1981 Towle Sterling Silver Christmas Medallion — “Twelve Days of Christmas”
American, sterling, excellent, Towle Silversmiths, 1981, 3”, $260
This beautifully crafted 1981 sterling silver Christmas ornament by Towle Silversmiths is part of their highly collectible Twelve Days of Christmas series. Each year features a new verse from the beloved holiday carol, and the 1981 edition celebrates the “Eight Maids A-Milking.”
Boasting a polished, architectural elegance and detailed narrative engraving, this ornament exemplifies Towle’s reputation for combining artistry with exceptional silversmithing skill.
Front Design — Classic Quatrefoil Emblem
The front of the medallion features a bold, raised quatrefoil design—a timeless symbol found in Gothic architecture and traditional ornamental silver.
The four-lobed motif is deeply sculpted, giving the surface a luminous, dimensional quality.
Its clean lines and mirrored finish create a sophisticated, almost cathedral-like aesthetic, making this ornament visually striking even from across the room.
Reverse Design — “Eight Maids A-Milking”
The reverse reveals the ornament’s festive theme through beautifully engraved panels arranged around a central floral rosette. Each triangular panel features a small, detailed depiction of a maid carrying a milk pail, representing the eighth gift in the classic Christmas carol.
Features include:
Eight engraved maid figures, each with unique posture and linework.
A central eight-petal flower, symbolizing harmony and continuity.
Finely etched borders and paneled geometry reminiscent of an old-world medallion.
The inscription Towle Sterling © 1981, confirming its authenticity.
The symmetry and precision of the engraving give this piece the look of a miniature silver rose window—both decorative and symbolic.
Solid Sterling Silver Craftsmanship
Made from solid sterling silver (.925), the ornament has a substantial feel and a mirror-bright finish that reflects Christmas tree lights beautifully. Towle’s meticulous engraving and relief work ensure this piece stands out among collectible holiday ornaments.
A Collectible Heirloom
Towle’s Twelve Days of Christmas series is revered among silver collectors, and the 1981 “Eight Maids A-Milking” medallion is especially admired for its architectural front and narrative reverse. It makes a meaningful addition to any holiday collection or a thoughtful heirloom gift.
A Piece of Christmas Artistry
From its elegant quatrefoil face to its charming engraved maids, this sterling silver Towle ornament captures the magic, music, and tradition of the holiday season.
A timeless keepsake designed to be treasured—and passed down—for generations.
Creator:
Towle Silversmiths (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Diameter: 3 in (7.62 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1980-1989
Date of Manufacture:
1981
Condition:
Excellent
1981 Towle Sterling Silver Christmas Medallion — “Twelve Days of Christmas”
American, sterling, excellent, Towle Silversmiths, 1981, 3”, $260
This beautifully crafted 1981 sterling silver Christmas ornament by Towle Silversmiths is part of their highly collectible Twelve Days of Christmas series. Each year features a new verse from the beloved holiday carol, and the 1981 edition celebrates the “Eight Maids A-Milking.”
Boasting a polished, architectural elegance and detailed narrative engraving, this ornament exemplifies Towle’s reputation for combining artistry with exceptional silversmithing skill.
Front Design — Classic Quatrefoil Emblem
The front of the medallion features a bold, raised quatrefoil design—a timeless symbol found in Gothic architecture and traditional ornamental silver.
The four-lobed motif is deeply sculpted, giving the surface a luminous, dimensional quality.
Its clean lines and mirrored finish create a sophisticated, almost cathedral-like aesthetic, making this ornament visually striking even from across the room.
Reverse Design — “Eight Maids A-Milking”
The reverse reveals the ornament’s festive theme through beautifully engraved panels arranged around a central floral rosette. Each triangular panel features a small, detailed depiction of a maid carrying a milk pail, representing the eighth gift in the classic Christmas carol.
Features include:
Eight engraved maid figures, each with unique posture and linework.
A central eight-petal flower, symbolizing harmony and continuity.
Finely etched borders and paneled geometry reminiscent of an old-world medallion.
The inscription Towle Sterling © 1981, confirming its authenticity.
The symmetry and precision of the engraving give this piece the look of a miniature silver rose window—both decorative and symbolic.
Solid Sterling Silver Craftsmanship
Made from solid sterling silver (.925), the ornament has a substantial feel and a mirror-bright finish that reflects Christmas tree lights beautifully. Towle’s meticulous engraving and relief work ensure this piece stands out among collectible holiday ornaments.
A Collectible Heirloom
Towle’s Twelve Days of Christmas series is revered among silver collectors, and the 1981 “Eight Maids A-Milking” medallion is especially admired for its architectural front and narrative reverse. It makes a meaningful addition to any holiday collection or a thoughtful heirloom gift.
A Piece of Christmas Artistry
From its elegant quatrefoil face to its charming engraved maids, this sterling silver Towle ornament captures the magic, music, and tradition of the holiday season.
A timeless keepsake designed to be treasured—and passed down—for generations.
Creator:
Towle Silversmiths (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Diameter: 3 in (7.62 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1980-1989
Date of Manufacture:
1981
Condition:
Excellent
