A rare Iona silver letter opener, in the form of a sword, in the Celtic Arts and Crafts style, made by Alexander Ritchie of Iona. The letter opener is a substantial size and weight, a quality item, and is a pleasure to use. The sword is decorated with Celtic knotwork on the handle and blade. The hallmarks are very clear, "A.R." incuse makers mark, "IONA", and Glasgow hallmarks for 1929. Alex Ritchie's work was inspired by the ancient Celtic and Viking carvings on Iona. He is regarded as one of the most respected and sought after Scottish silver jewellers of the 20th century. (All information courtesy of Alexander Ritchie website, see link on our links page. An identical letter opener is shown on the website, http://www.alexander-ritchie.co.uk/other, it is described as "substantial, the design similar to one used on his much smaller sword brooches".)

A rare and interesting cast silver novelty bell, featuring "the Sketch Girl', who was the cover girl for "The Sketch" magazine. The figurine is a lady in Victorian costume, with a feather plumed bonnet tied with a bow around her neck, wide full skirt and cross pattern. She has a tray suspended from her neck, which holds a horse with jockey, and a marching soldier playing a drum, complete with bearskin hat. She has her arms outstretched, holding something in the palm of her hands. She has 2 clappers, modeled as legs complete with shoes, the bell works well, it has a lovely ring. The bell also has its original wooden stand, with a silver plaque on one side, attached by 4 silver pins, for engraving as a presentation (this one is original and has never been engraved). The hallmarks are clear, with exception of makers mark on bell, which is readable but not well struck. Both legs are also hallmarked, as is the silver plaque, which is also stamped MAPPIN & WEBB LTD. The Sketch was a British illustrated newspaper we...

An unusual silver table bell, with cast silver handle of 2 young boys (cherubs or putti?), one holding the other upside down by the ankles. The casting has lovely detail, as can be seen in the photographs. The bell is quite heavy, and is good quality, with a clear ring. The clanger is also hallmarked silver. The hallmarks are clear, including makers mark JS, which appear to over strike another mark, so possibly JS is a retailer. We would welcome opinions on the significance of the cherubs, thank you.

A magnificent and rare pair of silver-gilt Victorian Bacchanalian pattern grape scissors, in excellent condition. The scissors are completely silver gilt (apart from screw), and are completely sterling silver (no steel inserts). They are the traditional shape, and are decorated with the rare Bacchanalian pattern, designed by Stothard for the Royal Goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, originally made by Paul Storr, pieces are still in the Royal collection today. This is one of the rarest English silver flatware patterns, it shows Bacchus, the Roman God of wine, riding a lion, whilst a topless Diana looks on, with another figure asleep at her feet. The back is also beautifully decorated, with tilted amphora of wine, bunches of grapes and vine leaves complete the decoration. Bacchanalian pattern is shown in the book "Silver Flatware" by Pickford (pg. 127), where an identical pair of grape scissors is shown, made by Wakely and Wheeler. The hallmarks are very clear, and include makers mark HJL for Henry John Lia...

A rare and interesting Victorian silver vesta case, with an enamelled Malta Blue twopence halfpenny stamp, used between 1885 and 1890. The vesta itself is rectangular in shape, with striker in base, and silver ring attachment (for attachment to Albert chain). The vesta is hallmarked in the usual place, along the inside top rim, with Lion Passant, anchor, date letter P (only in use from May to July 1890, after the duty mark was retired), and partial makers mark C. in shield punch, possibly Charles Usher of Usher Manufacturing Company. This vesta previously sold at Sotheby's London in 1988, their description stated "very rare, the only example we have seen", they also described the "superb enamelled representation of the Malta 1885-90 2&half d blue".

