A matching set of crested Georgian silver flatware, including 12 tablespoons, 2 sauce ladles, 2 saltspoons and butterknife, all of very good gauge and quality. The pattern is Fiddle and Thread, and all pieces have an interesting double crest, indicating a marriage between 2 noble families. The first crest is of a head and shoulders of a bearded man with unruly hair, the second a raised fist holding a halbeard. The saltspoons have gilded bowls to prevent corrosion. The butterknife is a later addition to the set (made in 1895), and only has the bearded man crest. The makers mark on the butterknife has been removed, possibly to allow the retailer to overstamp. Chawner was a prolific spoonmaker, he ran a large workshop of journeymen, whose individual marks can be seen on the spoons (devices include stars, bars, circles and triangles).

An unusual Russian silver kvass jug in Trompe L'Oeil style ("deceive the eye"), which is a type of chased decoration designed to imitate a surface or texture, to create a 3D impression. The jug is typically Russian in style, and the texturing imitates rush work or raffia (woven birch wood strips). The detail is amongst the best we have seen, the silversmith was definitely a true artist. The interior of the jug is gilded, and the hallmarks on the base are clear, although part of the makers mark is worn. The handle also has the St Petersburg hallmark. The assay master is Aleksandr Frans Fan der Flit (or van der Vliet), who worked in St Petersburg 1882 to 1894, his Cyrillic initials are AF, source www.925-1000.com. This assay master is described as unknown by Watts (Russian Silversmiths Hallmarks 1700-1917, Geoffrey Watts, pg 73). We are not experts on cyrillic makers marks, so are not certain we have correctly identified the maker - all opinions welcome. Kvass is a traditional Russian and Ukrainian fermented b...

Beautiful 17th century memorial (memento mori) matching spoon and fork set in outstanding condition, we feel they deserve to be in a museum. Both have cast triangular handles with an unusual finial, which appears to be a naked woman with a serpents head. The fork has 3 prongs, and the spoon has a crude short rattail. Both are engraved " SARA LEWES Obyt 7 Juny 1672". This set is illustrated and described on page 90-91 of the book "Cape Silver" by Stephan Welz, 1976. Welz describes them as possibly Cape, but we feel they are more likely to be Dutch. A very similar spoon is depicted on page 142 of "Dutch Silver" by M.H. Guns, the spoon has an almost identical bowl and shaft. No hallmarks are present. Note: - The curator of the Silver Dept, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, has now described this set as Auricular form, typical of Netherlands in the second half of the 17 th century. His opinion is that it is probably colonial, as known Dutch examples have hallmarks. Note 1 - This set has now been featured in an excellent a...

An interesting silver gilt Georgian vinaigrette, in the shape of a purse or handbag, the body decorated with chased 3 leaf device, which has been described as a trefoil design in the literature. The shape is lovely, very pleasing to hold, and with the texture has good grip. The quality is excellent, certainly made by a master craftsman. The base has a leaf design around oval eye. The lid is also beautifully decorated, a central flower on finely engraved cross-hatch surrounded by pattern border, and the side of the lid has a fruiting vine border, very delicately chased. The vinaigrette has 2 eyelets which holds the original chain, each chain link is also decorated with a bar pattern. The pierced grille has a foliate design, also engraved, both hinges are perfect. The interior gilding is also perfect. The vinaigrette has clear hallmarks, the lid has Georgian duty mark, very clear makers mark L&Co which is struck upside-down, and lion passant. The base has anchor town mark, partially worn makers mark and a very ...

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...

A limited edition (no. 12 of 100) silver gilt Commemorative Coronation or Sovereign's orb, made to celebrate the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981, commissioned for a Royal Family event, and made by leading silversmith Christopher Lawrence. The textured gilt orb is surmounted by the cross, and the orb is decorated with the armorials of Charles and Diana, the orb rests on a baluster support mounted on a polished green marble base, with felt base. The orb opens in half on 2 hinges to reveal back to back ovals on blue and red backgrounds with their family crests, beneath letters C and D, surrounded by cast gilt roses and silver leaves. The cross rises and falls slightly to open and close the globes. The interior circular frame is clearly hallmarked, and the interior of one globe is stamped "12/100". Christopher Lawrence is one of the 50 leading silversmiths in the book "Designer British Silver 1930-1985" by Andrew and Styles, in fact his work is featured on the main cover of the book (Reed Warbler Candelabra)...

