Tiffany Silver: America's Finest Sterling Flatware & Hollowware
Tiffany & Co. sterling silver, produced from the 1850s to the present, represents the highest standard of American silversmithing. Under chief silver designer Edward C. Moore (1851-1891) and his successors, Tiffany silver won international acclaim, including the Grand Prix at the 1878 Paris Exposition, the first time an American firm defeated European competitors. Tiffany produced over 300 flatware patterns and thousands of hollowware designs, from everyday table silver to monumental presentation pieces that rank among the finest silver objects ever produced in America.
Identification & Marks
Tiffany silver bears "TIFFANY & CO." with additional marks including "STERLING SILVER" or "925-1000," pattern numbers, order numbers, and director's letter marks (M for Moore, C for Charles T. Cook, etc.) that help date pieces. Pre-1902 pieces may show "TIFFANY & CO. / UNION SQUARE" or early address marks. A system of letter-date codes was used intermittently. Flatware carries pattern numbers on the reverse of handles. Hollowware includes order numbers that can be cross-referenced with Tiffany's archives. The "T" over "Tiffany & Co." mark indicates pieces made for the retailer by other silversmiths.
Major Flatware Patterns
- Chrysanthemum (1880): The most celebrated American flatware pattern, with elaborate floral decoration
- Olympian (1878): Classical figures and scenes in high relief, among the most complex patterns ever produced
- Audubon (1871): Japanese-inspired pattern featuring birds and flora, reflecting the Aesthetic Movement
- Lap Over Edge (1880): Innovative design where decoration extends over the edge of the piece
- English King (1885): Traditional English thread and shell pattern
- Faneuil (1910): Clean Colonial Revival design
- Wave Edge (1884): Distinctive rippled border with engraved marine motifs
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Common pattern place settings (5-piece) | $150 - $400 |
| Chrysanthemum place settings | $400 - $1,000 |
| Olympian place settings | $600 - $1,500 |
| Serving pieces (common patterns) | $100 - $500 |
| Serving pieces (Chrysanthemum) | $300 - $2,000 |
| Complete flatware sets (8-12 settings) | $3,000 - $30,000+ |
| Tea/coffee services (3-5 pieces) | $2,000 - $15,000 |
| Monumental presentation pieces | $10,000 - $500,000+ |
| Mixed metals/Japanesque pieces | $5,000 - $100,000+ |
| Tiffany & Moore era hollowware | $1,000 - $50,000 |
Condition Factors
Sterling silver is inherently durable, but condition still matters. Deep scratches, dents, and monogram removal leave marks that reduce value. Original monograms are generally accepted and may add historical interest if from notable families. Heavy polishing over decades can wear down relief decoration, particularly on intricate patterns like Chrysanthemum and Olympian. Flatware should be examined for worn tines, bent handles, and blade erosion on knives. Hollowware dents can often be professionally raised, though evidence of repair may remain. Weighted pieces should be checked for dented or damaged bases. Plating wear on gold-washed surfaces is common and can be replated.
Collecting Tips
Chrysanthemum and Olympian are the blue-chip Tiffany flatware patterns, consistently commanding top prices. Building a complete flatware service is a long-term pursuit, as Tiffany produced numerous specialized serving pieces beyond standard place settings. The Japanesque and mixed-metals pieces from the Edward C. Moore era (1870s-1890s) are museum-quality objects that represent Tiffany silver's artistic peak. Hollowware tea services, centerpieces, and presentation pieces offer extraordinary craftsmanship. Monogrammed pieces sell for 20-40% less than unmonogrammed equivalents, making them a value opportunity. Tiffany silver has strong intrinsic value based on weight, providing a price floor. The firm's archival records, accessible through Tiffany & Co., can document production dates and original orders for significant pieces.