Description: Condition: Excellent condition with no monogram so is a rare find!! This truly gorgeous antique tea caddy crafted by Black Starr and Frost is a stunning addition to any collection. It measures approximately 4.75”h and 3”w (at widest) . The intricate floral pattern on its sterling silver body showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of the 19th century. With an age range of 1850-1899, this tea caddy has stood the test of time and is sure to be a conversation starter. Add it to your collection of antique sterling silver pieces or use it to store your favorite tea. It weighs 71 grams. Widely recognised as the oldest jewellery firm in America, Black Starr & Frost trace their roots back to 1810 and the opening in New York of ‘Marquand & Paulding’ by Isaac Marquand at 164 Broadway. Already an established silversmith and clock maker, Marquand sold a variety of goods including silverware and jewellery from a small private office. As was often the case at this time, the business grew slowly and changed both name and location many times over the next few decades. By 1833 the firm had street level premises and they installed large plate glass windows through which to display their merchandise to pedestrians walking by, thereby enabling the new fashionable pastime of ‘window shopping’. They took the American eagle as their logo and clients came to refer to them as being “at the sign of the golden eagle”. In 1874 the company reorganized and Cortlandt W. Starr was promoted to partner alongside Aaron Frost thereby forming Black, Starr & Frost; this began a period of relative stability for the firm alongside ever increasing fame and fortune. Two years later they moved location to Fifth Avenue from where they continued to sell fine jewellery, both American and European, silverware, ceremonial items, medals and trophies to an ever increasing clientele. That same year they exhibited alongside Tiffany & Co. (their primary competitor) at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia which was the first time America had played host to an International World’s Fair. The 20th Century saw the company go from strength to strength and its reputation as one of the leading jewellers in New York was firmly established. Their jewellery reflected the current popular styles from the dainty Belle Époque chokers and rings of the early part of the century moving towards the bolder clips, sautoirs and bracelets of the 1920s and 30s Art Deco period. There was a pronounced focus on fine quality gemstones of generous size, which particularly appealed to the American taste. One of the most famous stones was the Portuguese Diamond, a near flawless octagonal step cut stone weighing 127.01cts which the company bought in Paris. They sold it in 1928 to the actress and ex Ziegfeld Follies star Peggy Hopkins Joyce who was already an established client and she wore it frequently, set to the centre of a simple diamond line necklace. Black Starr & Frost not only attracted stars of the stage and silver screen but were widely patronised by Royal families and dignitaries as well as the American social elite such as the Vanderbilts, Guggenheims and Carnegies. Marilyn Monroe sung ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ she referenced the biggest names in jewellery in America at that time, one of which was Black, Starr & Frost.
Price: 525 USD
Location: Alpharetta, Georgia
End Time: 2024-11-14T20:14:36.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Black Starr and Frost
Pattern: Floral
Composition: Sterling Silver (.925)
Type: Tea Caddy
Style: Art Nouveau
Age: 1850-1899
