An interesting sterling silver Puritan spoon made by the celebrated Arts & Crafts jewellery designer and silversmith Amy Sandheim. This is a replica of a Commonwealth period (1649-1660) Puritan spoon, when the United Kingdom was run as a Republic under Oliver Cromwell, after the execution of King Charles I in 1649. The spoon has a plain rectangular stem and ovoid bowl, without adornment, reflecting the Puritanical nature of the period. The hallmarks are clear for London 1933, the AS makers mark is only lightly struck, but still clearly visible, with some scratch marks over the punch. Amy Sandheim worked between 1923 and 1943 from Notting Hill Gate, she is primarily remembered for her Arts & Crafts jewellery, where she was regarded as a pioneer, alongside Sibyl Dunlop and Dorrie Nossiter, She also made silver spoons in the Arts & Crafts style (see Artists Spoons by Simon Moore, pages 391-396), but was clearly also interested in 17th century styles.

An interesting sterling silver Presidential Mint Julep cup, made by Mark J. Scearce of Shelbyville, Kentucky during the Presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. It is a copy of an early Kentucky silver mint julep cup, with beaded top and bottom borders, the cup is a substantial size and weight, the quality is very pleasing. This example has no engraving. The base is engraved "Mark J. Scearce, Shelbyville, Kentucky, Sterling", and has a Presidential eagle hallmark above the letters DDE, all the hallmarks are very clear. Scearce was fascinated by early coin silver mint julep cups, and started to produce these replica's during the Presidency of Harry Truman (1945-1953), they are still produced today, each with the eagle hallmark and initials of the current President. This cup has the initials DDE for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served between 1953 and 1961, so it is one of the earlier versions. As tradition goes, each new President receives one of these silver cups with their engraved initials, other famous r...

A very interesting Antique silver Slip-Top jam spoon, dating back to the Great War (World War I), which would have been sold exclusively by Harrod's. The spoon is a replica of an early 17th century slip top spoon, complete with a V shaped rat-tail, these spoons are also called "slipped in the stalk' and "slip-end" spoons. The slip top on this spoon almost resembles a screwdriver head, and could be used practically to open tin lids. The spoon bowl is egg shaped, we think it was originally intended for jam. The quality is very pleasing, you cannot resist picking up and using this spoon, we absolutely love it. The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark RB for Sir Richard Burbridge, 1st Baronet, who was the Managing Director of Harrods at the time. Harrods today still describes itself as "The World's Leading Department Store". The spoon date of 1915 is interesting, probably made just before silver and other valuable resources were directed at the war effort. An identical spoon is photographed in the book "A...

A sterling silver trophy spoon for the Bull-Terrier Club, which would have been commissioned by the club to present a more useful trophy than a medal. The spoon is teaspoon size, the quality and condition are excellent, the front of the bowl still has it's original gilding. The spoon has a well modelled bull-terrier, surrounded by "THE BULL-TERRIER CLUB". The hallmarks, which are struck in the front of the bowl, are very clear. The Bull-Terrier collar has initials BH, we assume the artist who designed the spoon. The Bull Terrier Club of the UK still exists today, it was founded in 1887, it's website describes it as the oldest and largest of it's type in the world. I doubt they still have such beautiful silver spoon trophies!

A set of 13 sterling silver Apostle spoons, with finials plated in 24 carat gold, authentic replicas of 15th century originals, inspired by sculptures on Chartres Cathedral, France. They include: The Master, St. Peter, St. John, St. Matthew, St. Andrew, St. Philip, St. Jude, St. James the Greater, St. James the Less, St. Matthias, St. Simon, St. Thomas, and St. Bartholomew. The Apostles are well modeled, with lovely detail, as can be seen from the photographs. For example, St. Peter has keys, St. Simon a saw, St Andrew a cross, St. Jude a carpenters square, and St. John the cup of sorrow. The spoons are from a set (no 129), issued by South African Guild of Silversmiths in 1978, limited to 2000 sets. The hallmarks are clear, and include maker mark for the South African Guild of Silversmiths, STG for Sterling silver, antelope head for South Africa, and date letter E for 1978. All the spoons have the Apostle's name engraved on the stem. They come complete with original signed certificate of authenticity, and t...

