Silver Spoon Antiques

A couple years ago, I posted about Adelaide's most prolific silversmith, J.M Wendt .  In that post, I showed pictures of two of his serviette rings.  Following I've posted a number of further examples.  As you can, he produced a variety of different types and used a number of different maker's marks.  These all date from the 1880s-1890s. A lovely example of the Aesthetic movement. Circe 1880 One modelled on a belt bucket.  These are among the most collectable Bright-cut engraving of leaves on this one.  And note this is while he had shops in Adelaide and Broken Hill.  c.1890 An bright-cut pattern. Plain serviette rings, but what great initialling! Another example showing influence from the Aesthetic Movement.

As I've mentioned before  Australian silver is a lot scarcer than its English and European counterparts. Although produced from the early 1800's, most Australian silver is to be found from the 1880's onwards.  Often Australian silver will be found stamped 'Stg Silver' or similar (unlike English silver which has had a legal system for hallmarks for hundreds of years).   Henry Young is one of my favourite Australian silversmiths.  I'm always keeping an eye out for pieces of his to buy for my own collection (let me know if you have any to sell!).  He had a unique style of engraving his wares, from serviette rings through to large trophies. A picture of Henry Young's shop Thomas Young, the father of Henry Young, founded his business in 1854 and by 1865 was trading as Thomas Young and Son at 47 Stephen Street, Melbourne. Henry Young and Co. was established by 1882 at 53 Collins Street East, and by June 1883 had moved to new premises at 49-51 Coll...