Silver Fund features rarities from 20th century

The Silver Fund is a unique shop that mixes 20th-century silver, furniture and design.

Michael James founded The Silver Fund in 1996 specializing in the work of Georg Jensen. In addition to an impressive collection of Jensen hollowware, the shop carries silver designed by Jean Puiforcat, William Spratling, Antonio Pineda and many others.

James said he exhibits at art shows worldwide and has had smaller stores in the past, but the Worth Avenue location gives him more space to show off more 20th-century pieces.

“We never had this amount of space before, so we filled it with silver but we’ve mixed it with all the furniture we love and fantastic 20th-century lighting,” James said.

James said he looks for definitive pieces of all kinds. “I don’t care where anything is made as long as it’s got great design and it’s good quality,” James said.

The Silver Fund’s collection includes furniture and decorative arts, dating from the 1950s to the 1970s; nautical and sporting items; art glass, and vintage clocks and jewelry.

Here are a few noteworthy finds:

• An 18-karat-gold money clip ($6,500) signed by Frank Sinatra. The dollar sign design was made by a Miami jeweler and is engraved with the legendary singer’s signature and the word “Thanks.” This item would make a great conversation piece.

• A circa-1930 Champagne cooler ($85,000) made in Portugal by Joalharia do Carmo. This sterling-silver centerpiece features three panels, each with a different Art Deco fish design. James said it is one of the most impressive pieces that he has bought in recent years.

• A circa-1930 sterling-silver tea set ($85,000) made in England by Charles Boyton. The four geometric Art Deco pieces fit together in the form of a wedge. James said this set is incredibly rare. The only other one he knows of is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The Silver Fund, at 330 Worth Ave., is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 629-5153 or visit thesilverfund.com.

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