While silver items are often associated with formal luxuries, such as extravagant silver tea sets, solid silver cutlery, and flatware, there is also a whimsical side. Novelty silver items became popular, particularly during the Victorian era, due to the mass expansion of industry and, therefore, wealth.
They were used to show the usual wealth of the owners and the craftsmanship of the pieces and to create conversation and amuse the viewer. While some novelty items were made purely for amusement, the truly impressive pieces, such as propelling pencils, pin cushions, decanters, and vanity wares, were also functional.
The usual theme of these items is animals, shoes, and figures, and the more well disguised the item is, the more they were and are valued. For example, a silver pin cushion in the form of a pig with a cart made of mother-of-pearl, with the cushion to the back of the pig, or a foldable button hook in the form of a fish. Another aspect of novelty silver is miniature items, often used for dollhouses, including chairs, tables, and decorative wares such as candlesticks.
The popularity of these items lasted well into the 20th century, and their collectability continues to this day. They are a good starting point for those wanting to begin collecting silver items, as some can be acquired for relatively low prices. Novelty silver items also make excellent heart-felt gifts due to the wide range of themes and designs.
A Victorian silver four piece tea set, comprising a teapot, coffee pot, sugar and cream, of oval form having angular handles with half gadrooned bodies, raised on moulded oval feet, marks for Sheffield 1894, 1895, maker John Round & Son Ltd, 1478g gross
A late Edwardian silver salver, having a lobed rim with gadrooned sections and shell decoration, with a central personal engraving. Presented to J.W. Cherry, Esq....On the Occasion of his marriage Nov. 28. Marks for Birmingham 1910, maker Elkington & Co Ltd, 1152g
A George V silver three piece silver tea set, comprising a tea pot, sugar and cream, of bulbous oval form having angular handles, raised on oval moulded feet, marks for Sheffield 1935, maker Atkin Brothers, 1152g gross
An Elizabeth II silver two-branch candlestick, of turned and octagonal form, the central columns top issuing two scrolled arms with circular sconces and curved drip trays having moulded rims, raised on a tapered knopped column and step moulded octagonal filled base, the arms removable to use for a single candle, marks for Birmingham 1965, maker Elkington & Co Ltd, approximately 31cm, 1357g.
