Tiffany & Co Pair of Art Deco Sterling Silver and Enamel Compotes, New York City, 1937-47

Some of the prettiest enamel work we have ever seen is found on these compotes. The graceful lines and elegant proportions of the saucer-shaped bowls, columnar stems and stepped foot bases are very modern in style. The bases are engraved in block lettering 'MTC'. The beauty is further enhanced through the use of green and turquoise enamel in the centers of the bowls and along the stems. These organic floral and foliate enamel designs are visually striking against the sterling. We almost never find examples of enamel on silver where the enamel work is in perfect condition, as these compotes appear to be.

Modern silver from this period is quite rare. With the great depression and the Second World War, luxury goods such as these compotes were not in high demand and relatively few of these were ever made.

This rare pair of sterling and enamel compotes is marked underneath 'TIFFANY & Co/ MAKERS/ STERLING SILVER/ 925-1000/ m/ 22437-7153. This particular 'm' mark was used from 1907-47 and according to Tiffany Silver by Charles Carpenter, the pattern number dates the items to 1937. The compotes measure 3.75 inches high by 5.25 inches wide, have a combined weight of 16.25 troy ounces and are in excellent antique condition.