Immersed in antique silver

C. Azzopardi Antiques is not a new name to antique silver connoisseurs - the firm has been a leading local enterprise in the sector for many years.

The firm C. Azzopardi Antiques gets its name after its managing director, Charles Azzopardi. Mr Azzopardi was immersed in the profession since the tender age of 10 by his father, who in turn was trained by grandfather Emmanuel Azzopardi - in his time an entrepreneurial importer of antique silver and also a leading silversmith.

"My success is due to the fact that I have always looked at it more as a hobby than a profession," Mr Azzopardi said. "This led me to learn the art of antiques more than my brothers did."

He explained that the choice of silver depends on whether clients are Maltese or from abroad. Local clients acquire both Maltese and English silver, while British nationals prefer English silver. These items carry the distinctive lion hallmark, commonly known as tal-iljun. It is recognised internationally, as is its investment value.

"On the other hand, I can say that interest in local antique silverware expanded since Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti's exhibition on The Silver of Malta in 1995," he said.

Through the years awareness has increased, which has also led to a steady rise in the price of antique silver items on the market. An added factor to an increase in price is related to the exact period of manufacture - the earlier the date, the higher the price.

"Because of this trend in interest, I also had to apply my personal experience. In fact, my 35 years of experience fall under two categories, punctuated by the popularity Maltese antique silver suddenly gained," continued Mr Azzopardi.

He added that, despite this, English antique silver has by far remained the most prevalent worldwide. It boasts of a 925 Sterling silver quality, complemented by handmade workmanship, as opposed to the majority of modern silverware, which comes machine pressed.

Mr Azzopardi mentioned some of the top British manufacturers: Paul Storr, Robert Garrard, Philip Rundell and Paul de Lamerie.

But how does one know who is the manufacturer simply by looking at a piece of silver? He explained that next to the English mark one usually finds the manufacturer's mark. For example, Paul Storr's mark would be "PS"; Robert Garrard would be "RG" followed by a crown.

This is a good guideline for someone who wants to acquire genuine silverware, as it is not like furniture. Every piece of silver carries this distinctive mark. However, this alone is sometimes not enough.

"Research through books is important, but several years of first-hand experience is essential. In addition, a company should be able to guarantee genuine silverware and quality - qualities which my company has always been recognised for. Evidence of this is the type of clients my firm enjoys. My clients range from people in possession of huge collections of silver, to persons who are not experts at all," he concluded.

Mr Azzopardi' s experience has been built through 30 years of valuations and family divisions. He also offers consultation to clients in antique silver.

C. Azzopardi Antiques specialises in antique silverware, including cutlery, tea sets, kettles, trays and centre-pieces. Their outlet is at Shop No. 1, Westin Dragonara Resort, Dragonara Road, St Julian's (tel. 2138-1839).