A rare Cape Silver lemoen lepel (orange spoon) and matching konfyt fork (preserve), we have not encountered a matching set before, none are recorded in the Cape silver reference books. The spoon is the traditional elegant lemoen lepel shape, with narrow, pointed boat shaped bowl, v shaped drop, and triangular terminal. The matching fork has 4 tines, both feature traditional Cape prick engraving with a 4 petalled flower. Both are clearly hallmarked with makers mark IC in rectangular punch with canted corners for Johannes Combrink, and also are punched with initials IFS, we assume the original owner. Welz describes orange spoons as"probably the most attractive type of spoon made at the Cape, derived from Dutch spoons", pg 95. He also notes that all known examples are by Cape born silversmiths of the early 19th century (so not made by the more prolific English immigrants who arrived after 1815). Heller, in his book History of Cape Silver, describes orange spoons as "exquisite". Johannes Combrink of the famous Co...

A lovely sterling silver and enamel cigarette case, with an oval enamel plaque depicting racing dogs (we assume greyhounds). The picture has 3 dogs, white, black and brown, with leather muzzles and a red bib. The case is excellent quality, and a pleasing weight, quite heavy in the hand, the interior is gilded. The hallmarks are clear on both lid and base.

An interesting antique silver trophy, the Douglas Trophy, made by the highly regarded firm of Mappin & Webb, presented for Light Weight Hill Climbing. The trophy has an applied medallion of an antique Douglas motorcycle with rider in flat cap, this medallion has a registration number (526485), so the design was protected. The trophy lid features a cast finial, a wheel with 2 feathered wings, very similar to the Bicycle playing cards emblem, this is attached with a silver nut (both finial and nut are hallmarked as well). The trophy has 2 attractive handles, and is engraved "Douglas Trophy, Presented by the Agents, Light Weight Hill Climbing CPT, won by J. van Reenen 25.7.14, F.A.R. Zurcher 5.4.19 and again 28.2.20". As can be seen, the race was interrupted by the Great War of 1914-1918. The trophy is clearly hallmarked (Mappin & Webb, Sheffield 1913), the lid, finial and nut are also hallmarked. Fritz Zurcher was an interesting character, he won the DJ Run in 1920 (the Durban to Johannesburg motorcycle race,...

Rare matching set of Cape Tableforks, in the Fiddle pattern, of good weight, and robust enough to be used. All 12 forks have very clear Pseudo English hallmarks and makers mark. The forks all have 2 sets of initials, but these are worn. These forks match the 6 Dessert spoons (item S1194), having the same maker and initials. Waldek, who produced silver from 1830 - 1877, took over Lawrence Twentyman's shop on Heerengracht street when Twentyman left the Cape.

An interesting and rare set of 11 York Georgian silver Old English pattern tableforks, by the York makers Hampston & Prince, with a matching London tablefork. All 12 forks have the same engraved monogram HWT which is original. The forks consist of 4 dated 1789 (date letter C), 4 dated 1793 (date letter g), 3 dated 1794 (date letter h), and the London example dated 1809 by Robert Rutland, a spoonmaker. The forks have lovely balance and shape, very elegant, with long tines and a strong turn-ups at the end of the forks. The London fork matches well but has shorter tines, possibly from wear, what is interesting is that the 11 York forks are noticeably better quality (and weight) than the London example, which has an old repair on one tine (this goes against conventional wisdom that London made flatware is better quality than provincial - we feel this proves the opposite). The hallmarks are excellent, and demonstrate that many different punches were in operation at the York office at the same time, and that stand...

An Austrian silver cigarette case, with an interesting commemorative double sided medallion by Lauer of Nuremberg, celebrating a 400 year jubilee (1488-1888), set in the lid. The case is ribbed, and has a gilded interior, and gold thumb piece. The case is fabulous quality, very heavy and beautifully made, the hinge is almost invisible, clearly the work of a master craftsman. The medallion is double sided, it was struck to commemorate Kaiser Frederick III, King of Prussia and German Emperor, who came to the throne in 1888, who is on the back of the medallion, in full armour wearing a crown. Unfortunately he died 99 days later of throat cancer, so it was a short reign. He was a liberal and was married to Princess Victoria, eldest daughter of Queen Victoria, historians have speculated that had he remained on the throne longer the Great War might never had happened.The front of the medallion depicts the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III (same name) Archduke of Austria and King of Germany, in crown and armour, with...

A Georgian silver loving cup which has been used as a horse racing trophy, the cup has a beautiful engraved race horse with jockey in full flight. The loving cup is the plain standard design, with a banded girdle, sitting on a banded spreading foot, with 2 scroll handles with thumb piece for easy grip, and heart shaped ends to the base of the hollow handles. The engraving is superb, and still in crisp condition, the detail of the jockey and horse racing between two posts is very pleasing. The cup is in very good condition, and has no engraving besides the horse. The Georgian hallmarks for London 1808 are clear, the makers mark WB in rectangular punch has partial wear to the W, but still legible. William Bennett worked between 1796 and 1825, he specialized in trays and salvers, but made numerous other items of hollowware as well. His mark is often confused with William Bateman, but as Bateman only entered his mark in 1815 we can be certain this cup was made by Bennett.

