A Masterpiece In Silver

A Minnesota jeweler recently sent us a large package of sterling silver to sell. Inside was mostly average, reusable antique silver worth 10 to 20 percent over silver value. Also included was this extraordinary masterpiece — a 45-ounce sterling silver basket by Roger Williams. He was famous in his own right, and bought the Howard Sterling Silver Co. in New York and all the silver patterns, as well. (In 1903, they merged with the Mauser Mfg. Co. and the Hayes & McFarland Co. to form the Mount Vernon Silversmiths Co.)

Sterling Silver Basket By Roger Williams

silver basket

$1,000 / FAIR MARKET VALUE $3,000 / RETAIL VALUE 45 OZ. STERLING SILVER BASKET BY ROGER WILLIAMS

We paid almost double the silver value because we recognized this for the masterpiece it is. Exquisitely reticulated, the silversmith removed a quantity of silver to make the flowers and leaves stand out. This is one of the largest silver baskets we have ever seen. When determining value, not all silver should just be thrown on a scale. It takes an expert to know the real value of a piece.

silver basket

This is an archival article formerly written and is for informational purposes only. The valuations in this article have likely changed since it was first written.

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