An interesting and unusual antique sterling silver gilded Christening mug, with textured body and ox eye eye handle. The mug is great quality, a good weight, and in excellent condition. The textured body is caused by thousands of circular punch marks, all applied by hand, the mug has a border and sits on a circular raised foot. The circular ox eye handle replicates a 17th century style, found on College presentation cups at Oxford. Both the interior and exterior have original gilding, this is a rich colour, the base and top rim are not gilded. The base is engraved "Thomas, 153 New Bond St", underneath Crown and Prince of Wales feathers, trademarks of FB Thomas. The hallmarks are very clear, but the feather over FBT makers mark is obscured. F.B. Thomas & Co. was a well known firm of retail silversmiths, established in 1759. Francis Boone Thomas joined the firm aged 21 in 1851, he took control in 1871, he died age 71 in 1900. The firm traded until 1941 when it was severely damaged in an air raid during World Wa...

A matching antique sterling silver knife, fork and spoon, made as a Christening present. They are dessert size, and in an unusual scrolling pattern, possibly an Onslow pattern variant. This scrolling pattern reminds us of the Auricular style, a 17th century German Mannerism style, rarely seen today. The knife has a pistol grip, the blade is also hallmarked sterling silver. They are gilded with a rich golden colour, this gilding is original. All 3 items are clearly hallmarked, the knife handle has an additional FH makers mark for Francis Higgins, so the knife handle was outsourced. F.B. Thomas & Co. was a well known firm of retail silversmiths, established in 1759. Francis Boone Thomas joined the firm aged 21 in 1851, he took control in 1871, he died age 71 in 1900. The firm traded until 1941 when it was severely damaged in an air raid during World War II.

An extremely rare Cape silver konfyt (preserve) fork with tubular handle, by Cape silversmith Lodewyk Beck. The fork has 4 tines, the only decoration is the baluster shape where the tines join the handle. The handle is similar to the Cannon handle pattern of early English flatware. The fork is clearly hallmarked with makers mark LB at the end of the handle. Similar forks are illustrated in Heller's History of Cape Silver (Vol 2, pg. 82) by Johannes Heegers, and Welz's Cape Silver (pg. 68), these are by Johannes Combrink. Lodewyk Beck worked firstly from Shortmarket Street and then moved to Greenmarket Square, still today a vibrant market in the heart of Cape Town. Konfyt forks were made and sold as individual items, and are described by Welz as "having a great deal of charm" (pg. 65, Cape Silver, Welz). Note - We have a matching fork S11421.

An extremely rare Cape silver konfyt (preserve) fork with tubular handle, by Cape silversmith Lodewyk Beck. The fork has 4 tines, the only decoration is the baluster shape where the tines join the handle. The handle is similar to the Cannon handle pattern of early English flatware. The fork is clearly hallmarked with makers mark LB at the end of the handle. Similar forks are illustrated in Heller's History of Cape Silver (Vol 2, pg. 82) by Johannes Heegers, and Welz's Cape Silver (pg. 68), these are by Johannes Combrink. Lodewyk Beck worked firstly from Shortmarket Street and then moved to Greenmarket Square, still today a vibrant market in the heart of Cape Town. Konfyt forks were made and sold as individual items, and are described by Welz as "having a great deal of charm" (pg. 65, Cape Silver, Welz). Note - We have a matching fork S11422.

A Victorian cast sterling silver grape vine and leaf serving spoon, realistically modelled in naturalistic style. The handle features a grape vine with bunches of grapes and leaves, the bowl is a shaped vine leaf, with very fine engraving. The spoon is gilded, the gilding is worn in places, especially the bowl, but still quite a bit of gilding is present. The spoon is fine quality, heavy to hold, clearly the work of a master craftsman. The hallmarks are clearly struck on the bowl, including makers mark HW&Co for Henry Wilkinson and Co, who worked between 1831 and 1892 when they were purchased by Walker & Hall.

A fabulous Victorian silver prize medallion, one of the finest we have encountered. The medallion is oval, surrounded by a cast rim of flowers. A silver suspension loop is attached to an ornate scroll. This medallion is large and heavy, the quality is exceptional. Both oval plaques are engraved, the first reads "TAIN ROYAL ACADEMY AWARDED TO G.ERNEST ROSS FOR EXCELLENCE IN CLASSICS", the second reads "PRESENTED BY D. FOWLER ESQ. PROVOST OF TAIN JULY 1899". The hallmarks are small but clear, very well struck. Donald Fowler was Provost (the Scottish equivalent of Mayor) of Tain between 1898 and 1910, he was a chemist by profession.

An interesting set of 6 Victorian silver teapoons and matching sugartongs, with a 15th Century soldier carrying a halberd. This appears to be a private pattern, we have not been able to trace it in the pattern books (all assistance welcome). The pattern is very detailed, both on the front and the back, we love these spoons. In addition to the soldier, complete with collar, the front has what could be an apple tree, the back has a shield (unengraved, intended for family crest) and a different flowering plant, with a stipple background. The spoons and tongs are also great quality and a good weight, as one would expect from Elkington. All 7 pieces are clearly hallmarked, they also carry a registration mark "RD105810", so Elkington protected the design. All the spoons are 1892, the tongs are 1893. Elkington was one of the leading British Silversmiths in the 19 and 20th centuries, they were founded in 1836, and are known for their excellent quality. Note - We have now identified this pattern as "Tudor Men & Women"...