A lovely Georg Jensen sterling silver cream ladle in the Blossom No 84 pattern, with London import marks for 1931. The ladle is well designed, with a kink in the handle below the flower blossom, which greatly improves the grip and allows for precise pouring. The bowl is planished (hand hammered), and the 2 pouring lips work well. The Blossom pattern No. 84 (Magnolie in Danish), sometimes called Magnolia in the USA, was designed by Jensen himself and introduced in 1919, is "a sculptural design which features a realistic stem and blossom design that appears to grow from the handle. This pattern, perhaps more than any other, demonstrates the sculptural quality that earned Jensen widespread acclaim". - Georg Jensen, A Tradition of Splendid Silver, Janet Drucker, page 267 - a book we highly recommend. The ladle is clearly hallmarked, makers mark GJ with 925 S in beaded circle, above "Denmark Sterling", below pattern number "84". The ladle also has clear London hallmarks, with GS for George Stockwell & Co, who impo...

A lovely set of Georg Jensen Beaded pattern mocha spoons (6), perfectly preserved in their original box. The spoons are small and dainty, but exude the quality you expect from Jensen. The original silk lined box reads "Georg Jensen, Silversmith, 15a New Bond St, London W.I, Member of the Salon Paris". The beaded pattern (Kugle in Danish, Jensen pattern # 7) has a beaded pattern around the lower edge of the handle, it was designed by Jensen himself in 1916, described as "an elegant composition, that remains contemporary in design while imparting a timeless quality" - Georg Jensen, Tradition of Splendid Silver, page 267. All 6 spoons are clearly hallmarked with Danish marks GJ in circular bead with 925 standard mark, and English import marks for 1925, with importers mark GS for George Stockwell & Co, (imported Jensen silver between 1909 and 1931).

An interesting 9 carat gold bar brooch, featuring a well modelled monkey sitting on bamboo, holding a stack of gold coins in his hand. The detail is lovely, the monkey's tail wraps around the bamboo. The brooch also has a gold safety chain with coat hanger hook, to prevent the brooch being lost. The brooch is clearly hallmarked "9Ct" for nine carat gold. This is a well made brooch with fine detail, the addition of the gold safety chain reminds us of gold brooches made in London in the first half of the 20th century. A monkey holding gold coins is considered by some as a lucky monkey, a symbol of prosperity and wealth.

A World War 1 Royal Artillery 15 carat gold and enamel sweetheart regimental bar brooch, clearly hallmarked 15 CT for 15 Carat gold, both the badge and the bar. The detail is lovely, red enamel crown above blue enamel "UBIQUE" (Everywhere), above a gold cannon, above blue enamel motto "QUO FAS ET GLORIA DUCUNT" (Wherever right and glory lead). The bar, pin and clasp are also 15 carat gold, the clasp has a clever locking mechanism to prevent loss, this was an expensive quality item when originally purchased. 15 Carat gold was discontinued by Britain in 1932, hence we can date this brooch to the Great War. The Royal Artillery, commonly referred to as "The Gunners", was formed in 1799, and comprises of 13 regular army regiments today.

An interesting set of 6 sterling silver coffee (or demitasse) spoons, made in Durban, South Africa in 1963 by Norman Watson. The spoons have a distinctive design, a pointed terminal above a circular scroll, with 3 ribs along the stem, almost Art Deco in style. The spoons are dainty but elegant, around 9 grammes each but are lovely quality, perfect for an expresso cup, we really like using these spoons. All 6 spoons are clearly hallmarked with "MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA" (an unusual feature we have not seen before), along with 4 hallmarks, trademarked "Dick King on Horseback" for Norman Watson, STG for sterling, Lions head in U (South African Bureau of Standards purity mark for sterling silver, introduced in 1948), and date letter Gothic P for 1963. Norman Watson worked from 16 Fenton Road, Durban from the 1950's to 1970's, he was described as Engraver and Manufacturing Jeweller. The spoons are in their original box, with paper label of Dick King above Trademark and Sterling Silver, the box in working condition, bu...

