R.H. Macy & Co. Silver Plated Miniature Figurine or Souvenir
Decorative Object / Miniature Figurine · R.H. Macy & Co. (Macy's Department Store). While primarily a retailer, Macy's commissioned exclusive silver-plated novelty items and souvenirs from major American manufacturers like Reed & Barton or Gorham during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Pattern: Retailer Private Label Souvenir; specific pattern name N/A, likely part of a holiday or commemorative collection.
Type
Decorative Object / Miniature Figurine
Maker
R.H. Macy & Co. (Macy's Department Store). While primarily a retailer, Macy's commissioned exclusive silver-plated novelty items and souvenirs from major American manufacturers like Reed & Barton or Gorham during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or White Metal). The base metal is visible through surface scratches; the lack of a 'Sterling' or '925' mark in conjunction with the Macy's mark indicates silver plating.
Dimensions
Estimated small scale: Height 2-4 cm; Width 2 cm. Weight is negligible, likely under 50 grams. Dimensions are consistent with a 'knick-knack' or salesperson sample size.
Description
This is a silver-plated miniature commemorative item bearing the rare R.H. Macy & Co. 'RH Crown' stamp. The piece exhibits a heavy industrial patina with visible wear consistent with its age. Such items were often sold as souvenirs of a visit to the Great Department Store in New York or given as promotional gifts to preferred customers.
Key Features
The most significant feature is the 'RH' within a crown hallmark, which identifies it as an early Macy's department store private-label commission. The heavy casting and distinct horizontal/vertical wear patterns are diagnostic of early American silver plate novelty items.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or White Metal). The base metal is visible through surface scratches; the lack of a 'Sterling' or '925' mark in conjunction with the Macy's mark indicates silver plating.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and brushed finish. The surface shows heavy vertical directional scratching, likely from aggressive cleaning or intentional 'antique' matte finishing. The item features an applied or cast shape with irregular borders visible at the edges.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The item bears the 'Macy's Star' or Crown variant mark containing the initials 'RH' (standing for Rowland Hussey Macy). This specific small crown-star stamp was used on private label silver goods sold through the New York flagship store.
Construction Details
Cast construction. The irregular edges and thick metal walls suggest a centrifugal or sand casting method followed by electroplating. The base appears solid rather than hollow-stamped.
Functional Features
Purely decorative. If it is part of a larger set, it may have served as a place card holder or a decorative terminal for a larger object, but currently functions as a miniature figurine.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This appears to be a small solid object without separate handles or grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial grade for the era. The mark is well-struck, suggesting a high-quality steel die was used, though the finishing of the casting itself is relatively coarse compared to high-end hollowware.
Authentication Indicators
The 'RH' crown mark is the primary authenticator. The wear patterns are consistent with base-metal silver plating (EPNS) rather than solid sterling, as the scratches show the slightly different hue of the base alloy beneath the silver layer.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, specifically New York City (Retailer). The manufacturing was likely subcontracted to a Connecticut-based silver company such as International Silver Co. or its predecessors.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Early Edwardian (c. 1890-1915). This was the peak period for department stores like Macy's to brand their own commemorative silver-plated souvenirs and 'fancy goods'.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900. The style of the 'RH' crown stamp correlates with Macy's late 19th-century branding before the simplified star became the sole corporate logo.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rise of the American Department Store culture and the democratization of luxury, where 'fancy silver' was made accessible to the middle class through silver plating and store-branded merchandise.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant surface scratching (scuffing) across the flat planes of the metal. The plating appears intact but dull. No major structural cracks are visible in the image, but the edges show some casting pits/irregularities.
Value Estimate
$20 - $55 USD. The value lies primarily in the Macy's branding and crossover interest for New York City historians rather than the silver content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive silver foam (like Wright's). Avoid silver 'dips' which can strip the thin plating. Do not use abrasive pads, as the existing scratches show the plating is already thin.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Planters' or souvenirs (higher value, usually sterling); Reed & Barton small cast animals; Gorham silver plate novelty salts.
Interesting Facts
R.H. Macy was a failed retailer four times before successfully opening his store in New York in 1858. By the 1890s, the store became a 'destination,' and items like this were purchased by tourists as status symbols of their New York shopping excursion.