What is a novelty silver table ornament?

A novelty ornament combines decorative sculpture with a practical function, such as holding salt, pepper or menu cards. These pieces often take the shape of birds, animals or vehicles, designed to amuse diners at the table.

How do I identify the period of an ornament?

Stylistic clues like Art Deco geometric lines or Victorian naturalism point to specific decades. Assay marks, maker stamps and hallmarks stamped onto the metal provide exact dates and origins.

Are these ornaments made of solid silver?

Many items utilise solid silver or sterling silver, marked with standards such as 833 or sterling. Others consist of silver plate over base metals, or alternative materials like spelter, bronze and glass.

Where were these table ornaments produced?

Production spans British workshops in London, Chester and Sheffield alongside continental European centres. German, Dutch, French and Scandinavian makers frequently exported detailed animal and nautical models.