Raymond Hand Sterling Silver Bracelet or Small Jewelry Piece
Jewelry (Bracelet, Cuff, or Brooch component) · Raymond Hand (Raymond C. Hand). Notable American studio silversmith active in the early to mid-20th century, known for hand-wrought craftsmanship and modernist-leaning Art Deco designs.
Pattern: Studio Hand-Wrought Modernist; likely a unique or limited production piece from Hand's workshop.
Type
Jewelry (Bracelet, Cuff, or Brooch component)
Maker
Raymond Hand (Raymond C. Hand). Notable American studio silversmith active in the early to mid-20th century, known for hand-wrought craftsmanship and modernist-leaning Art Deco designs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with no evidence of plating or mixed materials.
Dimensions
Estimated 2 to 2.5 inches in width (based on thumb/finger scale in photo). Estimated weight: 25-45 grams depending on thickness.
Description
A sophisticated example of American studio silver by Raymond Hand. This piece features a clean, convex oval form that highlights the natural luster of sterling silver. Eschewing the cluttered ornamentation of the Victorian era, it represents a mid-century desire for functional art. The presence of both the 'RH' mark and the rampant lion shield indicates an authentic atelier-produced item rather than mass-market silver.
Key Features
Diagnostic 'RH' hexagonal maker's mark; Rampant Lion shield workshop mark; minimalist curved geometry; heavy hand-wrought gauge.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with no evidence of plating or mixed materials.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish surface showing heavy micro-scratching from use. No applied decoration (minimalist style); emphasis is on the form and the hand-wrought surface quality characteristic of Arts & Crafts/Modernist silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Two distinct stamps: To the right, the initials 'RH' within a hexagonal/clipped-corner frame, representing Raymond Hand. To the left, a partially obscured shield-shaped mark showing a lion rampant, which is Hand's specific workshop mark used alongside his initials.
Construction Details
Hand-wrought from heavy-gauge silver sheet. The subtle undulations in the metal surface suggest hand-raising or planishing rather than machine stamping.
Functional Features
Smooth, ergonomic curvature intended for wear against the skin; likely a buckle, cuff, or brooch backing.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (jewelry form). The interior surface is smooth to ensure comfort during wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior hand-wrought quality. The marks are deeply struck, indicating a piece of substantial thickness. The edges appear softened and hand-finished, typical of boutique silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency is the primary indicator; the specific font of the 'RH' and the shield proportions match known Raymond Hand exemplars. The wear pattern is organic and appropriate for a mid-century piece.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (likely New York or East Coast regional studio). Produced in a small artisan workshop setting.
Era & Period
Modernist / Late Art Deco period (c. 1930-1950). Reflects the American Arts & Crafts transition into mid-century modernism, prioritizing material purity and maker's marks over ornate filigree.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940. The hallmark style and the move toward minimalist, heavy-gauge silver forms are consistent with this decade.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rise of the independent American craft movement where the artist’s individual mark became the primary symbol of value and status, over-taking complex machine-made patterns.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The surface exhibits extensive 'scuffing' and fine scratches consistent with being worn frequently over decades. There is visible tarnish (sulfide buildup) around the recessed hallmark area. No structural cracks or deep gouges are visible.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value is driven by the maker's name and the current market demand for mid-century American studio jewelry.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cotton cloth. Avoid machine buffing which can erase the subtle 'hand-wrought' texture. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth pouch to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to early Georg Jensen (Danish) for its soft hand-finish, or Allan Adler (American) for its heavy, minimalist modernist silver forms.
Interesting Facts
Raymond Hand pieces are relatively rare compared to commercial brands like Gorham or Tiffany, making them highly sought after by collectors of American Studio Jewelry. His work is often categorized alongside other 'Maker-Silversmiths' who bridged the gap between traditional craft and modern design.