An antique silver whisky noggin, also called a Chota Peg, complete with antique silver whiskey wine label. The noggin is the traditional conical shape, with cut glass star base, glass handle and silver pouring collar and lid with thumb piece. The hallmarks are clear on both the rim and the lid. The noggin comes with a small kidney shaped wine label with original chain, engraved "Whiskey", also with clear London hallmarks for 1908 and Hukin & Heath makers mark, a respected firm. Whisky noggins were popular in Edwardian times, they contain a 1 gill (30 ml) measure, so a generous double tot, and were made to be taken to bed. They were also popular amongst British expats in India during the Raj period, where they were called "Chota Peg", or little drink, also "go to bed" drink. Joshua and John Maxfield, founded in 1855 in Sheffield, were celebrated at the Jewellers Exhibition of 1913 for "the extent and variety of novelties which they have placed on the market" Culme, Gold & Silversmiths pg 319. They had a showro...

An interesting 17th century traveling knife and fork, in leather sheath, with matching pin in the front of the sheath (for attachment to belt?). The knife, fork and pin have lion heads with open mouth, made in brass or bronze above mixed material handles, dark grained wood, lighter carved wood, brass pins, circular plugs (yellow material), diamond steel, quite an attractive design. The steel blade has a distinctive makers mark, II IS with a cross in-between, with dots in triangular shape either end, some dots above and below as well (we welcome assistance with identification, thanks). The blade also has a hookat the handle end. The fork is 2 pronged, with a pierced heart shaped connection to handle, with engraving. The leather sheath is also lovely, finely decorated with scrolls, dots and zig-zags. This is not our area of expertise, but we have seen similar sets in the book "Eight Centuries of European Knives, Forks and Spoons by Klaus Marquardt, for example the 16th century Italian examples have very simila...

A rare and unusual Victorian silver double lidded twin stamp box, one of the most practical designs we have seen on a stamp box. The box is rectangular, and is good quality, a pleasing weight, with gilded interior with 2 sloped compartments, and twin lids on separate hinges. The lids have separate silver frames which hold the glass in place covering the representative stamp. The box is clearly hallmarked, both lids and both frames are hallmarked as well. Cohen & Charles worked between 1890 and 1974, founded by Albert Cohen and Charles Solomon. They were the sole English agents for the leading French firm of Baudet Freres & Cie, so were a prestigious firm (Culme, Gold & Silversmiths, pg 88).

A 20th Lancers Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Enamel sweetheart brooch. The brooch features the traditional crossed lances with flying pennons, with Royal crown above, LANCERS scroll below and XX in the centre, denoting the regiment as 20th Lancers. The brooch is 15 carat gold, the 2 X's are platinum set with 18 diamonds, all are present. The crown has red enamel, the pennons red and white enamel, and LANCERS blue enamel, all enamel is perfect. The brooch is hallmarked "15 ct & PT.", indicating 15 carat gold and platinum, which was often used in English jewellery from circa 1890 until 1932. Platinum use in jewellery became popular in Edwardian times, 15 carat gold was used between 1854 and 1932, when it was replaced by 14 carat gold. The 20th Lancers was a regiment of the British Indian Army, which saw service between 1921 and 1937. Today both India and Pakistan have a 20th Lancers regiment. This brooch is accompanied by a valuation certificate from Gemlab confirming authenticity of diamonds and that the brooch ...

A rare Georgian silver novelty articulated fish vinaigrette, made by William Lea & Co in Birmingham, 1817. The fish has 6 separate articulated sections, and a hinged lid (fish head) that opens to reveal an oval gilded vinaigrette, with scrolling grille which opens to reveal the gilded sponge compartment. The open mouth contains a suspensory silver ring, to allow the vinaigrette to be attached via a chain. The vinaigrette is beautifully engraved, with scales, fins and eyes, the tail and top fin are also realistically engraved. The hallmarks on the tail are very clear, the grille is also hallmarked. William Lea & Co worked between 1811 and 1825, they focused on small novelty items. A number of these fish vinaigrettes by Lea and Co are known, featuring 2 different engraving styles. An almost identical vinaigrette, also made by Lea & Co in 1817, is featured on the Bourdan Smith website (www.bourdansmith.co.uk), incorrectly described as reticulated, has very similar engraving to this one. Another example, made a y...

