Hi,
In 1990 while in Scotland I purchased an Edwardian Opal stick pin in a case. The opal is the size of my nail on my small finger, and is in mint condition with beautiful color to it.
What is the value of the item today?
Regards,
L.A.
Stick pins with opals or other light colored gems were popular during the Edwardian period. They were worn by both men and women.
It's hard to give a value to your piece without examining it in person.
In our store, an opal stick pin with hallmarked stem of 9, 10, or 12k, in it's original case would probably cost between $200. - $400.00.
Enjoy your stick pin.
Reni
Dear Reni,
My daughter has been looking for an antique silver ring box. There are many antique shops in our area, and we have exhausted our search here. Is there such any such thing available? and where might we find it? Any help would be appreciated.
G. M.
Oh my gracious!
With all the trinket boxes the Victorians produced, there must have been styles made specifically for rings. You might try continuing your hunt with your local silver smiths, as well as antique jewelry specialists.
Silver Magazine (www.silvermag.com) is a good place to find reputable information and knowledgeable dealers.
Good Luck,
Reni
Hi,
I have two pieces that I am wondering about.
The first is a sugar bowl. It does not have a lid on it, I'm not sure if it ever did. It has a very elegant look to it, with scrolled handles and a floral design on it. It is about four inches high. The bottom reads Wilcox S.P. Co., International , Co. 3032. It also has a H next to this.
The second piece is either a creamer or sugar bowl. I'm not quite sure. It has a very simple design on it, some leaves and a few flowers. It also has scrolled handles. It also is about four inches high. On the bottom inside of a star it says Manhattan Silver Plate Co. Under that it says Quadruple plate. And has the number 1008.
Do you have any information on these or know where I could find something on these companies.
Thank you for your time,
K
The Wilcox Britannia Co. was organized in 1865 and changed to Wilcox Silver Plate Co., in 1867. It was one of the original firms to become part of the International Silver Co. in 1898, based in Meriden, Connecticut. The half circle containing both Wilcox S.P. Co. and I.S. Co. trademarks was first used in 1921.
It was not uncommon for older sugar bowls to be designed without lids.
The Manhattan Silver Plate Co. was incorporated in 1877. The company moved to Lyons, N.Y. in 1889 or 90. A good bit of merchandise was exported to South America and Australia. In 1898, this firm also became part of the International Silver Co. and stopped using their trademark after 1904.
Your second piece is probably older than the first one described.
The Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers by Dorothy T. Rainwater and Judy Redfield (Schiffer, 1998) will give further information on these companies.
Thanks for your question,
Reni
*reference: The Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers by Dorothy T. Rainwater and Judy Redfield (Schiffer, 1998)