Towle Silversmiths Sterling Silver “Three French Hens” Christmas Ornament

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...

This elegant 1978 sterling silver ornament by Towle Silversmiths is part of the company’s beloved Twelve Days of Christmas series—one of the most collectible and artistically refined...

This elegant sterling silver Christmas ornament, crafted by the renowned Towle Silversmiths, dates to approximately 1971 and reflects the company’s tradition of producing finely deta...

This beautiful sterling silver ornament is the 1980 edition of Towle Silversmiths’ annual Christmas ornament series. Crafted in solid .925 sterling silver, it features richly engraved botanical motifs on one side and a classical framed tableau on the reverse. The ornament showcases Towle’s signature blend of sculptural relief, fine metal engraving, and traditional holiday artistry. Front Design The front of the 1980 ornament presents a lush, nature-inspired motif, executed with elegant depth and detail: • Scalloped Oval Silhouette The ornament features a refined oval form with soft scalloped edging, giving it the appearance of a decorative vintage plaque or cameo. The smooth, reflective border frames the interior artwork perfectly. • Grapevine Botanical Relief The central design displays three large, beautifully engraved grape leaves, carefully rendered with textured veining and curled edges. Nestled beneath the leaves are clustered grapes, sculpted in raised relief for dimension. This grapevine motif—symbolizing abundance, celebration, and festivity—makes it a fitting theme for a holiday collection. • Deep Engraving and Textural Contrast The engraved leaves and grapes stand out crisply against the high-polish silver background. The contrast between mirror finish and textured relief creates a dynamic, eye-catching effect when the ornament catches the light. • Hallmarks and Date Along the lower edge of the front are the stamped markings: TOWLE STERLING © 1980 These confirm authenticity and production date. Back Design The reverse side contains a different artistic theme—more classical and ornamental in character: • Central Polished Oval Panel Dominating the reverse is a smooth, elongated oval center. This mirror-finish panel acts as a visual anchor and is surrounded by a finely beaded border. The blank oval could be used for personalized engraving if desired. • Surrounding Engraved Border With Reindeer Motifs Encircling the central oval is a series of engraved reindeer in motion, depicted in mid-stride or leaping positions. These stylized figures add a festive narrative element that ties the ornament directly to traditional Christmas imagery. The reindeer are arranged symmetrically around the edge, creating a continuous ring of holiday animation. • Scalloped Frame Repeated The scalloped edge seen on the front is echoed on the reverse, giving the ornament unified shape and harmony. The polished, fluid contours contrast beautifully with the detailed engravings inside. Overall Impression The 1980 Towle Sterling Christmas...

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