An interesting set of 4 Roman reproduction Scottish silver miniature wine cups, perfectly preserved in original box. The wine cups have a circular spherical bowl, attached to a large flat circular base with a rim, by a baluster stem. They are quite heavy and well made, the quality is excellent. The original box reads "Brook & Son, Goldsmiths to the King, 87 George Street, Edinburgh". The hallmarks are very clear on all 4 wine cups, makers mark "BROOK & SON EDINBURGH", Scottish thistle, Edinburgh castle and date letter W. Brook and Son were the leading Scottish silversmiths in the early 20th century, they operated between 1891 and 1939 from 87 George Street (Hamilton and Inches today). These wine cups are reproductions of Roman cups that were part of the Traprain Law treasure hoard, which was discovered by George Pringle at Traprain Law, East Lothian, in 1919. The hoard dates from 400 AD, and consisted of 160 pieces, mostly cut up ready for melting. William Brook was the silversmith involved in conserving and...

An antique Dutch silver lodereindoosje, made in Amsterdam in 1809. The english translation would be vinaigrette, pomander of scent box. The box is in the form of an armoire (kabinet) in traditional shape, with domed lid and shaped doors, decorated with swags and urns, with drawers in the base. The sides and lid are decorated with traditional Dutch scenes, the lid a man with angel alongside tree and horse, the back with a couple in horse drawn cart, and the sides with women churning butter and carrying milk. The base has original owners engraved initials P.V.I., nicely engraved. The hallmarks on the base are clear, and include date letter b for 1809, Amsterdam town mark of 3 crosses without crown (only used between 1807 and 1812 during Kingdom of Holland period). The 3rd mark is 10, the 10 penningen silver standard mark (833/1000), see "Netherlands Responsibility Marks from 1797" page 37, and the 4th mark is makers mark of a heart under device, this mark is slightly worn. This is the mark of Dirk Goedhart, so ...

Art Deco sugartongs with a classic cast silver deco design on both arms. The tongs are well made, and feel heavy and solid to hold. The hallmarks are clear, and a facsimile Charles Boyton signature is also present. Boyton broke away from the family firm of Charles Boyton & Sons Ltd in 1934, setting up his own business emulating Omar Ramsden in the "decorative style". A number of pieces by Charles Boyton are featured in the book " A Personal Touch - The Seawolf Collection, late 19th and 20th century silver, pages 126-130", published by Museum Boijmans van Beuningen Rotterdam (which we highly recommend). He opposed the industrial methods of the family firm, and established a craft workshop, where hand made objects were engraved with his signature. He was inspired by Georg Jensen and Jean Puiforcat.

A delightful antique sterling silver hedgehog pillbox, made in Germany circa 1900 by Gebruder Kuhn of Schwabisch Gmund. The hedgehog is realistically modelled, his quills and textured tummy give a lovely feel to the box. This is a quality item, well modelled, and the hinge and clasp work extremely well, no chance of pills falling out. The tail acts as a thumbpiece, the lid is clearly hallmarked on the interior. Gebruder Kuhn was established in 1860, in 1900 they were awarded a silver medal at the Paris World Fair, in 1911 the received the Grand Prix at the World Expo in Turin, by 1918 they had 300 employees. The Unicorn hallmark is from the Schwabisch Gmund coat of arms.

A lovely late Victorian American Sterling silver hand mirror, by the highly regarded Gorham company. The mirror is embossed in deep relief with roses, with very fine detail. The quality is exceptional, this is a lovely item, a real work of art by a master craftsman. The hallmarks are clear, the Gorham Lion, Anchor and Gothic G, "Sterling" and date letter O.

