Beautify Your Boudoir. . .

. . . with this stunning sterling silver vanity set enameled in glowing guilloché.  This five-piece vanity set would look lovely on any dressing table.

The translucent aqua enamel is applied over a machined background, a technique known as guilloché, which gives the design depth and makes it shimmer. Guilloché enamel was popularized by renown Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé in the 1880s. 

This substantial set is clearly marked "Sterling" and with a model number. Although the maker's mark is blurred, it appears to belong to the Thomas Company, founded in Attleboro, Massachusetts, in 1920. Overall the set is in wonderful condition considering its age and fragility. There is some slight chipping on the shoehorn and the mirror needs to be replaced (something that could be custom cut by a glass company), but the set displays beautifully as is.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

16378-225

 

Cool Caddy-o, Daddy-o

The wonderful retro bar caddy includes eight frosted glasses and matching ice bucket in a handy chrome handled rack, all accented with shiny silvery leaves.

This Silver Leaf pattern was produced from 1953 through 1978 by Libbey, Inc.  The pattern was popular, in part because Libbey cleverly promoted it by offering free juice glasses in boxes of Silver Dust and Duz detergent. This vintage barware is so cool, you almost don't need to fill that ice bucket!

The pieces are marked with Libbey's cursive capital "L." The company was first founded in 1818 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as the New England Glass Company.  In 1888, the company relocated to Toledo, Ohio, and was renamed Libbey Glass Company in 1892. Throughout its long history, this company has been renown for its many innovations in glass manufacturing as well as its contemporary creative designs. 

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

16096-724

Tantalizing Tantalus

This extraordinary antique liquor or wine caddy is also known as a tantalus. In Greek mythology, Tantalus was an evil king who was punished by the gods by being forced to stand for eternity in a pool of water beneath the boughs of a tree laden with ripe fruit; however, if he bent down to drink, the water sank beneath the ground, and if he reached up to pluck a piece of fruit, the boughs lifted just out of his reach. The word "tantalize" is derived from this legend. The liquor tantalus got its name because originally there was a bar to lock the decanters in place, keeping thirsty servants and children from helping themselves to its tantalizing contents. However, the term came to be applied to any sort of liquor caddy or decanter stand that offered a variety of libations. This superb example features four graceful glass decanters set into an elaborate silver plated frame with a handy center handle. This lovely liquor caddy is just want one needs to get into the holiday spirit (and spirits) in grand style.

The decanters are each etched with a delicate design.

Underneath, this stunning decanter stand is stamped with the anchor mark and initials "A." and "F" of the French manufacturer Armand Frenais. Founded in 1877, this company was a rival of the famed Christofle company. Frenais produced high-quality sterling and silver plate flatware, tableware, and decorative items with elegant designs that reflected the tastes of the time. Their products were highly sought after during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Frenais closed in 1927.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

8096-418

 

Pleased as Punch. . .

 . . . is what you might be when your admiring guests gather around this outstanding shimmering silver-plate punch bowl set from International Silver. Whether making merry for Christmas or toasting in the New Year, this set will ensure that you do it in grand style. The fifteen-piece set includes 12 cups, a matching ladle, and even a serving tray. 

All the pieces are deeply embossed with bunches of plump grapes peeking out from heavily-textured leaves. This is a set certainly suitable for your next bacchanal!

This impressive punch bowl set is by International Silver. Founded in 1898 in Connecticut, the company became one of the largest producers of flatware and tableware, through its high quality, contemporary designs, and clever advertising. For example, in the late 1930s, it sponsored a radio program entitled the "Silver Theater" that featured many of the top names in Hollywood and its print ads in popular magazines of the day featured many of these same famous actresses endorsing its products. The company closed its Connecticut plant in 1981 and liquidation was completed in 1983.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

16376-6

Who Needs Five Golden Rings. . .

. . . when you can have an entire bracelet of them?

Of gleaming 18 karat gold, this breathtaking bracelet is woven of an assortment of intertwined rings. It is from the Danish jewelry firm, Halberstadt, founded in Copenhagen in 1846. The textured ring by the safety chain clasp carries a small silver-toned disk with this maker's mark. The company is know for its finely crafted high-end jewelry and creative designs. 

The clasp for the safety chain is stamped "750," the assay mark for 18 karat gold.

The bracelet is 9.5 inches long and weighs a substantial 73.3 grams It has a toggle closure as well as a safety chain. This would be a superb sparkling stocking stuffer for someone who has been very, very good  (or perhaps very, very bad. As sultry actress Mae West once purred, "When I'm good, I'm very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better!")

 There will be a photograph of this beautiful bracelet kept in the display case, but you can request a private and personal viewing. The bracelet will come with a G.I.A. appraisal.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!