What were silver novelty items actually used for?

These pieces served practical domestic functions on dressing tables, desks, and dining rooms. Items like pin cushions, stamp cases, mustard pots, and menu holders combined utility with amusing sculptural designs. Owners utilised them daily as functional accessories that doubled as conversation pieces in polite society.

How do I know if a piece is Edwardian?

Authenticating the period relies on reading the hallmarks stamped onto the silver surface. Birmingham and London office marks, combined with date letters, pinpoint the exact year of creation. Stylistic cues such as the naturalistic animal forms and specific aesthetic preferences also align with the early twentieth-century timeline.

Why do some pin cushions have fabric inside?

The original velvet, silk, or fabric insert was designed to securely hold sewing pins and needles during needlework tasks. These textiles were fitted directly into the hollow silver body of animals like pigs, bears, and birds. Survival of the original fabric in good condition adds to the historical integrity of the piece.

Are all novelty pieces made in England?

While the majority of pieces originate from English workshops in Birmingham and London, continental makers also exported similar novelty silver to the British market. Marks indicating foreign manufacture or specific import sponsors appear on items like Hanau silver figures. English provincial and capital hallmarks remain the most common markers found on these items.

Search 0

3,759 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 38 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN DEALER LOGIN

Saved

Edwardian Sterling Silver Novelty

38 ITEMS ADDED TODAY

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Edwardian Sterling Silver Novelty

130 items · page 9 of 9

← Page 9 of 9 →

Edwardian sterling silver novelty items combine domestic utility with playful figural sculpture, capturing the eccentric imagination of early twentieth-century silversmiths.

English Sterling Silver Jewellery Box in the Form of a Dressing Table / Dresser

1900 - 1920

Save

English Sterling Silver Jewellery Box in the Form of a Dressing Table / Dresser

From Puckerings

£695

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

19th century

Save

Antique Silver Bell.

From George James Antiques

£195

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

← 1 ... 5 6 7 8 9 →

65,916

Antiques For Sale

Antiques Approved Today

2,822

Antique Uploads This Month

439,756

Total Antiques Sold

Edwardian Sterling Silver Novelty

English Sterling Silver Jewellery Box in the Form of a Dressing Table / Dresser

Antique Silver Bell.

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories