This beautifully crafted 1973 sterling silver Christmas ornament by Towle Silversmiths represents the third gift from the beloved Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Designed to commemorate the verse “Three French Hens,” this ornament is part of Towle’s highly collectible holiday series celebrating each day of the classic song.
Design – Obverse (Front)
The front of the ornament features an elegant, polished teardrop-shaped form engraved with a large, detailed flower blossom accompanied by gently flowing leaves and stems. The floral motif is rendered with smooth, hand-engraved lines and subtle shading, giving the design a naturalistic, three-dimensional quality. The simplicity and beauty of the floral engraving provide a graceful contrast to the more ornate reverse side.
Design – Reverse (Three French Hens)
The reverse showcases an elaborate and richly decorative scene centered around three hens, each placed within its own circular medallion. The hens are sculpted with fine detail—capturing feather texture, posture, and expression. These three medallions are set within an intricate background of swirling scrollwork that fills the entire surface. The scrolling pattern creates a sense of movement and ornate elegance, reminiscent of traditional folk art and European decorative motifs.
Towle skillfully balances the detailed scrollwork with the clear, distinct imagery of the hens, allowing the central theme to remain the focus while still presenting a visually rich composition.
Markings & Craftsmanship
Along the lower edge of the reverse side, the ornament bears the inscription:
“Towle Sterling © 1973”
This confirms its authenticity, year of production, and solid sterling silver composition. The crisp engraving, smooth polished surfaces, and refined shaping reflect the high standards of Towle’s silversmithing tradition.
Collectibility & Significance
As the third ornament in Towle’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” series, the 1973 “Three French Hens” piece holds particular appeal for collectors building or completing the full set. Its dual-sided artistry—combining a delicate floral design with a richly ornamented depiction of the carol’s theme—makes it an especially desirable edition in the early years of the series.
Whether displayed on a Christmas tree, showcased in a collection, or preserved as a holiday keepsake, this Towle Silversmiths 1973 Three French Hens sterling ornament stands as a charming and beautifully crafted tribute to both the season and one of its most beloved songs.
Creator:
Towle Silversmiths (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)
Diameter: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1973
Condition:
Excellent
This beautifully crafted 1973 sterling silver Christmas ornament by Towle Silversmiths represents the third gift from the beloved Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Designed to commemorate the verse “Three French Hens,” this ornament is part of Towle’s highly collectible holiday series celebrating each day of the classic song.
Design – Obverse (Front)
The front of the ornament features an elegant, polished teardrop-shaped form engraved with a large, detailed flower blossom accompanied by gently flowing leaves and stems. The floral motif is rendered with smooth, hand-engraved lines and subtle shading, giving the design a naturalistic, three-dimensional quality. The simplicity and beauty of the floral engraving provide a graceful contrast to the more ornate reverse side.
Design – Reverse (Three French Hens)
The reverse showcases an elaborate and richly decorative scene centered around three hens, each placed within its own circular medallion. The hens are sculpted with fine detail—capturing feather texture, posture, and expression. These three medallions are set within an intricate background of swirling scrollwork that fills the entire surface. The scrolling pattern creates a sense of movement and ornate elegance, reminiscent of traditional folk art and European decorative motifs.
Towle skillfully balances the detailed scrollwork with the clear, distinct imagery of the hens, allowing the central theme to remain the focus while still presenting a visually rich composition.
Markings & Craftsmanship
Along the lower edge of the reverse side, the ornament bears the inscription:
“Towle Sterling © 1973”
This confirms its authenticity, year of production, and solid sterling silver composition. The crisp engraving, smooth polished surfaces, and refined shaping reflect the high standards of Towle’s silversmithing tradition.
Collectibility & Significance
As the third ornament in Towle’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” series, the 1973 “Three French Hens” piece holds particular appeal for collectors building or completing the full set. Its dual-sided artistry—combining a delicate floral design with a richly ornamented depiction of the carol’s theme—makes it an especially desirable edition in the early years of the series.
Whether displayed on a Christmas tree, showcased in a collection, or preserved as a holiday keepsake, this Towle Silversmiths 1973 Three French Hens sterling ornament stands as a charming and beautifully crafted tribute to both the season and one of its most beloved songs.
Creator:
Towle Silversmiths (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)
Diameter: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1973
Condition:
Excellent
Image 1 of 5
Image 2 of 5
Image 3 of 5
Image 4 of 5
Image 5 of 5