An interesting Indian Colonial silver menu holder, awarded as a military trophy by the Viceroy of India. The trophy reads "Viceroy's Shield 1926". The holder is in the form of a shield, with a mounted soldier in the centre, surrounded by a highly ornate design of foliage, flowers, bamboo and scrolls. The shield has an attached clip at the back, to hold a menu or nametag at a dinner table, and it stands on a secure rectangular silver base with rounded front. It is engraved on the rear with the recipients details, "B" Right L/Cpl. A.H. Greatrex". The shield is hallmarked "JB&Co, Silver". the mark is legible but not clearly struck. We believe this to be the mark of J. Boseck & Company, which was established in Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1922, and still exists today. J. Boseck & Company are known as manufacturers and retailers of high end gold and silver products in India, in fact they supplied the watch presented to Sir Edmund Hilary after he successfully climbed Mt Everest in 1953. They started as an Anglo Indian fi...

A British Bulldog Club sterling silver trophy table fork, which is in good condition. The fork features a well modelled bulldog head, above legend "THE BRITISH BULLDOG CLUB". The fork is based on a single struck Kings pattern, but was specially commissioned by the club who wanted to present a more useful trophy than a medal. The club was established in 1892, and still operates today (although I doubt they still have such beautiful silver trophies!). The hallmarks are clear, this fork was made in Birmingham in 1936 by Fattorini & Sons, who specialized in medals and trophies. Note: We have another example of this Bulldog Club fork, S 11402.

A pair of Jugendstil German silver serving spoons, 800 purity, made by Lazarus Posen of Frankfurt, Germany circa 1900. The spoons have an interesting diamond shaped bowl, the bowls are gilded on both sides, so can be used for serving salty dishes. The handles are single struck in typical Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) style, with a central wreath surrounding engraved initials MJL. Both spoons are clearly hallmarked, makers mark script P in shaped outline, 800 standard mark and German crescent moon and crown hallmarks. Lazarus Posen was founded in Frankfurt in 1869, they specialised in Judaica, they became one of Germany's leading silversmiths, receiving a Royal warrant in 1903. They closed in 1938 due to Kristallnacht.

A set of 12 ribbed rat tail trefid teaspoons, reproductions of a 17th century style, these spoons have just reached the 100 year milestone so are now classified as antiques themselves. The spoons are in good condition, they do not appear to have seen much use. The spoons have no engraving. Reproductions of earlier styles was common in the early 20th century. All 12 spoons have clear hallmarks, including makers mark W.H.H for William Hair Haseler Ltd, who worked between 1882 and 1941. Haseler is remembered as the manufacturer for much of Liberty's Cymric silver and Tudric pewter, including pieces designed by Archibald Knox.

An interesting pair of Indian Colonial silver menu holders, awarded as military trophies by the Viceroy of India. The trophies read "Viceroy's Shield", one is dated 1927 and the other 1930. The holders are in the form of a shield, with a mounted soldier in the centre, surrounded by a highly ornate design of foliage, flowers, bamboo and scrolls. The shields have an attached clip at the back, to hold a menu or nametag at a dinner table, and they stand on a secure rectangular silver base with rounded front. Please note the size and weight of these items, they are larger and heavier than most menu holders we see, the quality is excellent. Both are engraved on the rear with the recipients details, "B" Right Sergt A.H. Greatrex" (he was a Lance Corporal in 1927). Close inspection of the shields shows they are similar but not identical, which leads us to believe they were made by hand, with the silversmith copying a design (presumably the original Viceroy's Shield). Note the slight differences in the soldier, also t...