A set of 2 Victorian silver salt spoons, both with additional Broad Arrow hallmarks, indicating the spoons were owned by the British War Department or War Office, so probably used by the military, possibly an Officers Mess. The spoons are Old English pattern, and have gilded bowls, to protect the bowls from corrosive salt. The spoons are almost identical but not a pair, the first was made in 1855 by George Adams (Chawner & Co.), the second in 1859 by Robert Garrard II, who were appointed Goldsmiths & Jewellers to the King in 1830, they still hold the Royal Warrant today. The Garrard spoon has engraved initial F, and has more prominent yellow gilding, it is very slightly shorter and lighter than the Adams spoon (2 grammes lighter). Both spoons have clear hallmarks and well struck broad arrows, the Adams spoon also has a journeyman's device, the Garrard maker mark is partially worn, but the crown above the letters is clearly visible. The Broad Arrow was originally used by the British Board of Ordnance to mark i...

A typically Victorian silver Christening set, consisting of a dessert sized spoon, knife and fork, with a very ornate pattern. The pattern consists of a standing "putti" with arm raised, supporting a blank shield (meant for the recipients initials). The shield is surmounted with a crown, and as can be seen other decoration includes flowers, leaves and scrolling foliage. The pattern is repeated on both sides, on the front the putti is a boy, and the rear of the fork and spoon the putti is a girl with long hair. The set is very good quality, and is still in it's original leather and brass bound box, with blue velvet and silk lining. The hallmarks on all 3 pieces are clear, both the knife blade and hilt are hallmarked - indicating the blade is also sterling silver. The Martin Hall & Co (Richard Martin and Ebernezer Hall) first entered their mark in 1863, so this would have been one of the earliest items they produced. They used this mark until 1878, and remained in business until 1911. They worked from Shrewsbur...

A beautiful Gorham sterling silver Louis XIV pattern gilded sugar sifter spoon and matching ladle, retailed by Starr & Marcus of New York. The pattern is striking, described as "17 th Century Magnificence", named after King Louis Quatorze of France, who "made his reign famous for it's splendour". The sifter spoon bowl is intricately pierced, clearly done by a master craftsman, one of the best we have seen. The design has 12 panels around the outside, each with a pierced starburst and V shaped flower, the centre has more starbursts and a pierced branch design, completed with pierced circles. The ladle (we assume for gravy) has a plain bowl, but with deep gold gilding (described as goldwash in the USA), both have original owners engraved initials Gothic S. The hallmarks are clear on both items, "Patent 1870, Sterling, and the Gorham lion, anchor and gothic G, along with retailers mark "Starr & Marcus". Gorham Corporation, which still exists today, was founded in 1831, they dominated the solid silver flatware m...

A rare Straight Tudor pattern sifter ladle, made by Chawner & Co, the leading flatware maker of Victorian England. The ladle is fabulous quality, and in excellent condition, without engraving. The piercing in the bowl is lovely, a central flower surrounded by scrolls, changing to leaves on the side. The Straight Tudor pattern is a Gothic Revival pattern, note the omission of 2 small scroll circular projections on each side of the stem, this differentiates it from the "Tudor" pattern. The sifter ladle is clearly hallmarked, it also carries the British Registry design number and date chart diamond, which rarely occurs on silver flatware - class I for metal, date letter v for 1850. The presence of the design mark indicates that Chawner protected the design to protect it being copied. Tudor is described by Pickford (Silver Flatware page 150) as "a rare Chawner & Co pattern registered August 14th 1850, along with Straight Tudor, it appears in the Chawner Pattern book (page 218). Odd pieces may on rare occasions, ...

An interesting Dutch miniature silver toy chestnut roaster, with the roasting pan suspended from the frame with 3 silver links (the links are not original). The frame is circular with a long handle and pan for holding the embers, the pan has an attractive 6 petalled flower cut in the base to allow airflow. The frame sits on 3 curved feet. The frame has one hallmark on the handle, the Dutch silver "Boars Head", which was used on miniature silver made before 1813, and brought back into trade, as an authorisation to put back into circulation (Houart, Miniature Silver Toys, pg 155). The roasting pan also has a hallmark, the letter V in rectangular shield under a crown, a mark used between 1813 and 1893 on items of foreign made silver (Voet, Nederlandze Goud & Zilverwerken, pg 46 and 61), this is a tax mark. We assume this item was made around 1813, and straddled the change in hallmarking introduced in that year - but welcome other interpretations!

A Chinese jade pendant with 14 carat gold clasp and ring. The jade is light green, with some natural dark green patches. The pendant is kidney shaped, and both sides have a carved tree. The gold ring is hallmarked "14 K, 585" indicating 14 carat gold, which is 58.5% pure. 14 Carat gold is often used for jewellery. According to Chinese tradition, sons are thought fortunate, and in celebration male progeny is often presented with a piece of jade.

