A Danish modernist silver strawberry serving spoon, in Georg Jensen style. The spoon is beautiful, and is a good weight and quality. The spoon has a large circular bowl, with a pierced strawberry leaf design, to allow the juices to be drained before serving. The handle is cast, and has 2 well designed strawberries amongst foliage, these are embossed so provide a nice grip for the handle. This spoon is a useful size, suitable for serving other items besides strawberries. The spoon has 4 hallmarks, all of which are well struck and clear. The Danish 3 tower mark and date letter 33 for 1933 indicates purity of 826/1000, the SJ assay master mark (Stadtsguardein) for Johannes Siggaard (worked between 1932 and 1960). The 3rd mark is "Haandarbejde" indicating this item was made by hand, and the 4th mark is the script F surrounded by oval dots, the assay master mark for Frederik Fabritius, who worked between 1787 and 1823. The presence of this older assay masters mark is a mystery, it has also been observed on other D...

A collection of 10 sterling silver souvenir spoons, all from a different British town. The spoons were made in Birmingham, London, Chester and Sheffield, with dates ranging from 1893 to 1919. All 10 spoons have clear hallmarks. The 10 include: 1. Ripon, Birmingham 1912, Levi & Salaman, crest in bowl 2. Bideford, Chester 1906, John Millward Banks with flower trademark, engraved Bediiforde 1577 Sicillun Comvne De 3. Brighton, Birmingham 1918, Levi & Salaman, engraved In Deo Fidemus 4. Scarborough, Birmingham 1905, Levi & Salaman 5. Canterbury, Birmingham 1901, Turnbull Brothers, Cathedral in bowl 6. Oxford, Birmingham 1911, gilded armorial in bowl 7. Manchester Ship Canal, Sheffield 1893, Henry Wigfull, gilded armorial in bowl, cast handle with Navigation & Commerce 8. Unknown town, London 1899, Saunders & Shepherd, cast floral handle, lovely quality 9. Unknown town, Birmingham 1908, Joseph Cook & Sons 10. Oxford University, Sheffield 1919, Joseph Rodgers Note- The earlier spoons pre 1900 are notic...

An interesting and rare silver wine label, in Art Nouveau style. The label is rectangular with canted corners, and has been pierced BRANDY in Art Nouveau style, in a font that closely resembles the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Glasgow school. The hallmarks are struck on the front of the label, and are very clear, including the W&H in flag punch, they worked between 1884 and 1960, when they were incorporated into Mappin & Webb. British Art Nouveau silver wine labels are rare, the book "Wine Labels 1730-2003" by John Salter, states that "perhaps surprisingly, there seems to have been no record of British Art Nouveau labels", further noting the "only Art Nouveau labels known are American and Continental". Note: we have a matching label for WHISKEY S1850.

A lovely sterling silver medallion, commemorating the 100 year anniversary of Stellenbosch University in 1966. This is a high quality medallion, with beautiful stylised engraving. The front depicts the "Ou Hoofgebou" (Old Main Building), the oldest building on campus, built in 1886, in Cape classical style, with collonaded veranda and ornamental balcony. This is surrounded with "HOER ONDERWYS OP STELLENBOSCH 1866-1966", translated Higher Education at Stellenbosch. The back has the Stellenbosch University Coat of Arms under "UNIVERSITEIT VAN STELLENBOSCH", this was adopted in 1918, described as "Quarterly: I and IV: Or, three towers gules 2 and 1; II: Azure, the head of the Roman goddess Minerva wearing a winged helmet, argent; III: Azure, three oak twigs each with two leaves below and an acorn above, argent, 2 and 1; Upon an inescutcheon sable, an open book proper, with a red initial letter S in upper dexter, and with two seals, one red and one blue, pendant from the book (source www.andrewcusack.com). The 3 ...

