ANTIQUE SILVER ANIMALS
Antique Silver Animal Description:
A realistic representation of, normally, well-known domestic and wild animals such as Labrador dogs, Pheasants, or Foxes.
Antique Silver Animal History:
There are very few examples before 1850. Most of the larger examples before this period have been removed from larger centrepieces and were not made as single items. The vast majority of old or antique silver animal models are made after 1880, and anything pre-1900 is now considered quite rare. During the latter parts of the Victorian period the most prolific silver model maker was a German company, Ludwig Nereshiemer & Co of Hanau, who exported models from Germany, made specifically for the English market in sterling silver, to be sold in Berthold Mullers shop in Holborn. It is likely that Muller was the sole British agent for Nereshiemers work. To stop Muller from flooding the market, the Government imposed a large tax onto the importation of silver animal models, making it too expensive for Muller to continue. Nereshiemer, however, responded by creating models with movable wings, or with removable heads, which Muller then imported into the country as drinking vessels, pepper shakers and toys, effectively removing this high level of taxation.
Antique Silver Animal Collectors Note:
Because most of the models were cast many of the animals had their relatively brittle legs, arms, feet, wings etc., broken and then repaired. So look closely to see if there are any repair marks in these areas. Old or Antique British hallmarked animals are quite rare and fetch high prices. If the model is imported then always look for the hallmark. It should have in import mark showing the sponsors mark, town it was imported into, the date (year) it was imported, the silver standard mark, and normally a 'F' to indicate Foreign.
