1878 Tiffany & Co. Olympian Series Greek Mythology Custom Family Crest Lunch Fork

1878 Tiffany & Co. Olympian Series, Moore, Greek Mythology, Custom English Family Crest, Heavy Sterling Silver Lunch Fork This pair of sterling silver lunch forks hails from the "Olympian" collection, a celebrated series launched in 1878 by Edward C. Moore, Tiffany & Co.'s preeminent silversmith. As the head of Tiffany's silver hollowware workshop from 1851 to 1891, Moore led his team in researching artistic styles from various eras and cultures, marking the first significant international recognition for American silverware. Under his direction, Tiffany received a silver medal at the 1867 Paris Exposition, becoming the first American silverware brand to be acknowledged by international jurors. This success was followed by a gold medal at the 1878 Paris Exposition, with the Olympian collection forming the centerpiece of this period of acclaim. Inspired by ancient Greek mythology, the Olympian series encompasses 17 distinct scene motifs, with each piece interpreting a mythological narrative through intricate high relief. The motif on these lunch forks is titled 'Poseidon & Nereid— Poseidon Variant B'. It depicts the sea god Poseidon (or a related water deity) interacting closely with sea nymphs, surrounded by seaweed and waves. This variant is characterized by a seated or semi-reclined sea god and a closely rendered female figure, distinguished by its deep, three-dimensional carving. It frequently appears on larger and more elaborate flatware forms and is considered one of the most classic and sought-after scenes within the Olympian collection by collectors. The reverse of the fork handle is engraved with an English family crest: a winged eagle positioned atop a coronet. This specific combination is highly recognizable within British and Scottish heraldry. The family most closely aligned with this particular heraldic form is the Webb (or Webbe) family of England. The Webb family has been a prominent lineage in Britain since the 16th century. Several branches migrated to America in the 18th and 19th centuries, where they established themselves as influential figures in banking, law, and business. Many descendants, by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, maintained the British tradition of their family crests and commissioned Tiffany for fine silverware bearing their private insignia. This is not merely a monogram, but a personal heraldic emblem symbolizing family identity, heritage, and social standing, imbuing these pieces with not only artistic beauty but also profound cultural significance. ✨ Detailed Information • Brand: Tiffany & Co. • Year: 1878 (PAT. 1878) • Designer: Edward C. Moore • Collection: Olympian • Motif: Poseidon & Nereid— Poseidon Variant B • Type: Lunch Fork • Dimensions: 17.7 cm • Weight per piece: Approx. 64 g • Material: Sterling Silver (925) • Engraving: Private family Crest (Winged Eagle × Coronet), closely matching the arms of a branch of the Webb family. • Markings: Tiffany & Co. Sterling PAT. 1878 engraved on the reverse. • Price: NT$14,800 per fork • Quantity: 2 available, similar condition, shipped randomly. # In this shop, the Tiffany & Co. Olympian collection is also available in two other types of flatware, each featuring a different relief engraving! Please refer to the last image for illustration. You may search for Tiffany in our store if you are interested. The craftsmanship is exquisite, with detailed carving and three-dimensional motifs, making these pieces not only flatware but also works of art in high relief. One can examine every carved line and the layers of oceanic imagery with a magnifying glass, almost feeling the handcrafted warmth from a century ago. These two sterling silver lunch forks are not only practical for formal dining but also hold significant collectible value. Tiffany's Olympian collection itself had limited production, and custom versions bearing English private family crests are exceptionally rare. They offer a combination of artistry, history, and heraldic narrative, making them a superior choice for collectors or as a gift. They are in good condition, but as they are over a century old, they bear the marks of time. Please purchase only if you understand and appreciate their historical character. ————————————————————— The Olympian collection is one of Tiffany & Co.'s classic early silverware patterns, circulating from the late 19th to mid-20th century and is now discontinued. The flatware bears the Tiffany & Co. and sterling hallmarks, and based on the pattern and hallmark characteristics, these are presumed to be from the antique period for collectors' reference.