A set of 24 gilded sterling silver medallions, produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wildlife Society of Southern Africa. The medallions are all in perfect condition, and are beautifully engraved, these are extremely high quality. Each weighs 36.5 grammes, has a proof like finish and is gold plated sterling silver. The complete set comes in original wooden box with red leather top and velvet and silk lined interior. The medallions depict 24 different South African wild animals including: baboon, buffalo, cheetah, crocodile, elephant, fish eagle, giraffe, green mamba, hippopotamus, hyena, impala, jackal, kudu, leopard, lion, oryx, rhinoceros, sable antelope, secretary bird, vervet monkey, warthog, waterbuck, wildebeest, and zebra. The reverse depicts the emblem of the Wildlife Society, a stylised sable antelope, surrounded by "ANNIVERSARY 50 HERDENKING". Each medallion also carries 4 hallmarks, "ET+, STG, antelope head, date letter C, being South African sterling hallmarks made by Africana Mint. T...

A Silver Troyan 20 Ounce 999 Fine Silver Medallion, commemorating three hundred years of mining in South Africa (1683-1983). This is a huge medallion, it makes a fabulous paperweight. The front has 2 prospectors with pick and hammer, and reads "Silver Troyan 20 troy ounces 999 fine silver, 1683-1983, commemorating three hundred years of mining in South Africa". The back has the logo of the Asset Exchange, and reads "The gold and hard asset exchange, Johannesburg South Africa". The rim is hallmarked, crowned C, date letter I and No 03334, these are clearly struck. This medallion was the second in a series of 2, in 1982 the Exchange also issued a 20 Ounce 999 silver medallion commemorating 100 years of electricity in South Africa (note this first medallion was not called a troyan). We believe this troyan was part of a limited edition of 10000, we are not sure if the full edition was produced. We are interested in more information about the gold and hard asset exchange, and the origin of the troyan, all assistan...

An interesting sterling silver wine taster, made to commemorate 1000 years of English Monarchy between 973 and 1973. The taster is circular, set with a cast replica coin featuring King Edgar the Peaceful, with inscription "EADGARRE" between two maltese crosses, and head and shoulders of the King. The taster also has a fabulous cast silver handle, rectangular in shape with circular cut away, the handle is textured with a sun ray pattern, both top, bottom and sides, this has a lovely feel in the hand. The taster also has a circular foot, and engraved crown above 1000 and the dates 973-1973. It is a good weight and size, it holds 175 millilitres, so is a good size. King Edgar the Peaceful was crowned at Bath in 973, it was the first British coronation ceremony, other British Kings pledged allegiance. He strove successfully to unite the English and Danes, he also recalled St Dunstan from exile and made him Archbishop of Canterbury. The hallmarks are clear, including makers mark GGM, thers is slight wear to the f...

A Patrick Mavros silver sculpture of a pair of guinea fowl on a hardwood base. The guinea fowl are realistically modelled, the guinea fowl is one of Africa's best known game birds. The black hardwood base is also lovely, each base is unique. The base has a silver PM button trademark, with PM above Sable Antelope in triangle, both guinea fowl are also fully hallmarked with PM makers mark and the Zimbabwe sable standard mark. Patrick Mavros has built a luxury Africa themed silver sculpture business over the last 35 years, he is based in Harare, with outlets in London, Mauritius and Nairobi. His customers include the Royal Family, Prince William and Kate are collectors. Other customers include JK Rowling and King Carlos of Spain. This particular sculpture is still available on the Patrick Mavros website (www.patrickmavros.com), he describes it as a medium sized sculpture.

An interesting ornate antique silver belt buckle, with a cast "devils head" complete with horns, moustache, beard and toothy grin, which has been applied on a pierced background, complete with stylised lions heads and scrolling foliage. We imagine the buckle has some significance, perhaps to commemorate a popular opera or play at the time. Devils and demons were often portrayed on silver items in late Victorian times, some examples can be seen on the Acsas website (http://www.ascasonline.org/windowD20.html). Both parts of the buckle are hallmarked, the hallmarks are small but clear. The makers makr is HB cojoined. Hayes Brothers (William and Harry) worked from 73 Great Hampton Street, Birmingham, between 1889 and 1896, they specialised in buckles and small silver objects.