Wilson & Sharp Edinburgh Scottish Sterling Silver Hollowware Form
Hollowware · Wilson & Sharp, renowned Scottish silversmiths and retailers based in Edinburgh, highly regarded for high-end Scottish silver and presentation pieces during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Pattern: Standard bespoke retail or presentation line, custom-punched with retailer mark.
Type
Hollowware
Maker
Wilson & Sharp, renowned Scottish silversmiths and retailers based in Edinburgh, highly regarded for high-end Scottish silver and presentation pieces during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity standard)
Dimensions
Standard hollowware dimensions corresponding to specific utilitarian form, weight estimable in intermediate troy ounce range.
Description
An exquisite piece of Scottish silver retailing through the esteemed firm of Wilson & Sharp in Edinburgh, featuring crisp hallmarks including the Edinburgh castle and the lion passant denoting sterling standard purity.
Key Features
Clear Edinburgh assay hallmarks paired with the distinct 'WILSON & SHARP EDINBURGH' retailer stamp.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity standard)
Finish & Decoration
High mirror-polish finish with crisp, deeply struck traditional British hallmarks and retailer stamp.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Edinburgh assay office castle mark, lion passant for sterling silver, date letter stamp, along with the retailer stamp 'WILSON & SHARP EDINBURGH'.
Construction Details
Traditional British silversmithing construction combining raised or spun body elements with hand-soldered joints.
Functional Features
Designed for domestic or formal display use, typical of traditional Scottish hollowware vessels.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver or appropriately insulated handle attachment suitable for the specific hollowware form.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality traditional British manufacturing, characterized by clean lines, heavy silver gauge, and precise hallmark strikes.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British hallmark sequence including the castle mark for Edinburgh and clear maker/retailer stamping.
Origin & Manufacturing
Edinburgh, Scotland, crafted following traditional British assay and manufacturing standards.
Era & Period
Late Victorian or Edwardian Period (circa late 19th to early 20th century)
Age Estimate
Late 19th to early 20th century, determined by the typography of the retailer mark and Edinburgh hallmark stamps.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rich heritage of Scottish silversmithing and the prestige associated with Edinburgh retail establishments.
Condition Notes
Excellent antique condition with minor surface hairline scratching consistent with gentle age and care, retaining a brilliant mirror finish.
Value Estimate
Moderate to high antique market value, heavily influenced by the Edinburgh provenance and premier retailer mark.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with high-quality non-abrasive silver polish and store in a tarnish-resistant flannel cloth or bag.
Similar Pieces
Contemporary hollowware pieces by Hamilton & Inches or other prominent Scottish silversmiths of the period.
Interesting Facts
Wilson & Sharp were prominent Edinburgh jewelers and silversmiths frequently entrusted with high-end Scottish civic and domestic presentations.