SOLD Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Pendant – Levi & Salaman, Birmingham -1903

$165.00

Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Pendant – Levi & Salaman, Birmingham 1903
(Converted from a broken antique nail buffer – chain not included)

This extraordinary pendant was rescued from the centre of a broken nail buffer and transformed into wearable art. At its heart is an exquisite Art Nouveau repoussé panel, crafted in 1903 by the renowned Birmingham silversmiths Levi & Salaman.

The design captures the quintessential spirit of the era: a young woman with flowing hair, surrounded by flowers, delicately pulling petals from a bloom - the timeless “love me, love me not” motif. The detail in her face and expression is remarkably tender, a hallmark of the Art Nouveau fascination with natural beauty and emotion.

Hallmarks:

  • Lion Passant (sterling silver standard)

  • Anchor (Birmingham assay office)

  • Date letter d (1903)

  • Maker’s mark: L&S for Levi & Salaman

Maker’s Note: Levi & Salaman (active 1870s–1920s) were prolific Birmingham silversmiths, producing a wide range of decorative and functional items, from vanity sets and flatware to novelty silver. Their Art Nouveau designs are especially collectable. The firm was eventually absorbed by Barker Brothers around 1921.

Why it’s special:
This piece was never originally made as jewellery - it was part of an elegant Edwardian vanity accessory. Its conversion into a pendant means it can now be worn and appreciated daily, rather than being lost to time or the melting pot. To date, I’ve been unable to find another surviving example of this particular repoussé design, making it both rare and distinctive.

  • Date: 1903

  • Origin: Birmingham, England

  • Maker: Levi & Salaman

  • Condition: Antique silver with beautiful age and depth; some wear consistent with its history, enhancing its character.

Please note: Chain shown for display only — pendant is sold separately.

Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Pendant – Levi & Salaman, Birmingham 1903
(Converted from a broken antique nail buffer – chain not included)

This extraordinary pendant was rescued from the centre of a broken nail buffer and transformed into wearable art. At its heart is an exquisite Art Nouveau repoussé panel, crafted in 1903 by the renowned Birmingham silversmiths Levi & Salaman.

The design captures the quintessential spirit of the era: a young woman with flowing hair, surrounded by flowers, delicately pulling petals from a bloom - the timeless “love me, love me not” motif. The detail in her face and expression is remarkably tender, a hallmark of the Art Nouveau fascination with natural beauty and emotion.

Hallmarks:

  • Lion Passant (sterling silver standard)

  • Anchor (Birmingham assay office)

  • Date letter d (1903)

  • Maker’s mark: L&S for Levi & Salaman

Maker’s Note: Levi & Salaman (active 1870s–1920s) were prolific Birmingham silversmiths, producing a wide range of decorative and functional items, from vanity sets and flatware to novelty silver. Their Art Nouveau designs are especially collectable. The firm was eventually absorbed by Barker Brothers around 1921.

Why it’s special:
This piece was never originally made as jewellery - it was part of an elegant Edwardian vanity accessory. Its conversion into a pendant means it can now be worn and appreciated daily, rather than being lost to time or the melting pot. To date, I’ve been unable to find another surviving example of this particular repoussé design, making it both rare and distinctive.

  • Date: 1903

  • Origin: Birmingham, England

  • Maker: Levi & Salaman

  • Condition: Antique silver with beautiful age and depth; some wear consistent with its history, enhancing its character.

Please note: Chain shown for display only — pendant is sold separately.