What is crested sterling silver?

Crested sterling silver refers to historical silver objects that feature hand-engraved family crests, crests of office, or armorial bearings. These symbols identified the property of prominent households and institutions. Items range from dining utensils and serving ladles to personal snuff boxes and desk accessories. Each crest connects the physical object to a specific lineage recorded in heraldic archives.

How can I identify the age?

Dating relies primarily on the hallmarked stamps pressed directly into the metal by official assay offices. These marks typically include a date letter corresponding to the exact year of testing. Stylistic indicators such as spoon bowl shapes, handle patterns, and the style of the engraved crest offer further clues. Georgian pieces show distinct hand-wrought traits compared to later Victorian manufacturing methods.

Why do some items have mottoes?

Mottoes accompanying family crests served as traditional declarations of family values, loyalty, or ancestral history. They were engraved alongside the heraldic crest to reinforce identity. These inscriptions appear in Latin, English, or regional languages such as Welsh. They provide collectors with additional genealogical details to trace the provenance of the piece.

How do I care for antique silver?

Maintaining antique silver requires minimal cleaning using specialised soft cloths and non-abrasive polishes. Avoiding harsh chemical dips preserves the delicate hand-engraving of the crests and the integrity of the original surface. Storing pieces in dry, tarnish-resistant environments protects them from atmospheric corrosion. Regular, gentle handling develops a desirable historical patina over the decades.

Home > Antiques For Sale > Crested Sterling Silver > Page 4

Crested Sterling Silver

52 items · page 4 of 4

← Page 4 of 4 →

Crested sterling silver brings together the weight of traditional smithing and the personal heraldry of past owners.

George V Antique Double Silver Picture Frame, Sheffield 1920

1900 - 1920

Save

George V Antique Double Silver Picture Frame, Sheffield 1920

From Highland Antiques Ltd

£595

FOR SALE

silver

1829 Very Rare Pair of York Soup Ladles with Town Mark by Bcn 476 Grams Period Crest

19th century

Save

1829 Very Rare Pair of York Soup Ladles with Town Mark by Bcn 476 Grams Period Crest

From Dudley Antique Silver

£2,100

FOR SALE

silver

18th century

Save

Antique Georgian Silver Large Tobacco Box with Crest - James Phipps I (London) C.1770

From Artisan Antiques

£850

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

Save

Rare Victorian Scottish Silver Trick Vesta Case

From Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)

£295

FOR SALE

silver

← 1 2 3 4 →

65,713

Antiques For Sale

204

Antiques Approved Today

1,400

Antique Uploads This Month

446,595

Total Antiques Sold

Crested Sterling Silver

George V Antique Double Silver Picture Frame, Sheffield 1920

1829 Very Rare Pair of York Soup Ladles with Town Mark by Bcn 476 Grams Period Crest

Antique Georgian Silver Large Tobacco Box with Crest - James Phipps I (London) C.1770

Rare Victorian Scottish Silver Trick Vesta Case

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories