Price: $307 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)

Pros:

-This sterling silver cigarette case was made in Birmingham, England in 1937 by William Neale & Sons Ltd. It is unusually heavy, weighing a massive 222.4 grams (7.15 troy ounces) and measures 14.5 centimeters (5.7 inches) long by 8.4 centimeters (3.3 inches) wide. The case’s bullion value (with silver trading at $15 per ounce) is approximately $100.

-This piece is a beautiful example of the mature Art Deco style. Its simple, linear aesthetic comes together remarkably well without being overly austere. The engine-turned surface and tasteful use of gold trim significantly adds to its desirability.

-The cigarette case is in excellent condition with no dents, dings or repairs. The clasp and hinge also work well. The interior gilding is fully intact as are the cigarette retention springs. This is important as oftentimes the interior retention mechanism is either missing or damaged.

-Britain has perhaps the most rigidly enforced silver hallmarking system in the world. This is good, as it guarantees that a hallmarked piece of British silver is definitely up to the sterling standard. It also makes attribution as to city, date and maker very easy. This cigarette case is properly hallmarked.

-This sterling silver objet d’art comes from a pivotal era in British history. It was manufactured in 1937, during the twilight of the British Empire and just a couple years before the Nazis provoked the outbreak of World War II.

Cons:

-The cigarette case is engraved with the initials WHA on the front. There is also a dedication inscription on the interior that reads “PRESENTED TO MR. W. H. ATTRILL BY D. J. JAMES IN APPRECIATION OF HIS SERVICES AS GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CIRCUIT. 22.3.37.” Some collectors of fine silver frown on monograms and inscriptions and either avoid them entirely or pay less for silver pieces adorned with them. I personally believe they are part of an item’s legacy and serve to give it historical context. In my opinion inscriptions and initials are either neutral or very modestly enhance the desirability of a piece. This is ultimately in the eye of the beholder.

-This cigarette case is a functional luxury item…but only if you smoke cigarettes. If you don’t smoke, it could possibly be re-purposed as a business card holder or even a money clip. Otherwise it is at best an objet d’art – a display piece.

-The asking amount is set at a premium price point – 220 British pounds (about $307). A recurring theme among investment-grade antiques is that exceptional specimens often command exceptional prices. This magnificent Art Deco sterling silver cigarette case is no exception to that rule. However, it is worth the asking price. If it seems expensive today, just wait ten years and try to buy a similar example for 220 pounds – you won’t be able to.