A set of 6 sterling silver grapefruit spoons, with pointed bowls for easy access to the fruit. The spoons have a threaded border pattern with pointed terminals, sometimes referred to as French pattern. The spoons are very pleasing quality and weight, they have a solid feel in the hand, as is often the case with pre-war silver. All 6 spoons are clearly hallmarked with Sheffield hallmarks for 1939 and makers mark EV for Viners Limited, started by Adolphe Viner in 1901, the E refers to his son Emile. Viners was a leading 20th century British cutlery brand, known for good quality, they were acquired by Oneida in 2005. These spoons also have an additional set of 3 hallmarks, smaller but clearly struck, these are Irish import marks that were struck on foreign silver. These marks include the Dublin assay office Boujet mark, .925 sterling standard mark, and Dublin date letter X for 1939, meaning these spoons were exported to Ireland as soon as they were made. The Boujet mark is a stylized representation of a medieval...

An interesting 17th century style silver notched 2 pronged fork, a replica of the earliest known English table fork. The fork has 3 notches at the top of the stem, a rare feature seen occasionally on puritan spoons. The original, made in 1632, is known as the Manners Fork, and is in the V&A museum in London. The original belonged to the Rutland family of Haddon Hall, and has the crest of John Manners, 8th Earl of Rutland. This fork is a good gauge, very pleasing to use, we tested it on cold meats and olives! The hallmarks are excellent, and include makers mark FH for Francis Howard, the firm worked between 1900 and 1986. The fork comes in it's original box, with label "V.K. Chapman, Jeweller & Silversmith, 104 South St, St. Andrews", A real talking point for your dinner table. This fork is identical to S 1568 which we have already sold, made 2 years later.

A matching pair of nursery rhyme silver baby implements, a spoon and baby pusher, intended as Christening gifts. Both have short handles, the spoon with Jack and Jill picture, the pusher with Little Boy Blue. The detail on both is lovely, as can be seen from the photographs. Both are clearly hallmarked, the spoon was made in 1932, the pusher in 1936, but both by the same maker WH Collins, and both part of their nursery rhyme collection. The pusher has original owners initials MJ, lightly engraved so this could be removed. The pusher also has a registration number, indicating the design was protected.

A Cape Colony National Rifle Association silver shooting trophy, the Inter Colonial Grand Challenge Shield. The shield is mounted on its original wooden stand, with brass hinge, it also has an additional silver plaque on the back that is engraved "The Grand Challenge Shield 1945". The shield has lovely detail, 6 flags divided by Kings crown, above a ribbon that reads "CAPE COLONY NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION". Below that, the Cape Colony coat of arms with female herald supporters, blowing trumpets. To the right and left Zulu shields and spears above crossed rifles, all above a shooting range scene, with seated adjudicator and spectator with binoculars, surrounded by laurel wreath. The base has a cartouche which reads "INTER COLONIAL GRAND CHALLENGE SHIELD". This shield is also found in white metal and copper, this is a sterling silver version, with a full set of clear hallmarks. It is listed in Laidlaw (Commemorative Medals of South Africa, 1017), it was first produced by Mappin & Webb between 1902 and 1910. Ev...

A collection of ten American sterling silver souvenir spoons, 5 of which have decorated bowls and 6 of which have decorated stems, 2 decorated front and back, and 2 are gilded. As is usual for these American souvenir spoons, the details are lovely. The spoons include: 1. California, by Gorham, Golden Gate bowl, Eureka, Sutters Fort and California on front, State Capitol, Mission Dolores and Golden gate on back - a lovely spoon 2. Honolulu, maker R in wing, Surf Rider 3. Boulder Dam 4. Philadelphia, Hamilton & Diesinger, Founding Father 5. Hawaii, 1959, maker EJTC, 50TH State, Aloha Tower, Hawaii front, Admitted to the Union Aug 21 1959, The Aloha State rear 6. Washington, Abram French Co, Tip Top House 1852, Washington 7. Detroit, Mechanics Sterling, Detroit Harbour bowl 8. Detroit, Mechanics Sterling, Belle Isle Bridge bowl 9. Detroit, Mechanics Sterling, Water Works Park bowl 10. Chicago, Whiting, Ft Dearborn bowl.

