1907 Sterling Silver
1907 sterling silver pieces encompass Edwardian tableware, desk accessories, and novelty items shaped by Art Nouveau and Rococo Revival tastes.
1907 Sterling Silver
When browsing 1907 sterling silver, collectors encounter a diverse range of objects designed for personal adornment, domestic service, and writing desks. These pieces originate from the Edwardian period, capturing both traditional floral motifs and sinuous Art Nouveau lines.
The selection frequently includes small silver boxes, photo frames, and desktop items such as inkwells and note pads. Larger dining items like baskets, bowls, and salvers also appear alongside whimsical novelties.
Makers of this era utilised hallmarking standards that record the specific assay office and year. Pieces from Birmingham, Chester, Sheffield, and London dominate the available examples.
How They Were Made
Silversmiths employed techniques such as hammering, casting, and piercing to shape the metal. Many items combine sterling silver with contrasting elements like cut glass, wood, leather, or velvet.
Decorative surfaces often feature repoussé work, chasing, or applied enamel details. Handles and internal fittings integrate secondary materials including mother of pearl and silk.
The design styles span the Edwardian period, Art Nouveau, and Edwardian Rococo Revival.
What Varies in Quality
The crispness of the chased or stamped relief work distinguishes standard production from finer pieces. Maker reputation and the complexity of the design dictate desirability.
The presence of original fitted presentation cases and intact interior linings elevates an object's completeness. Condition issues involve dents or wear to the underlying materials.
Sampson Mordan·Mappin & Webb·Levi & Salaman·Mappin Bros·The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths·Henry Charles Freeman·William Neale & Sons·James Dixon & Sons·Adie & Lovekin Ltd·Tiffany & Co
The 1907 Sterling Silver Glossary
- Sterling silver
- An alloy containing 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals, usually copper, to provide durability. This standard is guaranteed by official hallmarking.
- Assay office
- An authority that tests precious metals and stamps items with hallmarks. Offices in Birmingham, Chester, Sheffield, and London are common for this year.
- Repoussé
- A metalworking technique where the artist hammers the design from the reverse side to create a raised relief on the front. It appears frequently on boxes and trays.
- Aide memoire
- A small pocket notebook with a silver cover, often containing ivory or paper leaves and a pencil. These served as portable memorandum pads for social appointments.
1907 Sterling Silver: Frequently Asked Questions
What items were made in 1907?
The objects range from desktop tools like note pads and magnifying glasses to dressing table trays and photo frames. Dining accessories such as sugar baskets and butter dishes also feature.
Smaller novelties including pin cushions, bookmarks, and sovereign cases demonstrate the versatility of Edwardian silversmiths.
How do I identify a 1907 hallmark?
British hallmarks include a standard mark for sterling silver, a town mark indicating the assay office, and a date letter. For this year, look for the specific lowercase or uppercase letter assigned by the local office.
Maker's marks usually consist of the initials of the silversmith or manufacturing firm stamped alongside the statutory assay marks.
How do I care for silver?
Silver requires gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and specialised polish to remove tarnish without abrading the surface detail. Avoid harsh chemical dips that strip the natural patina.
Store pieces away from direct sunlight and moisture, particularly items containing velvet, leather, or silk linings that degrade in humid conditions.
What is Art Nouveau style?
Art Nouveau design rejects rigid classical symmetry in favour of organic forms, flowing lines, and stylised plant motifs. On these silver items, it manifests as sinuous borders and maiden figures.
This aesthetic shares the period with Edwardian Rococo Revival pieces, which favour heavy scrolls and floral repoussé work.