Sterling Silver Bird Figurine
These sterling silver bird figurine pieces range from Edwardian pin cushions to Victorian novelty boxes, offering charm and utility in solid metal.
Sterling Silver Bird Figurine
The assortment on this page leans heavily towards Edwardian and Victorian creations, featuring birds such as pheasants, woodcocks, partridges, grouse, and fighting cockerels. Alongside these larger models appear functional items like chicks, owls, and swans adapted to hold pins or dispense pepper.
Makers utilised sterling silver alongside materials like velvet, ebonised wood, fabric, and glass to create these decorative objects. Originating from diverse workshops, these figures display the varied design sensibilities of Continental and British silversmiths over several decades.
How sterling silver bird figurine pieces were made
Silversmiths employed casting techniques to shape solid sterling silver into convincing anatomical forms of birds like pheasants, cockerels, and grouse. Many pieces were fashioned as hollow models or hinged boxes, requiring precise metalwork to ensure the compartments fit seamlessly.
The listings span multiple periods from the late Victorian era through the Edwardian years up to 1960, utilising sterling silver, velvet, and ebonised wood.
What varies in quality
Quality in a sterling silver bird figurine is found in the fidelity of the casting and the crispness of the feather chasing. Superior examples capture the natural posture and specific anatomy of the bird, whether a standing cockerel or a nesting swan.
The integration of functional elements also marks the distinction between standard and finer pieces. Well-fitted hinges on boxes, secure velvet pads in pin cushions, and properly weighted bases indicate careful construction by skilled silversmiths.
Berthold Muller·Boaz Moses
The Sterling Silver Bird Figurine Glossary
- Pin Cushion
- A small decorative object incorporating a padded insert, frequently fashioned as a bird to hold sewing pins.
- Pepperette
- A small tabletop container perforated on top for dispensing pepper, often modelled in the shape of a bird or chick.
- Novelty Box
- A container formed in an amusing or realistic shape, such as a snipe or partridge, with a hinged lid for small items.
- Silver Gilt
- Silver that has been coated with a thin layer of gold on its surface, adding a warm tone to parts of the figurine.
- Chasing
- A metalsmithing technique where the silver is worked from the front with hammers and punches to detail feathers and texture.
Sterling Silver Bird Figurine: Frequently Asked Questions
What were sterling silver bird pin cushions used for?
These pieces served practical roles on dressing tables and sewing desks during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. They kept pins secure and within reach while doubling as decorative ornaments.
Today, collectors appreciate them for their dual function and the clever sculptural work required to shape silver around a fabric cushion.
How do I identify an Edwardian silver bird box?
Edwardian examples often feature hallmarks corresponding to the early twentieth century and show distinct naturalistic styling. The silverwork typically emphasises realistic plumage on birds like pheasants and partridges.
Examining the construction of the hinged lid and the interior compartments helps distinguish these boxes from later mid-century productions.
Are these silver bird figures solid metal?
Many of the models and boxes are formed from solid sterling silver, though some incorporate internal components like wood bases, fabric, or glass. Pin cushions specifically require textile inserts to hold needles.
Makers used casting and repousse techniques to achieve hollow or substantial figures depending on the intended use of the object.