A set of 12 Dutch silver cake forks, with a threaded border pattern, with the traditional thicker cake cutting tine. The forks are quite dainty, but still good quality, around 18 grammes each. All 12 forks are hallmarked with makers mark V.K. in horseshoe (or capital G), and the Dutch dagger used for small items of silver. Koninklijke Gerritsen & Van Kempen were based in the Dutch town of Zeist between 1924 and 1960, when they merged with Van Kempen & Begeer. Their head designer between 1934 and 1977 was Gustav Beran, a pupil of Josef Hoffman in Vienna (Art Nouveau & Art Deco Silver, Krekel-Aalberse, page 254).

A lovely Art Deco Norwegian silver spoon, made to commemorate the unveiling of the Mor Og Barn (Mother and Child) statue in Sandefjord. The spoon has an embossed copy of the statue, a naked mother holding her baby in front of her, standing on a plinth. The rounded bowl has a stunning embossed view of Sandefjord, the detail is exquisite, complete with boats in the harbour, church steeples, houses and trees, with "SANDEFJORD" underneath. The Art Deco look and feel of the spoon is completed with the 8 pillars at the top of the handle. The hallmarks include silver mark 830S (830 grade silver) and makers mark of a goblet in an oval punch for Thorvald Marthinsen of Tonsberg. The original bronze statue is by Norwegian sculptor Arne Durban (1912-1994), who was known for his naturalistic work, his work is featured in over 30 Norwegian towns. It was unveiled on 17 May 1950 (Norwegian Constitution Day), which celebrates Norway becoming an independent kingdom in 1814. This spoon has been described by the website www.spoo...

An interesting and practical silver double stamp case, with a twin stamp compartment that swivels into a rectangular case, for easy access and carrying. The case has an engraved linear design, and ring attachment for attachment to a Albert chain. The interior compartment swivels on a pin, has a pin and hole clasp to hold it shut, and a thumbpiece for easy opening, an ingenious design. The box is clearly hallmarked, but the makers mark J&W is worn. The box is also stamped "PAT APPd FOR 18816", which indicates the makers had applied for a patent to protect their design. One of the most practical stamp cases we have seen, we really like this box.

A pair of Art Deco silver serving spoons, made by the German firm of Lutz & Weiss in Pforzheim, circa 1930. The spoons have the classic Art Deco pyramid pattern design, repeated on both sides, and an unusual but very practical 4 sided bowl, with rounded edges and a pointed front. The hallmarks include 835S indicating silver of 835 purity, makers mark of intertwined LW in a shield, and a Dutch import mark used since 1906 (V in shaped shield with shaded background), indicating the spoons must have been imported into the Netherlands at some stage. Both sets of hallmarks are clear. Lutz & Weiss Silberwarenfabriek was founded in 1882.

A private die silver spoon featuring a King Protea, South Africa's national flower. The pattern is single struck, and contains a well modelled King Protea on the end of the spoon, the stem is decorated with a triple ribbed pattern with bands, ending in a diamond shape at the spoon bowl. We imagine this is a rare pattern, probably a special commission for a South African event or for a family with South African ties (all suggestions welcome). The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark R.C for William Comyns & Sons, a firm that dates back to 1856, and still exists today. They are an important firm, their archive contains over 30 thousand patterns (in the V&A), they made all the coronets for the Queen's coronation. The spoon also has an additional hallmark in a very strange place, at the back of the spoon where the stem joins the bowl, this mark is circular and contains 3 C's in a pattern, we have now established the 3 back to back C's is a trademark used exclusively by William Comyns & Sons (Culme, Direct...

A sterling silver caddy spoon, with the engraved armorial of the South African Mint (Suid-Afrikaanse Munt). The spoon is substantial, a pleasing weight and good quality. The armorial has the coat of arms of the Union of South Africa (1910-1961), with the symbols of the 4 provinces (Hope with Anchor for the Cape, 2 wildebeests for Natal, orange tree for Orange Free State, and wagon for Transvaal), with motto "Ex Unitate Vires", translated Union is Strength. This is surrounded by 2 wreaths with South African Mint in both English and Afrikaans (the 2 official languages at the time), a building which we think could be the SA Mint building, and strangely a small armorial which appears to be the old Transvaal Republic coat of arms. (explanations welcome!). This spoon is identical in shape and form to the caddy spoon produced by the Pretoria Royal mint between 1923 and 1941, (see examples on our website, S1362 and S 1652), when the Mint became the South African Mint, with the armorial replaced to reflect the change ...

