{"id":4898,"date":"2026-05-18T11:41:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T11:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edinburghsilver.co\/blog\/?p=4898"},"modified":"2026-05-18T11:46:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T11:46:55","slug":"antique-h-g-murphy-solid-silver-wine-taster-falcon-studio-london-1935","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edinburghsilver.co\/blog\/antique-h-g-murphy-solid-silver-wine-taster-falcon-studio-london-1935\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique H.G. Murphy Solid Silver Wine Taster \u2013 Falcon Studio, London 1935"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Some pieces of silver are admired because they are rare. Others because they are beautifully made. This exceptional <strong>H.G. Murphy solid silver wine taster<\/strong>, hallmarked <strong>London 1935<\/strong>, has both qualities \u2014 and something more besides. It carries the unmistakable artistic identity of the <strong>Falcon Studio<\/strong>, with Murphy\u2019s celebrated <strong>Tree of Life handle<\/strong> and a beautifully hand-hammered bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not simply a silver wine taster. It is a piece of 20th-century British silversmithing history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Rare Wine Taster by H.G. Murphy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Henry George Murphy, known as <strong>H.G. Murphy<\/strong>, is one of the most important British silversmiths of the early 20th century. His work is highly sought after by collectors for its strong design, handmade character and distinctive blend of <strong>Arts &amp; Crafts<\/strong> and early <strong>modernist<\/strong> influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This silver wine taster was made at Murphy\u2019s famous <strong>Falcon Studio<\/strong> and is hallmarked <strong>London 1935<\/strong>, with both the <strong>HGM maker\u2019s mark<\/strong> and the <strong>Falcon Studio mark<\/strong>. These marks give the piece excellent provenance and confirm it as a genuine example of Murphy\u2019s work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Iconic Tree of Life Handle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most striking feature of this wine taster is its pierced <strong>Tree of Life handle<\/strong>. This motif is closely associated with Murphy\u2019s work and remains one of his most recognisable and collectable designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Tree of Life is a powerful symbol of <strong>growth, renewal, strength and continuity<\/strong>. In this piece, it gives the wine taster a deeper sense of meaning, transforming it from a functional tasting vessel into a beautifully symbolic object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pierced handle also creates a wonderful contrast with the smooth circular form of the bowl, adding delicacy, movement and visual interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hand-Hammered Silver with Real Presence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The bowl is <strong>hand-hammered throughout<\/strong>, giving the silver a subtle textured surface that catches the light beautifully. This finish is one of the great pleasures of handmade silver. It reveals the touch of the maker and gives the piece a warmth that machine-made silver rarely achieves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>136 grams<\/strong>, or approximately <strong>4.8 ounces<\/strong>, this is a substantial wine taster. It feels important in the hand, with a reassuring weight and quality that reflect Murphy\u2019s craftsmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The proportions are also excellent, measuring <strong>10 cm in diameter excluding the handle<\/strong>, or <strong>15 cm including the handle<\/strong>, with a height of <strong>2.5 cm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maker:<\/strong> H.G. Murphy, Falcon Studio<br><strong>Hallmark:<\/strong> London, 1935<br><strong>Marks:<\/strong> HGM maker\u2019s mark and Falcon Studio mark<br><strong>Material:<\/strong> Solid silver<br><strong>Design:<\/strong> Hand-hammered wine taster with pierced Tree of Life handle<br><strong>Diameter:<\/strong> 10 cm excluding handle<br><strong>Overall Width:<\/strong> 15 cm including handle<br><strong>Height:<\/strong> 2.5 cm<br><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 136 grams \/ approx. 4.8 oz<br><strong>Condition:<\/strong> Excellent, carefully preserved<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why This H.G. Murphy Wine Taster Is Special<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This piece brings together many of the qualities collectors most value in Murphy\u2019s silver:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Made by H.G. Murphy<\/strong>, one of Britain\u2019s great 20th-century silversmiths<br><strong>Falcon Studio mark<\/strong>, confirming its prestigious origin<br><strong>London 1935 hallmark<\/strong>, placing it within Murphy\u2019s mature period<br><strong>Tree of Life handle<\/strong>, an iconic Murphy motif<br><strong>Hand-hammered solid silver<\/strong>, showing authentic craftsmanship<br><strong>Substantial weight and size<\/strong>, giving it real presence<br><strong>Excellent condition<\/strong>, carefully preserved and ready to enjoy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is rare, distinctive and highly collectable \u2014 a piece with genuine character and importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Wine Taster with History and Symbolism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditionally, a wine taster was used to examine the colour, clarity and aroma of wine. Its shallow bowl allowed the wine to be viewed easily, especially by candlelight, while the handle made it practical to hold and use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Murphy\u2019s hands, this traditional form becomes something far more artistic. The hammered bowl gives the piece texture and depth, while the Tree of Life handle adds symbolism and design strength. It is both functional and sculptural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ideal for Collectors of Arts &amp; Crafts and Art Deco Silver<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>H.G. Murphy\u2019s work appeals strongly to collectors of both <strong>Arts &amp; Crafts silver<\/strong> and <strong>Art Deco silver<\/strong>. His pieces often combine handmade texture with bold, simplified form, making them highly distinctive within British silver design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This wine taster is a superb example of that crossover. It has the honest hand-worked quality of Arts &amp; Crafts silver, but also the clarity and confidence of early modernist design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a collector of Falcon Studio silver, this is a particularly desirable piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Distinguished Gift for a Wine or Silver Enthusiast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although this is a serious collector\u2019s item, it would also make a remarkable gift. The combination of wine, silver, symbolism and craftsmanship gives it wide appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It would be especially suitable for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A wine enthusiast<br>A collector of British silver<br>An Arts &amp; Crafts admirer<br>A milestone birthday<br>A retirement gift<br>A wedding or anniversary present<br>A special presentation gift<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Tree of Life handle makes it especially meaningful for occasions connected with family, growth, legacy and celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This <strong>antique H.G. Murphy solid silver wine taster<\/strong>, made at the <strong>Falcon Studio<\/strong> and hallmarked <strong>London 1935<\/strong>, is a rare and beautiful example of British silversmithing at its finest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With its substantial hand-hammered bowl, iconic pierced <strong>Tree of Life handle<\/strong>, clear HGM and Falcon Studio marks, and excellent preserved condition, it represents everything that makes Murphy\u2019s work so collectable: craftsmanship, originality, symbolism and quiet artistic strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For collectors of <strong>H.G. Murphy silver<\/strong>, <strong>Falcon Studio silver<\/strong>, <strong>Arts &amp; Crafts silver<\/strong> or fine English wine accessories, this is an exceptional piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a link to buy this item &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.edinburghsilver.co\/antique-silver-gifts\/hg-murphy-silver-wine-taster\/\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#e63131\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Click Here<\/mark><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some pieces of silver are admired because they are rare. Others because they are beautifully made. This exceptional H.G. Murphy solid silver wine taster, hallmarked London 1935, has both qualities&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4899,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1641,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-antique-silver","category-important-silversmiths"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v15.9.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Antique H.G. 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