Nymph Art Nouveau sterling silver brooch. Early 1900s. William Kerr antique silver jewelry
William Kerr antique silver jewelry
The history of William B. Kerr Co, one of the oldest American silver manufacturers, began 166 years ago in Newark, New Jersey. Founded in 1855, the company, along with flatware and hollow-ware produced silver and gold jewelry and accessories. Most often, these were buckles, brooches, pins and pendants with images of angels, flowers and Art Nouveau women. Antique silver items of this brand are kept in museums in the USA as an example of Art Nouveau jewelry art.
From about 1855 to 1892, markings included their trademark medieval ax logo, later a hammer and three X’s, followed by the words sterling and the mold number. Noteworthy, the company ceased to exist in 1927, absorbed by the largest silver brand Gorham Manufacturing Company. Gorham owned the company for 40 years and then sold it to the Textron Corporation.
Bouquet of Peonies sterling silver brooch1890-1910 hallmark
William Kerr antique silver jewelry
Antique floral design silver broochDaisy flower sterling silver buckle and pinEarly 1990s Art Nouveau lady sterling silver brooch pendantTwo female faces Art Nouveau sterling silver pinWinged Angel sterling silver brooch. Early 1900sSignatureArt Nouveau Lady sterling silver watch or chatelaine holderBelt buckle Art nouveau style. Sterling silverFabulous floral design cherub sterling silver buckleGuilloche enamel sterling silver buckle. 1880sIris flower sterling silver brooch. 1880sPeony flower sterling silver broochPurple and white enamel sterling silver pin broochNouveau lady sterling silver buckle. Late 1890sPoppy flower silver buckle, 1901Patent markingDouble flower sterling silver pinGold washed silver belt buckle in the form of a pair of stylized peacocks. 1920sOval shaped with basket sterling silver black enamel broochMaker’s mark before 1900