A Military Victorian silver presentation snuff box, with an erotic engraving of an amorous couple hidden away from view on the base. This is a pleasing quality, substantial in size and weight, more of a table snuff box intended for a desk than the portable versions intended for a pocket. The box is rectangular, with raised lid and base, and is casket shaped with engine turned sides. It also has applied cast foliate rims (base, lid and around the presentation panel), these have exquisite detail, overall a very attractive box. The engraved inscription reads "PRESENTED TO GEORGE BOYD ESQr. by the 20th R.R.V. 1863", and is supported by scrolls (note engraving is 18 years later than box was made). The base is engraved with a erotic scene, very finely engraved with loads of detail, this is protected by the base rim, so perfectly preserved. The interior is gilded with a beautiful lemon gold original gilding, it does not appear this box has seen much use. The hallmarks on both lid and base are very clear, maker mark ...

A Cape silver beaker, in the shape of half a wine barrel, with a Dutch silver Ducaton Silver Rider dated 1769 set in the base. The beaker has realistically modelled barrel staves, complete with arrow shaped ends with nail heads, and is later engraved with owners initials "JvR" on one side and the date "5th March 1865" on the other side. The barrel also has engraved half circle on rim, to show where 2 halves should be joined. No hallmarks are present. The Dutch silver rider Ducaton coin is a crown sized coin (32.8 grammes of .94 silver), the obverse features a mounted knight on horseback, above a crowned shield, (City of Utrecht) with the motto "MO: NO: ARG: CON: POE: BELG: PRO: TRAI:", translated "Coin of government of the federation of Belgium, Utrecht". The reverse has the crowned arms of Zeeland with supporters, with date 1769 in cartouche below, with motto "CONCORDIA RES PARVAE CRESCUNT", translated "Concordance makes small things grow". The coin itself is in good condition, the base is protected by a rim...

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 lovely 18th century Dutch silver miniature teapot, with an interesting inverted pear shape, scrolling handle, S shaped spout and baluster finial. The foot is banded, the base is concave so the hallmarks have been perfectly preserved. It is quite heavy and well made, a pleasure to hold. The hallmarks include makers mark of a hunting horn in a heart, under a crown, for Johannes van Geffen (1766-1798), grandson of Arnoldus van Geffen. The makers mark overstrikes the date letter, but sufficient can be seen to determine it is Y for 1783, given the shape it could not be any other date letter. The Amsterdam town mark is clearly visible. The van Geffens were one of the 3 great families of Dutch miniature silver makers (Houart, Miniature Silver Toys).

An interesting Cape silver snuff box, an unusual convex shape which gives it a lovely feel in the hand and pocket. The box has a part hinged lid, as is usual with this form, with just a slight overlap creating the thumbpiece. The decoration is typically Cape, a 8 petalled flower with wrigglework border, which is extremely well preserved due to the shape of the lid. The box also has original owners engraved initials AWJP, also with wrigglework border. The hinge is also decorated with cross hatch engraving. The original gilt interior is a lemon yellow colour, and the IC makers mark struck in the lid is very clear and distinct ( Welz mark 32). Convex shaped snuff boxes, given the more challenging construction in relation to the rectangular boxes, are rare in the Cape, this demonstrates that Combrink was a master craftsman.

A magnificent set of early Victorian Elkington silver plate wine coasters, with an attractive cast grape vine design with lovely detail. The coasters have turned wooden bases, with a vacant central silverplate boss. The wooden bases are covered in green felt. Both coasters carry a full set of marks, including makers mark "EP&Co in shield under crown", "E", "M", "&Co", being the makers mark used by Elkington, Mason & Co between 1842 and 1864. Josiah Mason invested in the Elkington firm in 1842, hence the addition of his name to the company name. The makers mark is followed by the date letter "T in lozenge" for 1858. The coasters are also stamped "Elkington & Co" and "R1126", a pattern registration number. Elkington & Co are one of the most important names in English silver. The firm was founded in 1836, in 1838 they patented a new way to electroplate, and in 1851 they exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 (Crystal Palace in Hyde Park) with great success (www.ascasonline.org). The company held Royal warra...

A late 17th century Augsburg silver brandy bowl, with a beautiful embossed scene in high relief. The bowl is the traditional shape, a scalloped oval dish with 2 scroll handles, with the base and sides embossed in great detail. The base features a basket of fruit, flowers and nuts in abundance, under 2 flying doves holding a laurel wreath, below rays (we assume to signify God looking down on a bountiful harvest). The sides are embossed with scrolls, the sides are also gilded, with quite a bit or original gilding still present, the base has no gilding. The bowl is clearly hallmarked with the Augsburg town mark of a pyr (pinecone), not a pineapple as sometimes described. The bowl is also hallmarked with an indistinct makers mark, we think PL (all assistance welcome), and a well defined assay scrape (zigzag).