An interesting Arts & Crafts silver 2 pronged fork, hallmarked by Harry Warmington of the Guild of Handicraft, run by the Hart's of Chipping Campden. The fork has 2 flat tines, with shaped ends replicating an earlier style, the handle has 2 bumps, similar to Scottish Fiddle pattern of the 18th century. The fork is hand hammered, as you would expect from this studio, with individual hammer marks visible, and is engraved with initial T (also done by hand). The fork has a pleasant feel, and would be very suitable for serving cold meats. Harry Warmington was "an integral member of the Guild of Handicraft workshop for some 50 years, he was one of the best silversmiths to have worked in Campden, he was also a fine engraver. Despite his abilities, he never applied to become a Freeman of the Goldsmith's Company",quote from the book "The Harts of Chipping Campden, pg 31. Harry was recruited by George Hart in 1912 from the local grammar school, he joined the infantry in 1914 on the outbreak of World War I, then the Roy...

A large silver lighthouse caster, retailed by James Robinson of Park Avenue, New York. The caster is the traditional lighthouse shape, a design that originated in the late 17th century. This is a replica of an earlier style, but extremely good quality and weight. It has attractive stylised cross and flower piercing, and scrolling cut card decoration on both the base and top (cut card decoration is an extra silver soldered plate, which adds weight and a pleasing decoration, a technique pioneered by the Huguenots circa 1700). The caster has the traditional bayonet locking mechanism, which securely holds the 2 pieces together. Both base and top have a gadrooned rim, which aids grip and also adds a nice decorative touch. The base is circular and spreading, which has preserved the hallmarks underneath. The caster also has a baluster finial, and a rib on the main body which also aids grip. In addition to the London hallmarks for 1959, the caster is stamped "James Robinson INC New York, Made in England". James Robin...

A sterling silver quaich, in the traditional form with engraved lug handles, sitting on a raised ring foot. The engraving on the handles is quite attractive, a repeated geometric pattern. This is a really solid and good quality quaich, most we see are much lighter (this is over 200 grammes), and in excellent condition. The hallmarks are clear, and include the Jubilee mark used in 1934 and 1935 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary, and the base is engraved "Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, 112 Regent St". Quaich's have Scottish origins, dating back to the 17th century when they were used as marriage cups (Price Guide to Antique Silver, Waldron, pg 351), they are also used for traditional whisky tasting and are also used as Christening presents. Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, is regarded as the spiritual home of the quaich, about half of known antique Scottish quaich's originated there (Fothringham, Small Inverness Quaichs, Antique Collector April 1973, pg 73). ...

A lovely set of 12 Art Deco Dutch silver knife rests, in excellent condition and a very pleasing weight. They are classic angular Art Deco design, quite pleasing on the eye. All 12 are hallmarked with makers mark V over half moon, and the Dutch silver single sword mark (1906-1953), used on small work. This is the makers mark of Zilverfabriek Voorschoten, a mark used by Koninklijke Van Kempen & Begeer, founded in 1764 and still in existence today. These knife rests would also be suitable for sushi chopsticks.

A Danish silver Skonvirke (Arts & Crafts) pastry or cake server, made by the respected Danish silversmith Evald Nielsen in 1925. The server is the No 4 pattern, which has organic flowing scrolls in relief, so quite pleasing to hold. The server is hand hammered, with the planish marks visible on the blade and the stem. The blade is nicely shaped, and has a raised lip which increases away from the pointed tip, so very practical to use. The server is 830 grade silver, as is usual for Danish silver. The well struck hallmarks include "Evald Nielsen" in an attractive script, with "No 4" indicating pattern, date letter "ANNO 1925", the letter "S" surrounded by dots in shaped punch for silver, and "830" in oval punch surrounded by dots for grade of silver. Evald Nielsen worked between 1905 and 1958 from Copenhagen, he designed all his own designs (as opposed to his contemporary Georg Jensen). He won numerous awards internationally, and his silver can be seen in numerous museums, including the Metropolitan in New York...