Mid-20th Century Sterling Silver Adjustable Child's Engraved Bangle
Jewelry (Bangle Bracelet) · Unknown American manufacturer; the 'STER SILVER' stamp is characteristic of mid-market US jewelry manufacturers of the mid-20th century such as Hayward or Forstner, though no specific artisan mark is present.
Pattern: Traditional Floral/Scroll Engraved pattern; ubiquitous design for juvenile jewelry during the 1940s-1960s.
Type
Jewelry (Bangle Bracelet)
Maker
Unknown American manufacturer; the 'STER SILVER' stamp is characteristic of mid-market US jewelry manufacturers of the mid-20th century such as Hayward or Forstner, though no specific artisan mark is present.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity); solid silver band with no mixed materials or base metal visible.
Dimensions
Approximate diameter of 45-55mm (adjustable). Width is approximately 4-5mm. Estimated weight is between 4 and 7 grams.
Description
A charming example of mid-century sentimental jewelry, this sterling silver child's bangle features a classic bypass design. The exterior is decorated with floral and foliate engraving that catches the light through varyingly angled cuts. Its adjustable nature made it a popular 'grow-with-me' gift for christenings or birthdays, intended to be worn from a toddler's age into early childhood.
Key Features
Slider-style adjustment mechanism, 'STER SILVER' inner stamp, and the star-burst/cross engraving on the central clasp which identifies it as a classic mid-market American piece.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity); solid silver band with no mixed materials or base metal visible.
Finish & Decoration
Bright finish with machine-assisted hand-engraving. Decorative motifs include scrolls and stylized floral patterns on the exterior face. Features a simple cross-star engraving on the slider box.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'STER SILVER' on the interior band. This is a simplified American mark indicating .925 fineness, lacking formal assay office symbols typical of British silver.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped from silver sheet stock with a bent-over slider box mechanism to allow for size adjustment as a child grows.
Functional Features
Adjustable bypass mechanism with a slider stay that holds the overlapping ends of the band together, allowing the diameter to expand.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (jewelry item); however, the slider 'box' acts as the grip for adjustment. Mechanism appears functional with slight surface wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade craftsmanship. The engraving is standard for mass-market silver of the era—clean and effective but not artisan-level 'fine' engraving. The metal is well-finished with smooth edges for safety.
Authentication Indicators
The 'STER SILVER' stamp shows consistent wear with the rest of the piece. The engraving style is typical of the period's die-rolled or hand-brightened technique. Patina in the crevices of the engraving matches the age.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely mass-produced in a jewelry manufacturing hub like Providence, Rhode Island.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-WWII era (c. 1945-1965). The style reflecting a return to traditional sentimental jewelry for children in the post-war baby boom.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s. The 'STER SILVER' abbreviation and the specific style of the slider box are hallmark indicators of this decade.
Cultural Significance
A representation of the flourishing American middle class in the 1950s, where sterling silver items became affordable 'rite of passage' gifts for children.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There are visible surface scratches consistent with use by a child. Significant tarnish is absent, suggesting recent light cleaning. No deep gouges or structural bends to the slider box are visible. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $45.00 USD. Value is driven primarily by sentimental appeal and metal content rather than maker rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream or a specialized silver polishing cloth. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the contrast from the engraving. Store in a dry place to prevent sulfur-related tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Similar bangles by makers like Birks (Canada) or Admark (USA). Birks pieces usually carry more formal hallmarks (lion passant). Contemporary versions are still made but often lack the depth of engraving found on these older pieces.
Interesting Facts
These bracelets were often marketed as 'Lifetime' bracelets in the mid-20th century because the adjustable slide allowed them to fit a child for several years, unlike fixed-size bangles.