Photo Credit: sterlingmasters
Early 20th Century Silver Tazza from Germany
Buy It Now Price: $595 (price as of 2017; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This lovely solid silver tazza or compote – a footed bowl – has a gilt interior and was made in Nuremburg, Germany in the early 20th century.
-The silver tazza measures 8.625 inches (21.9 cm) tall by 7.25 inches (18.4 cm) wide at the top by 4.125 inches (10.5 cm) wide at the foot. It would look great as the centerpiece on a formal dining table.
-This lovely piece weighs a very substantial 12 troy ounces (373 grams) of solid 800 fine silver. With spot silver trading at $17.95 per troy ounce, the melt value of this silver tazza is approximately $172.
-The item’s affixed crescent moon and crown hallmarks became mandatory on German silver in 1888. They are completely consistent with German silver from the first few decades of the 20th century.
-This silver tazza is a beautiful mix of sensuous late 19th century Art Nouveau style and sleek 1920s Art Deco influence. It is really a marvelous piece.
-The silverwork on this piece is absolutely splendid. High quality antique German silver is often characterized by exacting precision and attention to detail.
-In light of this silver tazza’s excellent composition and balanced aesthetics, I feel that the asking price of $595 is fair.
Cons:
-The intrinsic value of $172 mentioned above means that the piece is selling for a hefty 246% premium over its silver melt value. This is not cheap. But it isn’t expensive either, given the exquisite silverwork of the item.
–Continental European silver, like most silver flatware and hollowware, is currently out of favor. The potential for future price increases will remain suppressed as long as this is the case. If you are buying for investment purposes, be prepared to hold for a long period of time.
