Sterling Silver Appraisal

elliotmelamed
2 days ago
3 min read

4 piece English sterling silver tea/coffee service, date marked Birmingham 1956-1957, and with maker’s hallmark of Charles S Green & Co Ltd

Sterling Silver Appraisal - Charles Green & Son

Sterling Silver Appraisal - Charles S. Green & Co was founded in 1905 by Charles S. Green—the son and brother of managers from Charles Green & Son—suggesting a continuation of a silversmithing heritage. Within two years, by 1907, the company had established itself at Cogent Works, 54 St Paul's Square, Birmingham

Charles was ably supported by his wife Winifred, described as a talented artist who designed the firm’s early patterns—highlighting that from the outset design and artistry were central to the business

By 1929, Charles S. Green & Co was a listed exhibitor in British industrial fairs, manufacturing a wide range of metalwares—including silverware, electroplated toilet ware, enamelled pieces, cups, bowls, photo frames, cigarette cases, and general electroplate goods. The company was also a member of the Birmingham Jewellers' and Silversmiths' Association

Later in its history, in 1982, the firm relocated to a new factory on Lionel Street, Birmingham, marking an evolution from its Str. Paul’s Square roots

Hallmark and Maker’s Mark

The hallmark CSG&Co enclosed in a shield is the firm’s signature maker’s mark, registered for Charles S. Green & Co (Birmingham)

Furthermore, Charles Green is among the firms whose sponsors’ marks feature on the façade of the Birmingham Assay Office, underlining the firm's prominence in the local silversmithing community

Context: Birmingham & Jewellery Quarter

Located in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham provided an ecosystem of skilled craftsmen, hallmark expertise, and institutional support—for example, the Birmingham Assay Office and educational establishments for silversmithing

The jewellery and silver trades flourished there, especially in the early 20th century. The area's infrastructure, including the Assay Office, facilitated quality control and reputation-building. Charles S. Green & Co's membership in the Birmingham Jewellers’ and Silversmiths’ Association, and their hallmark being displayed at the assay office, underlies their embeddedness in this community

Design & Craftsmanship

A hallmark of Charles S. Green & Co’s output was the embrace of contemporary styles—such as Art Nouveau in the early 1900s and Art Deco in the 1920s–1930s. Works regularly paired silver (or electroplated silver) with enamel, glass, or oak, producing sophisticated, decorative homewares (e.g., jars, frames, condiment sets) that balanced form with function.

Hallmarks such as the lion passant (silver standard), Birmingham town mark, and the maker’s shield “CSG&Co” signaled both quality and origin. Date letters and special marks (e.g., Jubilee, Coronation) provide crucial tools for dating and authenticity.

Legacy and Timeline

1905 – Company founded by Charles S. Green.
1907 – Moved to Cogent Works, St Paul's Square.
1904–1905 – Produced Art Nouveau frames.
1925–1935 – Created Art Deco enamel jars and condiment sets.
1935 – Notable workmanship with Jubilee marks.
1940s – Made sterling tea sets and cruet sets (e.g., 1940 teaware; 1947 condiment set).
1929 – Exhibitor and member of local trade associations.
1982 – Relocated to Lionel Street, indicating continued operation into the late 20th century.
1980s+ – Mentioned in hallmark displays at the Assay Office, upholding regional recognition

Summary

Charles S. Green & Co Ltd stands out as a symbol of early‑to‑mid 20th century Birmingham silversmithing—a firm that combined artistry (thanks in part to Winifred Green’s designs) with skilled metalwork, in styles spanning Art Nouveau to Art Deco. Their hallmark, CSG&Co, is readily found on elegant enamel‑topped jars, condiment sets, framing, tableware, and more, offering collectors and historians clear routes to verify date and origin.

Rooted in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and formally aligned with the local makers’ association, the firm built a reputation for design excellence and technical quality. Their pieces—often blending silver with enamel or glass, and marked with hallmark clarity—exemplify both period aesthetics and enduring craftsmanship.