Friday, June 13, 2014
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Silvercraft: Jeweled Hatpin Holder or Vase
Silvercraft: Jeweled Powder Jar
E & JB: Jeweled & Enameled Vanity Set
Silvercraft: Jeweled Filigree Hair Receiver
This antique Silvercraft hair receiver, likely dating to the 1920s, is a fine example of the brand’s luxurious and decorative approach to vanity accessories. Measuring approximately 5 inches in diameter and 2 inches high, the piece is adorned with multicolored glass jewels set into intricate gilt-metal filigree accents. These jewels, in vibrant hues, add a touch of elegance and sparkle to the piece, while the filigree showcases Silvercraft’s detailed craftsmanship.
A hair receiver is a small, decorative container historically used to collect hair that was removed from brushes or combs. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women often saved their hair for practical purposes. The gathered hair could be used to create "hair rats"—soft pads used to add volume to hairstyles—or for sentimental crafts such as jewelry, wreaths, or embroidery. Hair receivers were common on dressing tables, serving as both a functional tool and a decorative accessory.
This Silvercraft hair receiver, with its elegant design and luxurious details, exemplifies the blending of practicality and aesthetic appeal in early 20th-century vanity items. Its jeweled and filigree exterior reflects the glamour of the era, making it a charming and collectible piece today.
Silvercraft: Enameled Boudoir Clock
This enameled brass boudoir clock by Silvercraft, produced circa 1930, is a stunning artifact of the Art Deco era, combining elegance with functionality. Manufactured by Silvercraft, a brand owned by Farber Bros. of New York and used exclusively between 1923 and 1932, this clock exemplifies the opulent design aesthetics of its time.
The clock is crafted from brass, its polished surface adorned with colorful cloisonné-style enamel accents, which provide vibrant pops of color against the metallic backdrop. These decorative elements enhance its visual appeal, echoing the geometric and symmetrical motifs characteristic of the Art Deco movement. The clock features a fast/slow adjustment mechanism, adding practicality to its stylish design.
Measuring approximately 5 3/4 inches wide, 3 1/2 inches tall, and 2 1/4 inches deep (with the easel extended), the clock is compact and designed to be displayed on a boudoir vanity or bedside table. The easel stand at the back not only supports the clock securely but also contributes to its decorative appeal by ensuring it maintains a stately presence when displayed.
This Silvercraft boudoir clock serves as a timeless example of 1930s craftsmanship, merging functional timekeeping with the sophisticated artistry of the Art Deco period. Its combination of brass construction, enamel decoration, and vintage elegance makes it a remarkable piece for collectors and admirers of early 20th-century design.
Silvercraft: Jeweled Vanity Tray
This jeweled vanity tray by Silvercraft, dating to the 1920s, is a beautiful example of the brand's dedication to combining elegance with function. Measuring 9 inches by 6 inches, it features a rectangular design that balances delicate craftsmanship with timeless appeal.
The tray’s border is adorned with multicolored glass jewels set atop intricate filigree work, lending a sense of richness and sparkle to the piece. These vibrant jewels are thoughtfully placed, catching the light and adding to the tray’s decorative charm. The surface under the glass showcases a delicate lace insert, a hallmark of vintage vanity trays from this period, adding a layer of sophistication and femininity. The lace design is protected by the glass overlay, ensuring its preservation while enhancing the overall aesthetic.
This vanity tray would have served both as a decorative accent on a dressing table and as a functional item for holding small accessories, perfumes, or other beauty essentials. Its refined details make it a versatile piece, capable of complementing a variety of vintage-inspired decors.
Silvercraft: Jeweled Filigree Jewel Casket
This exquisite jeweled filigree hinged jewel casket by Silvercraft, dating to the 1920s, is a testament to the opulent craftsmanship of its era. The casket features an ornate design with multicolored glass jewels set amidst intricate filigree accents. The gold-colored metal is further enriched with a vivid blue enamel, which adds depth and contrast to the sparkling jewels, creating a truly luxurious aesthetic. The interior is lined with rich blue velvet, providing a soft and elegant finish that complements the ornate exterior.
A jewel casket is a decorative box designed to store and protect valuable jewelry or small treasures. Typically smaller than a standard storage chest, these caskets were crafted with great attention to detail, often serving as both practical storage and a display piece for one’s dressing table or vanity. The velvet lining inside serves two purposes: it provides a plush, non-abrasive surface to prevent delicate jewelry pieces from being scratched or damaged, and it enhances the sense of luxury by offering a tactile contrast to the hard surfaces of metal and glass.
This Silvercraft jewel casket reflects the glamour and sophistication of the 1920s, combining intricate design with practicality. The harmonious interplay of multicolored jewels, gold-tone filigree, and blue enamel make it a striking centerpiece, while the velvet-lined interior highlights its functional purpose as a safe haven for cherished possessions.
Silvercraft: Jeweled Humidor #367
Colonial Quality Perfume Trio in Stand
Colonial Quality Powder Jar
Colonial Quality Dresser Tray
Though the metal exhibits a few dark spots, this patina is typical for a piece of this age and serves as a testament to its history. The tray bears the signature "Colonial Quality," a mark associated with Samstag & Hilder Brothers, an importing and notions company that began using the trade name around 1918. These pieces were produced into the 1920s and reflect the same fine quality as works by contemporaries like Apollo and Empire Art.
With a diameter of 9 1/8 inches and an overall length of 11 1/2 inches including the handles, the tray is perfectly sized for a vanity or dresser. The base of the piece is marked with the "Colonial Quality" hallmark, further confirming its origin. The company operated showrooms in major cities such as New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and Boston, with a primary address at Samstag's 1200 Broadway, New York. This piece, with its intricate detailing and historical significance, is an excellent representation of the artistry and quality associated with Colonial Quality items.