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Towle Silversmiths Sterling Silver “Three French Hens” Christmas Ornament

$285
£217.38
€247.54
CA$400.51
A$436.81
CHF 231.39
MX$5,236.79
NOK 2,946.94
SEK 2,694.76
DKK 1,849.38

About the Item

This beautifully crafted 1973 sterling silver Christmas ornament by Towle Silversmiths represents the third gift from the beloved Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Designed to commemorate the verse “Three French Hens,” this ornament is part of Towle’s highly collectible holiday series celebrating each day of the classic song. Design – Obverse (Front) The front of the ornament features an elegant, polished teardrop-shaped form engraved with a large, detailed flower blossom accompanied by gently flowing leaves and stems. The floral motif is rendered with smooth, hand-engraved lines and subtle shading, giving the design a naturalistic, three-dimensional quality. The simplicity and beauty of the floral engraving provide a graceful contrast to the more ornate reverse side. Design – Reverse (Three French Hens) The reverse showcases an elaborate and richly decorative scene centered around three hens, each placed within its own circular medallion. The hens are sculpted with fine detail—capturing feather texture, posture, and expression. These three medallions are set within an intricate background of swirling scrollwork that fills the entire surface. The scrolling pattern creates a sense of movement and ornate elegance, reminiscent of traditional folk art and European decorative motifs. Towle skillfully balances the detailed scrollwork with the clear, distinct imagery of the hens, allowing the central theme to remain the focus while still presenting a visually rich composition. Markings Craftsmanship Along the lower edge of the reverse side, the ornament bears the inscription: “Towle Sterling © 1973” This confirms its authenticity, year of production, and solid sterling silver composition. The crisp engraving, smooth polished surfaces, and refined shaping reflect the high standards of Towle’s silversmithing tradition. Collectibility Significance As the third ornament in Towle’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” series, the 1973 “Three French Hens” piece holds particular appeal for collectors building or completing the full set. Its dual-sided artistry—combining a delicate floral design with a richly ornamented depiction of the carol’s theme—makes it an especially desirable edition in the early years of the series. Whether displayed on a Christmas tree, showcased in a collection, or preserved as a holiday keepsake, this Towle Silversmiths 1973 Three French Hens sterling ornament stands as a charming and beautifully crafted tribute to both the season and one of its most beloved songs.
  • Creator:
    Towle Silversmiths (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Diameter: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1973
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Brooklyn, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2676347827832

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Towle Silversmiths Sterling Silver Christmas Ornament – 1978
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautifully crafted 1978 sterling silver Christmas ornament by Towle Silversmiths showcases the company’s exceptional skill in fine metal engraving and ornamental design. Known for their collectible annual holiday series, Towle produced this piece with a level of artistry and intricacy that reflects their long-standing reputation as one of America’s premier silversmithing firms. Design – Front Side The front of the ornament features an elaborate circular medallion richly decorated with a symmetrical pattern inspired by traditional decorative arts. The design is composed of eight repeating panels, each containing engraved imagery that resembles classical architectural or symbolic motifs—possibly stylized towers, lanterns, or heraldic forms. These elements are framed within scalloped cartouches, creating a balanced and rhythmic layout that radiates outward from the center. At the very heart of the ornament is a small, detailed rosette surrounded by ornamental scrollwork, lending the piece a refined, almost mandala-like quality. The high-relief engravings and polished finish give the front surface depth and dimension, allowing light to play across its curves and decorative contours. Reverse Side The reverse side presents a softer, more organic design: an engraved spray of flowers, with long, graceful stems rising upward and bursting into circular, textured blossoms. Towle’s engravers used a combination of smooth incised lines and dotted stippling to create contrast and visual texture, giving the floral design an elegant, hand-crafted appearance. Along the lower edge, the ornament is inscribed: “Towle Sterling © 1978” This hallmark confirms both the year of production and the ornament’s solid sterling silver composition. Craftsmanship Style This 1978 Towle ornament beautifully juxtaposes two artistic themes: the structured geometry of the front design and the natural, flowing beauty of the floral engraving on the back. The result is a versatile ornament that can be displayed on either side, each offering its own aesthetic appeal. Collectibility As part of Towle’s late-1970s line of annual sterling silver ornaments, the 1978 design is highly collectible. Its intricate engraving, polished finish, and dual-sided artistry make it a standout addition for collectors of vintage sterling Christmas ornaments...
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