The General Smuts Cup, a sterling silver shooting trophy awarded to Captain W. Marks of Belfast in 1950. The trophy is a small circular bon-bon dish, on a raised circular foot, with irregular rim featuring scrolls. The dish has an applied silver badge of the SANRA (South African National Rifle Association), of a jumping springbok below crossed rifles, and above a laurel wreath, surrounded by engraving "Capt. W. Marks Belfast, Genl. Smuts Cup 1950". The rim of the foot is also engraved, this is very small and barely visible, it reads "M. Tiger, Bloemfontein", we assume the trophy was re-awarded at a later date. The dish is clearly hallmarked on the base for Birmingham 1939 by Charles Green & Co, given it is engraved 1950 we assume it's use was delayed by World War II. Belfast is a small town in the North East of South Africa, primarily known for coal mining and trout fishing. Field Marshal Jan Smuts (1870-1950) was the Prime Minister of South Africa during World War II, he had a strong friendship with Winston ...

A beautiful Norwegian silver replica of a 17th century figural spoon, which makes an ideal Christening present for a girl. The spoon has a well modelled cast finial of a bust of a female warrior, complete with armour, standing on a pedestal decorated with a feeding bird, masks, flowers and scrolls. The traditionally shaped bowl is gilded, the gilding still well preserved. The quality of this spoon is outstanding, clearly made by a master craftsman, and the condition is excellent. The spoon is hallmarked with makers mark MH and grade 830S, so we can date this spoon to prior to 1920, when Norwegian silversmiths moved to the sterling 925 standard. Marius Hammer (1847-1927) was one of Norway's leading silversmiths, employing 130 staff in 1914, they even supplied the Prince of Wales. In addition to high end souvenirs, they produced replicas of notable Scandinavian silver, including this spoon.

A very interesting American sterling silver Arts & Crafts ladle, made by W. Depp in the 1950's. The ladle is the traditonal shape, but has 2 bars that join in a loop for the handle, with the base of the handle wrapped in a thick silver wire, we love this design! The bowl has been shaped by hand with a pouring lip on the side, so well suited for gravy, cream or even a toddy (the shape and size is very similar to Scottish silver toddy ladles). The ladle is clearly hallmarked with makers mark W Depp in a triangle (looks like V V rather than W), alongside "Hand Wrought" and "Sterling". W Depp is a mystery to us, he (or she) did produce some modernist hand wrought sterling silver jewellery, we have not been able to find any other flatware by this maker, or information about them (all assistance welcome). Note 1 July 2024 - Thanks to assistance from Susan who has a very similar ladle, we have identified the silversmith as Wesley Depp (1922-2002), of Saranac Lake, New York. Wesley was the son of John Depp and start...

A very interesting Norwegian silver Liberation spoon, made to commemorate the liberation of Norway from German occupation at the end of the Second World War. The spoon has a stylised well built male in Art Deco style with arms aloft holding a circular shield, with the Norwegian crown on a radiating 4 leaf clover, the figure has broken the chains of oppression which connect with the bowl. The circular bowl is embossed "NORGE 1945, BRUTT BLEV LENKER BAND OG TVANG", translated "Broken were chains, ties and constraints", a line taken from Ibsen's Peer Gynt. The back of the spoon is plain, and the hallmarks are clear - makers mark NM, 830.S (830 grade silver), goblet (makers symbol), letter N and MADE IN NORWAY. This particular spoon was made in two different sizes, this is the smaller version, suitable for use as a sugar or jam spoon. Thorvald Marthinsen Solvvarefabrikk was based in Tonsberg. Note: We have sold the larger version of this spoon, S 1721.

A British Bulldog Club sterling silver trophy table fork, which is engraved "Dublin 1911 The Quakeress". The fork features a well modelled bulldog head, above legend "THE BRITISH BULLDOG CLUB". The fork is based on a single struck Kings pattern, but was specially commissioned by the club who wanted to present a more useful trophy than a medal. The club was established in 1892, and still operates today (although I doubt they still have such beautiful silver fork trophies!). The hallmarks are clear, this spoon was made in Birmingham in 1911 by J.A. Restall & Company, who specialized in medals and trophies. Note: We have another example of this Bulldog Club fork, S 11401.