Hermes Silver Accessory
These hermes silver accessory pieces bring mid-century Parisian craftsmanship straight to your desk and table.
Hermes Silver Accessory
A hermes silver accessory covers functional items created for the desk, bar, and table during the mid-twentieth century. Buyers searching this phrase look for small, portable objects that combine utility with distinct equestrian or maritime motifs.
The pieces on this page typically date from the nineteen-fifties and nineteen-sixties. You will encounter forms ranging from magnifying glasses and bottle openers to trinket dishes, napkin rings, and pill boxes.
Parisian design dominates the selection, often incorporating horse heads, bits, and cordage into the metalwork. These items reflect the luxury house's long-standing connection to equestrian pursuits and refined daily living.
Assessing quality and finish
The choice of materials also dictates the grade of the piece, with solid sterling silver and silver gilt examples sitting at the upper end compared to silver plate. Intact coin insets and original glass components preserve the integrity of the design.
Object forms include desk accessories, barware, smoking compendiums, and novelty horse head dishes.
Hermes Paris
The Hermes Silver Accessory Glossary
- Vide Poche
- A small tray or dish designed for emptying pockets of small items. These often feature sculptural motifs like horse heads.
- Silver Gilt
- Silver that has been coated with a thin layer of gold. This technique adds warmth and contrast to the metal surface.
- Vermeil
- Sterling silver plated with gold. It provides the durability of silver with the rich appearance of gold.
- Smoking Compendium
- A portable set containing items for smoking, such as match holders and ash receptacles. These are fashioned in sterling silver.
- Silver Plate
- A base metal coated with a layer of pure silver. This method allowed luxury houses to produce accessible decorative objects.
Hermes Silver Accessory: Frequently Asked Questions
What periods do these accessories cover?
The listings span the nineteen-fifties and nineteen-sixties. These decades captured a specific Parisian modernist aesthetic.
Items from this era frequently blend practical function with sculptural animal or nautical themes.
How were these items used originally?
They served as luxury goods for the desk, dining table, and bar. Owners used them as bottle openers, napkin rings, pill boxes, and magnifying glasses.
Many functioned as decorative accents that doubled as practical tools for daily routines.
How do I care for silver accessories?
Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth helps maintain the finish without removing the silver layer or gilt. Avoid harsh chemical dips that can damage inset coins or glass.
Store pieces away from damp environments to prevent tarnishing on both silver and plated surfaces.