Two interesting early 20th century American sterling silver hand forged Arts & Crafts silver spoons, by 2 of the leading silversmiths of the period. The first is by Old Newbury Crafters (ONC), in the panel antique pattern, with long narrow handle, fiddle handle and teardrop shaped bowl, with a pronounced rim around the back edge of the bowl. It is hallmarked "STERLING ONC", clearly struck, this mark was used before 1955. Hammer marks can be seen on the back of the bowl. The second is by Stone Sterling, founded in 1901 by Arthur J Stone, the "Dean of American Silversmiths". This spoon is slightly larger, it has an almost heart shaped bowl, and long elegant handle with pointed terminal. It is hallmarked with the STONE hammer mark, STERLING, and letter E, which denotes it was made by one of Stone's assistants, George C Erickson, between 1915 and 1932. Old Newbury Crafters was established in 1915, and still operating today, with 2 silversmiths, using traditional hand forging. The Boston Globe wrote "Paul Revere w...
A classic Kupittaan Kulta Sterling silver and moss agate ring, designed by Elis Kauppi of Turku, Finland. The ring is beautifully designed, it features 2 segments, with a stunning etched texture on both sides, around a central semi precious stone ball (we believe moss agate), orange and white in colour with black strands, with 4 sterling silver balls on the end of each segment. The ring itself is plain, adjustable for sizing, it is clearly hallmarked with Kupittaan Kulta makers mark and 925S sterling guarantee. The ring resembles an opening seed pod to us, one of the more innovative of the Kauppi designs. Elis Kauppi (1921 - 2004) established Kupittaan Kulta in Turku, Finland, in 1945 at the end of the Second World War, at age 24. His use of local semi-precious stones and innovative design resulted in increased attention, and by 1958 he was an award winning regular exhibitor at international shows. Today he is remembered as a foremost figure in modernist jewellery, who put Finnish design on the world stage. W...
A Liberty Cymric nail vanity set, complete with buff, tweezers, file, scissors, knife and shaper, all steel manicure tools with silver handles set with turquoise cabochons on each side (10 in total). Each piece is fully hallmarked with "L & Co" makers mark, townmark, date letter and sterling mark, but none have the "cymric" stamp, as they were probably too small. Handbeaten silver set with turquoise cabochons is classic Arts and Crafts, probably designed by Archibald Knox, who designed for Liberty until 1912. The scissors do not have cabochons, but are a lovely shape (unfortunately one steel tip is broken off). The nail buff has its original leather base, which is worn but still intact. This set matches item S 1361.
A set of 6 Georg Jensen sterling silver Cypress pattern fruit spoons with triangular bowls, these would be called grapefruit spoons by the English. This is a fabulous set of grapefruit spoons, stunning design and very practical for use, strong bowl tips. This is a vintage set dating from 1960, all 6 pieces are fully hallmarked. The hallmarks include "GEORG JENSEN" in oval dots, above "STERLING DENMARK". All 6 pieces also carry London import marks, sponsors mark G.JLd for Georg Jensen (their London branch), oval U import mark, .925 sterling mark and date letters e and f for 1960 and 1961. The Cypress (or Cypres) pattern is #99 in the Jensen catalog, it was designed by Tias Eckhoff in 1954. The Cypress pattern won the design competition held for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Georg Jensen company (Georg Jensen, A tradition of Splendid Siulver, page 282). Tias Eckhoff, a Norwegian, has been described as one of Norway's most versatile designers. Note: - We also have a Jensen Cypress pattern flatware...
A rare Sampson Mordan sterling silver thermometer case, made to be attached to a chatelaine. The case is tubular, the sliding lid also attached to the chain so it can never be lost. This is a quality item, extremely well made. The original chain is connected to the lid and body with 6 silver eyes, it also has suspension link for attachment to chatelaine. The body is plain apart from incised circles, the base and lid have a raised circular end. The base of the tube is stamped with number 13. The tube is clearly hallmarked with Chester marks for 1910, alongside worn but legible makers mark, all underneath a clear "S. MORDAN & Co". The lid is not hallmarked. The thermometer (which is not working) is marked "SM Made in China" with centigrade symbol, we assume it is not original, but are not sure if the SM could be Sampson Mordan?