A delightful Hanau silver box, the lid and sides decorated with embossed panels, including bowl of flowers, musical instruments, laurel wreath and claret jug, complete with goblet and grapes. The panels are bordered with a floral leaf design. The interior of the box is gilt. The box has a very clear set of Hanau pseudo hallmarks, which have been described as amongst the "most difficult and confusing area of silver hallmark study", as the marks were never registered and no records exist. The marks include pseudo crowned leopards head (Scheffler 538), pseudo lion passant (Scheffler 540) and pseudo dolphin (Scheffler 534). The small mark is genuine, being the Austro-Hungarian mark for imported articles between 1901 and 1921 (Tardy, pg 75). The mark, which also appears on the lid, has a capital B, indicating the city of Lienz. The Hanau silversmiths specialised in antique reproductions, generally of very good quality, so much so they often exhibited at international expositions. Gebruder Dingeldein was founded i...

Exquisite set of six cast teaspoons, in original box, with Medusa head and snake finial. The detail is excellent, these spoons are extremely high quality. The box has a retailers name - H Greaves, Hew & Corporation St, Birmingham. The hallmarks are clear, 3 spoons are dated 1900, 1 is 1901, 2 are 1902, but they are clearly a set. The spoons are a very good gauge, and are pleasing to hold. Wakely and Wheeler (James and Frank), which still exists today, has long been a highly regarded firm. It was originally founded by John Lias in 1791.

A very fine Maltese Basting spoon, of good gauge, with an unusually large and deep bowl. The spoon also has a deep lip and point. The hallmarks are clear, being 1855 with a small scratch through it (looks intentional?), the letter R (Maltese mark indicating Roman Fineness, 11 deniers) and the circular makers mark for Geraldo Pace (circular mark with small bird under PACE). A truly lovely spoon. Note - we previously incorrectly attributed this spoon to the Naudi family silversmiths.

A Cape silver sauce ladle in the Fiddle pattern, by Peter Clarke Daniel. The ladle has original owners engraved initials JEB, and has excellent hallmarks - makers mark PD, pseudo date letter B and pseudo duty mark with notable cusp (Welz mark 42, but struck in different order). Daniel was an Irish immigrant to the Cape, one of the original 1820 settlers. His father, who has the same name, was also a silversmith, he worked as a jeweller in Grahamstown.

An interesting antique French silver Christening mug, which was retailed in Mauritius, and still has it's original wooden box. The cup is baluster shaped, with no handle, and has attractive bright cut engraving, with a central cartouche engraved with original owners initials NJ in flowing script. The original cone shaped silk lined wooden box reads "Audusson & Vidal Fils, Mauritius. The cup is clearly hallmarked on the base with makers mark L&G with lamb and boathook (or gaffe) in diamond punch, an additional mark of Mercury looking left is hidden in the decoration, this is a French export mark used between 1840 and 1973. Jules Ladoucette & Pierre Gavard worked between 1869 and 1886 from 17 Rue Philippeaux in Paris. Audusson & Vidal were retailers of luxury goods in Mauritius, their name has been recorded on items ranging from clocks to postcards. Mauritius was under British rule between 1810 and 1968, but previously was a French colony from 1715-1810, and retained it's French character, hence still importing...

A rare Tudor pattern Child's size spoon and fork, made by Chawner & Co, the leading flatware maker of Victorian England. They are not an exact set, the spoon was made in 1850 and is engraved with owners initials WM in flowing script, the fork was made in 1851 and is engraved with owners initials FB in Gothic capitals, but otherwise they match well and make a useful set, very suitable as a Christening present. The Tudor pattern is a Gothic Revival pattern, it has 2 small scroll circular projections on each side of the stem, this differentiates it from the "Straight Tudor" pattern. Both are clearly hallmarked, and both have a journeyman's mark - R on spoon and I on the fork. In addition, both also carries the British Registry design number and date chart diamond, which rarely occurs on silver flatware. The presence of the design mark indicates that Chawner registered the design to protect it being copied. Tudor is described by Pickford (Silver Flatware page 150) as "a rare Chawner & Co pattern registered Augus...

An interesting pair of Dutch cast silver grape shears (or scissors), modelled as a warrior, in Dutch Zilveren Druivenschaartje. It is a clever design, with one arm showing the front of the warrior holding a spear, wearing a kilt and boots, with plumed helmet, the other arm shows his rear with sword in belt. The finger grips have scrolls, and the shears are the traditional thick wedge shape, in perfect working order. Both arms are hallmarked with the Dutch sword mark (833 standard), used between 1814 and 1905, and one arm has makers mark which appears to be G over LS, which we have not identified (all assistance welcome). Note - We now believe the makers mark is 6/LS for Lieuwe Schoonhoven of Middelstum, Groningen, who worked between 1870 and 1899 (mark 14024, Nederlands Responsibility Marks since 1797).