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1974 Lunt Sterling Christmas Ornament — “Journey by Starlight”
$295
£222.66
€255.18
CA$411.75
A$448.56
CHF 236.89
MX$5,384.88
NOK 3,018.22
SEK 2,758.54
DKK 1,906.13
About the Item
This sterling silver ornament, titled “Journey by Starlight,” was produced by Lunt Silversmiths in 1974 as part of their early Christmas medallion series. Crafted in solid .925 sterling, the piece depicts the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem, guided by the brilliance of the Star of David. The ornament combines traditional religious symbolism with Lunt’s refined metal artistry.
Design Description — Ornament Front
The ornament is crafted in a unique trefoil, three-lobed shape, resembling a stylized clover or cathedral window. Each lobe frames a different element of the scene while maintaining a cohesive and elegant silhouette.
• The Guiding Star of Bethlehem
At the top of the ornament is a large eight-pointed star, rendered in crisp relief.
Long radiant beams stream downward and outward from the star, creating a sense of divine illumination. The star’s rays cross into the upper portion of all three lobes, serving as the visual and symbolic center of the design.
• The Holy Family’s Journey
In the left lower lobe:
A figure on a donkey, believed to represent Mary, is shown in simplified yet expressive outline.
Another figure, likely Joseph, walks beside her, holding a staff.
The figures are rendered in clean, graceful lines that blend realism with a serene, almost silhouette-like simplicity. The lightly engraved details—such as the donkey’s head and the folds of the travelers’ cloaks—add subtle depth.
• Bethlehem in the Distance
In the right lower lobe:
A cluster of small Middle Eastern-style buildings represents the town of Bethlehem.
Dome-topped rooftops, stacked architectural shapes, and gentle hillside contours are etched into the silver.
This section creates a sense of destination and hope as the Holy Family approaches the town where Christ will be born.
• Openwork Silhouette
The ornament features open spaces within the trefoil shape, allowing light to pass through the scene—giving it a luminous, stained-glass-like effect when hung on a tree.
• Polished Sterling Finish
The surface is finished to a bright, mirror-like shine, contrasting beautifully with the engraved and recessed details of the figures and town.
• Hanging Loop
A sturdy sterling loop at the top allows for ribbon or hook attachment.
Original Packaging
The second image shows the ornament alongside its original Lunt presentation box, which features:
• Title: “Journey by Starlight”
Printed prominently in white on a deep blue background, accompanied by scattered stars.
• Stylized Bethlehem Landscape
The box artwork echoes the ornament’s theme, with a graphic silhouette of Bethlehem stretching across the bottom.
• Labeling
Reads:
“A Christmas Medallion in Lunt Sterling”
The box reflects the early 1970s Lunt design aesthetic—clean, symbolic, and reverent.
Overall Impression
The 1974 Lunt “Journey by Starlight” sterling ornament is a beautiful expression of the Biblical Christmas story, featuring:
A radiant Star of Bethlehem guiding the way
The Holy Family traveling toward Bethlehem
A stylized townscape in the distance
A rare trefoil silhouette
Crisp sterling engraving and openwork
Original themed packaging
This early Lunt design stands out for its symbolism, artistry, and distinctive form. It remains a highly collectible and meaningful sterling Christmas ornament.
- Creator:Lunt Silver (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 1 in (2.54 cm)Diameter: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1974
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2676347912082
Lunt Silver
Founded in the early 20th century, Lunt Silversmiths became a celebrated domestic designer and producer of flatware, hollowware, serveware and giftware for generations, remaining in Lunt family hands for more than 100 years. It was the oldest continuously operating family-owned silver company in the United States.
Lunt Silversmiths was incorporated in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in 1902 as Rogers, Lunt Bowlen Company. The firm succeeded A. F. Towle Son Co. — later Towle Silversmiths — purchasing its tools, machinery, trademarks and goodwill. Lunt was originally managed by George E. Rogers, president and major investor; George Colby Lunt, treasurer and general manager; and William Caldwell Bowlen, vice president and supervisor of manufacturing until his retirement in 1929. George C. Lunt and William C. Bowlen were both qualified members of the staff of the defunct Towle's factory.
On April 4, 1912, the founders of Rogers, Lunt Bowlen Company registered the manufacturer’s trademark at the federal level. In 1935 the company name was shortened to Lunt Silversmiths. In 1957 Lunt Silversmiths acquired King Silver Co. and its subsidiary Richard Dimes Company of South Boston, MA.
Lunt Silversmiths had in its inventory a wide array of flatware patterns such as Alexandra, American Directoire, Modern Victorian, Belle Meade, Carillon, Charles II, Chased Classic, Chatelaine, Colonial Manor, William and Mary, Contrast, Delacourt and many more. The United States government chose Lunt’s Embassy Scroll pattern (1981) as its official tableware in all U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.
In late 2009 Lunt sold its brand and inventory to Reed Barton. The following year all remaining manufacturing and inventory assets at the Greenfield factory were sold at auction.
Find antique Lunt sterling silver flatware and other furnishings and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by Schear Brothers)
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