What are edwardian sterling silver mounts?

Edwardian sterling silver mounts are protective and decorative metal collars, rims, lids, and shields applied to household objects made of glass, wood, and leather. They elevate functional items into decorative art. These pieces showcase the collaboration between silversmiths and makers of glassware or leather goods during the early twentieth century.

How were these silver mounted items used?

They served a variety of domestic and social functions, ranging from pouring whisky at the sideboard to holding correspondence on a writing desk. Scent bottles and dressing table boxes organised personal grooming. Smoking accessories like match strikers and cigar boxes were standard fixtures in Edwardian drawing rooms and smoking dens.

How do I care for silver mounts on glass and wood?

Keep silver mounts clean using a soft cloth and specialist silver polish, taking care to avoid getting polish onto porous materials like wood, tortoiseshell, or crocodile skin. Store pieces away from direct sunlight and damp environments. For glass bodies, warm soapy water works well, but immerse only the glass parts or keep moisture away from glued joints and hinged silver lids.

How can I tell the date of a mount?

Examine the silver components for British hallmarks, which typically include a lion passant for sterling silver, a city mark for the assay office, and a specific letter indicating the year of manufacture. Comparing these stamps against hallmarking charts reveals the exact year. The overall style, whether Art Nouveau curves or crisp Edwardian neo-classicism, also provides a strong visual guide to the period.

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Edwardian Sterling Silver Mounts

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These edwardian sterling silver mounts transform utilitarian glass, wood and leather objects into sophisticated domestic accessories through precious metal collars, lids and shields.