Nathan & Hayes (George Nathan and Ridley Hayes) were Birmingham silversmiths although their marks can also be found on items assayed in Chester and London. They were prominent between 1888 and 1900 when the Art Nouveau style was popular.
Below are some examples and price guides of some Art Nouveau items by Nathan & Hayes including a silver-gilt trinket box and an example of their maker’s mark.
Nathan & Hayes Maker’s Mark
Alice in Wonderland’s Buttons Sterling Silver. Two buttons worn by Alice Liddell (Alice Liddell was the person on who Lewis Carroll based his character Alice, in Alice in Wonderland.)
Each 25mm. (diameter), a pair of art nouveau silver buttons by Nathan & Hayes , 1896 featuring a cherub, later commemorative fitted presentation box, box slightly worn
The presentation box states “Two silver buttons worn from childhood up to the date of her death by ‘Alice in Wonderland’ née Alice Pleasance Liddell, daughter of Canon Liddell afterwards Mrs Hargreaves Born 1852 Died 1934.”
Sold for 2,500 GBP at Sotheby’s in 2015
Bottle ticket with the word BITTERS. Silver, fancy escutcheon with engraved scroll edge and chain attached.
Chester hallmarks for 1898-9
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
A FOUR PIECE SILVER TEA SERVICE by Nathan & Hayes, Chester 1904 Comprising tea kettle on stand, teapot, cream jug and sugar bowl, with gadrooned and foliate borders, weight 79oz gross.
Sold for £ 1,100 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2016
A NATHAN & HAYES SILVER-GILT TRINKET BOX 1910 Decorated in openwork and chasing with flowers, florets and tendrils, having a removeable leather and silk inner tray, stamped maker’s marks, Chester hallmarks for 1910
Sold for GBP 438 at Christie’s in 2013
Pair of Edwardian Silver Oval Salt Cellars, George Nathan & Ridley Hayes, Chester, 1910
Sold for CA$180 at Waddington’s Auctioneers and Appraisers in 2021