A Patrick Mavros silver sculpture of a lion on a black hardwood base, medium in size. The lion is realistically modelled, roaring with raised paw, standing on black hardwood base. The base has a silver PM button trademark, the lion is also fully hallmarked with PM makers mark and the Zimbabwe sable in triangle standard mark. Patrick Mavros (www.patrickmavros.com) 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 model is an early Mavros model, and is no longer in production.
A Liberty & Co Arts and Crafts sterling silver milk (or cream) jug, with a planished (hand hammered) squat circular body, with a high pouring lip. The jug is decorated with embossed celtic style buttons (4) and matching border, with a little heart shaped design. The jug sits on 3 button feet, and has a plain handle. The jug is clearly hallmarked with Liberty's distinctive L&Co in diamond shaped punch mark, along with Birmingham hallmarks for 1928. The jug also has a design number, 50014, perhaps some-one with access to the Liberty archives will be able to do further research. Arthur Liberty used his shop to showcase the work of leading designers, including Archibald Knox, Rex Silver, Bernard Cuzner and Jessie King (Liberty's, Biography of a Shop, A Adburgham, 1975, pg 81). It is possible this jug was designed by one of these designers. The Liberty store founded in 1875, and still thrives today. Their current Tudor Revival building on Great Marlborough Street was completed in 1924, using the timbers of 2 wars...
A lovely 9 carat gold HMS Conway rowing medallion, awarded to L.H. Barradell, rowing at position 5 (we assume of 8). The medallion is beautifully cast, with a very realistically modelled ship. The medallion is perfectly preserved in its original box, marked "Old Fields Limited, Post Office Place, Church St, Liverpool". The hallmarks are very clear and include "9" and "375" indicating 9 carat gold. HMS Conway was a 19th century wooden battleship, used as a Naval Training School for cadets. It was stationed on the Mersey in Liverpool, which accounts for the origin of the medallion. It operated between 1859 and 1953. The motto was "Quit Ye Like Men Be Strong". L.H. Barradell rose to the rank of Commander, he completed his career in Kenya. He was awarded the Legion of Honour (Crois de Chevalier) by the President of the French Republic in recognition of his services during the war, during the battle of Jutland, when he was a Lt RNR (Lieutenant Royal Naval Reserve) (www.hmsconway.org web site). We have now...
A lovely antique silver and enamel vesta case, with a circular dog enamel, we guess a border collie (assistance welcome, thanks!). The vesta is quite small, rectangular in shape, and is engraved with scrolling foliage, it also has a silver suspension ring, which is also hallmarked. The hallmarks are small but clear, in the usual position on the rim of the vesta case.
A rare set of Georg Jensen Beaded pattern ice cream (or sorbet) spoons (6), made in very limited quantities. The spoons are small teaspoon size, and have flat oval bowls for eating ice cream, the bowls are planished (hand beaten marks, hand forged). 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 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 silver standing salt made to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII in 1902 by Elkington, who are known for their fine replicas of earlier styles. The quality is superb, and it is a very good weight. The salt is an exact replica of a salt made in 1626, engraved "This Salt is the Gifte of John Waterworth 1626". It has the crest of the "Worshipful Company of Innholders", with St Julien's Cross sable and chevron between three oatsheaves. The company, which still exists today, was created in 1514, and is no. 32 in order of precedence of the 107 London companies. The Company of Innholders has the original Waterworth salts (a pair), we assume the replica was commissioned by them in 1901. The originals are described in an article entitled "The Old English Silver of the Innholders Company, London" by Arthur Butler, in "The Connoisseur Illustrated Vol 1, pg 236, Sept - Dec 1901." Butler describes them as "of very massive silver, the well turned moulding and sensible proportions amply compensate for th...
A Liberty & Co Arts and Crafts sterling silver sugar bowl, with a planished (hand hammered) squat circular body. The jug is decorated with embossed celtic style buttons (8) and matching border, with a little heart shaped design. The bowl sits on 4 button feet, and has plain handles. The bowl is clearly hallmarked with Liberty's distinctive L&Co in diamond shaped punch mark, along with Birmingham hallmarks for 1928. The bowl also has a design number, 50014, perhaps some-one with access to the Liberty archives will be able to do further research. Arthur Liberty used his shop to showcase the work of leading designers, including Archibald Knox, Rex Silver, Bernard Cuzner and Jessie King (Liberty's, Biography of a Shop, A Adburgham, 1975, pg 81). It is possible this bowl was designed by one of these designers. The Liberty store founded in 1875, and still thrives today. Their current Tudor Revival building on Great Marlborough Street was completed in 1924, using the timbers of 2 warships. Note- we have a matching ...
