The Wax Jack First introduced in 1700, the wax jack was an alternative to using larger, more expensive methods of getting wax seals for letters. Wax jacks feature a vertical or horizontal shaft, with a thin beeswax taper, typically only around ¼ in diameter. The top end of the taper stuck out through a hole...
Here at AC Silver we pride ourselves in the range of variations of holloware and flatware available for sale. The expansive style differences can sometimes cause a simple shopping experience to have more design options than our customers expect, but have no fear, the shop staff are on hand to help guide you through the...
The mote spoon’s short life began in the late 17th century, with the London Gazette describing these elegant and charming spoons as: ‘long or strainer spoons with narrow pointy ends’. Intended to be used to strain tea, the general public did not take especially well to the mote spoon, and they only remained as part...
Throughout time, humans have accessorised with jewellery. It has had plentiful purposes: protection against evils, a symbol of status, wearable art, or even just as means of attracting a little attention. It is estimated that humans have been wearing jewellery for 75,000 years. Initially, of course, resources and craftsmanship for creating jewellery were very limited; therefore...
Being in the antique silver business, we regularly come across fine silver pieces engraved with crests and elaborate coats of arms. And, although we always try our upmost to identify the origins of the individual crest I feel it’s time to get to know a little bit about the background of heraldry itself. So, here...
“The miniature, the little picture that could be covered by a kiss or hidden in a palm of the hand holds an intimate and personal quality, it was a pledge of affection, often a gauge of stolen joys; it could be carried by the exiled in never so hurried a flight, could be concealed in...
Many people fear using their treasured antique silver pieces, and will simply store them away hoping they increase their worth, whilst gathering dust in a cupboard or attic. I can imagine cabinets filled with professionally wrapped boxes, the contents of which will never see the light of day. I feel this is criminal, such beautiful...
What Is a Wager Cup? Pronounced ‘way-jer’ cup Created in the sixteenth century, and originating in Germany, the wager cup is a double cup in the form of a female in an upright position holding a cup (sometimes swinging) above her head. These drinking vessels were usually created in the female form, although gents can...
Many people hold on to their antique silverware for many years, (decades even), and pass them down the generations within their family. People need to maintain such pieces therefore to keep them in perfect, pristine condition so they look fabulous around the home. Cleaning your silverware can be a daunting task but don’t worry we’re...