An exceptionally large Danish silver serving spoon, in the Old Danish pattern (Dobbelt riflet), wih matching large bowl. The spoon is double struck (pattern on both sides), the pattern has a reeded edge, and the handle is fluted. The weight and quality is very pleasing, heavier and with a larger bowl than other examples we have seen. This type of extremely large serving spoon is unique to Denmark, very suitable for serving a generous portion. The hallmarks include the Danish 3 towers mark with date letter 36 for 1936, assay masters mark JS for Johannes Siggaard (who worked between 1932 and 1960), and makers mark HS in script for Horsens Solvvarefabriek which was established in 1904. We have sold a similar spoon S1293, and have a similar example S 11024.
An Arts and Crafts silver sugar bowl with fitted lid, the lid has a foot and can also be used as a dish. It is a copy of an early Georgian design, circa 1735 (Miller's Silver and Plate Buyers Guide, pg 27). This is a lovely bowl, hand hammered in typical arts and crafts fashion leaving a planished finish, it is also very good quality and a pleasing weight. This would make an ideal Christening present. The Chester hallmarks are clear, the lid is also hallmarked.
Swedish Art Nouveau bowl with superb bearded iris design repeated on 4 sides of the bowl, by a well known Swedish maker. The lip of the bowl is wavy, in keeping with the style. Hallmarks are clear, being CG HALLBERG, triple crown Swedish national mark, St Erik's head for Stockholm, and Y6 datestamp for 1901. (Note: please forgive our previous incorrect attribution of this bowl to Copenhagen).
An antique 9 carat gold and enamel burgee flag brooch or pin, for the Royal Yacht Squadron. The brooch is fabulous quality and in excellent condition, the flag has waves in it so it appears to be fluttering. The gold base and pin shows details of the rope, and the enamel flag has 4 colours - red cross on white background with gold crown with black detail. The brooch is fully hallmarked with makers mark JWB, crown 375 nine carat gold marks, Birmingham anchor and date letter k for 1909. "The Royal Yacht Squadron is one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the world. Its clubhouse is Cowes Castle on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom. Member yachts are given the Suffix RYS to their names, and permitted to wear the White Ensign of the Royal Navy rather than the merchant Red Ensign worn by the majority of other UK registered vessels. The club's patron is Queen Elizabeth II and the club's admiral is Prince Philip who is also a former club commodore." (source wikipedia). The club was founded in 1815, an early...
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). ...
An antique sterling silver shoe, we hesitate to call it miniature as it is almost real size, perhaps a child's size, we assume originally intended as a sugar bowl. It is in the traditional form as silver miniature shoes, a replica of a 16th century court shoe, profusely decorated with flowers, leaves and scrolls, with a bow on the front, and shaped heel at the back. it has been well preserved in its original box (silk and velvet, a good quality box), the box reads "Cutler Jeweller Jersey". The shoe is clearly hallmarked, the hallmarks hidden in the decoration but clearly legible, the base of the heel is also hallmarked. JF Cutler was a prestigious Jeweller who operated from 2 Queen's Street (still a jeweller today trading as Goldsmiths), he is known to have been there between 1900 and 1920.
A silver and enamel vesta case, with a circular enamel plaque depicting a smokers pipe and the words "Just one more". The case is rectangular, the interior and strike are gilded, so lovely quality inside. The vesta also has a suspension ring. The hallmarks are clear, the initials LA are engraved next to the hallmarks, we suspect an owners mark rather than makers mark.
A set of 4 cast silver and enamel wine labels, for Whisky, Brandy, Sherry and Gin. The labels are rectangular, with an attractive deeply chased scrolling border, the enamel is a deep Royal blue. These are cast, heavy labels, the quality is excellent, the original chains also have heavy links and are great quality. All 4 labels have clear hallmarks, they also have "Made in England" stamps. Turner and Simpson worked between 1912 and 1979 in the heart of the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, they were a large firm but still employed traditional methods. A fascinating series of 27 photographs by Janine Wiedel of the Turner & Simpson workers can be viewed at the following link, http://wiedel.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Jewellery-Quarter-Birmingham-UK-1970s.