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.
An interesting set of 12 silver ice cream spoons, complete with matching larger ice cream serving spoon, of identical shape. The spoons have a circular flat bowl, with a raised lip on the right hand side to prevent ice cream sliding off. the spoons have a thread border, and pointed terminal, quite an attractive pattern. The back of each spoon is engraved with attractive interlocking initials BS (or SB?) in Gothic style, the B is shaded, the S is not. It is unusual to see initials on the back of spoons from this period, also the initials are 180 degrees from what is usually encountered (these face towards you), so designed to be read when laid on the table face down. The 12 smaller spoons each have 2 marks, the small sword used for small items (between 1906 and 1953) and makers mark V.K followed by a device. the large spoon is fully hallmarked with clear marks, these include makers mark V.K under crescent moon, lion passant over 2 for 833 grade silver, Minerva head duty mark with town letter on helmet (C for T...
A rare Iona silver letter opener, in the form of a sword, in the Celtic Arts and Crafts style, made by Alexander Ritchie of Iona. The letter opener is a substantial size and weight, a quality item, and is a pleasure to use. The sword is decorated with Celtic knotwork on the handle and blade. The hallmarks are very clear, "A.R." incuse makers mark, "IONA", and Glasgow hallmarks for 1929. Alex Ritchie's work was inspired by the ancient Celtic and Viking carvings on Iona. He is regarded as one of the most respected and sought after Scottish silver jewellers of the 20th century. (All information courtesy of Alexander Ritchie website, see link on our links page. An identical letter opener is shown on the website, http://www.alexander-ritchie.co.uk/other, it is described as "substantial, the design similar to one used on his much smaller sword brooches".)
An interesting and beautiful Border Rifles Kelso antique Gold Shooting Fob Medallion, awarded to Corporal J Bennie for "Do-Or-Die Champion Cross". The fob features crossed rifles on a heart shaped background, surrounded by an oval frame under a crown, the front is engraved "Border Rifles Kelso 1904", the back is engraved "Won By Corpl J. Bennie Do-Or-Die Champion Cross", The fob also has 3 round pellets to complete the decoration, and a suspension ring with link, which is also hallmarked for 9 carat gold. The hallmarks are clear, makers mark WHH, 9 and .375 nine carat gold standard marks, Birmingham anchor and date letter e for 1904. We believe this fob refers to the Kelso Company of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers Regiment, now part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. At the time this fob was awarded they had just returned from service in South Africa during the Boer war. Kelso is a Scottish border town in Roxburghshire, famous for Kelso Abbey. Sir Walter Scott attended school in Kelso, he described it as "...
A pair of Scottish Arts and Crafts silver napkin rings, with a wonderful planished (hand hammered) surface. The rings are a very pleasing quality and weight, and the condition is excellent. Both rings are clearly hallmarked with small hallmarks on the interior, one is 2003, the other 2006 but they match perfectly. The are also marked "STERLING 925". The rings are accompanied with original box marked "Eric N Smith Goldsmith Designer". Eric Smith was an award winning designer and Jeweller, based in Glasgow for over 50 years until his retirement in 2018. He also completed a project to restore the Glasgow hallmark in 2013, which had not been used since 1963.
A rare Sampson Mordan silver hatching chick spoon, it has previously been described as a baby feeding spoon, but could also be a castor sugar spoon. The hatching chick will be familiar to Sampson Mordan collectors, it is often seen as a pincushion. The detail and quality are excellent, the chick has open mouth and open eyes, and a gilded interior. The chick has an Albany pattern handle, which was a popular pattern at the turn of the 20th century (also called Queen Anne pattern by Francis Higgins). We believe this is a rare item, we have not seen it described before in the literature. We have noted another similar example that appeared on auction, this one had greenstone eyes, and was described as a baby feeding spoon - but given the gilded interior, it could have been designed for spreading castor sugar - all thoughts welcome. The spoon has clear SM&Co makers mark (this mark used between 1903-1914 by Mordan), and worn but legible hallmarks for Chester 1906 (date letter clear). The spoon also has a clear desig...
A magnificent 950 grade French silver coffee spoon in the Renaissance pattern, that carries the mark of one of France's greatest silversmiths - Cardeilhac. The spoon has a pierced trilobe finial, with a smiling cherub's head in the centre, surrounded by very ornate scrolls. the centre of the stem is decorated with a reverse baluster design, and the stem is rectangular, with 90 degree angles. The bowl is connected to the stem with an ornate rat-tail. Needless to say, the quality and feel of this spoon is fabulous, and it is made of the higher grade 950 silver (as opposed to Sterling which is 925). The Renaissance pattern honours the Renaissance period, and has been described as one of Cardeilhac's most prestigious models. It was created in the Nineteenth century in the Neo-Gothic style. The spoon has 2 hallmarks, both very clear - the first is the Cardeilhac makers mark (crowned medal of Honour cross above crescent, in shaped punch, with initials JC for Jacques Cardeilhac, who worked 1945-1951). The second i...
An interesting pair of Scottish sterling silver miniature triangular bowls, intended as salt cellars, reproductions from the Traprain Treasure. The bowls have a large beaded rim, and rest on a circular foot, these are miniatures of the set we have (S 1099). They are quite heavy and well made. The hallmarks are very clear, Scottish thistle, Edinburgh castle and date letter X for 1928, along with "Brook & Son, Edinburgh. The bowls also have an additional hallmark, stylised S in diamond punch, this mysterious S in diamond punch is also present on other Traprain treasure reproductions, so we assume it was used by Brook on the Traprain reproductions. Brook and Son were the leading Scottish silversmiths in the early 20th century, they operated between 1891 and 1939 from 87 George Street, they had a Royal Warrant from King George V (Hamilton and Inches today). The bowls are reproductions of a Roman bowl that was part of the Traprain Law treasure hoard, which was discovered by George Pringle at Traprain Law, East Lot...
A Royal Navy Gold Officers Sweetheart brooch, with gold pin and clasp in full working order. The cast badge has the Royal Navy fouled anchor under Crown, surrounded by laurel wreath, the badge has good detail. No hallmarks are present, but we are certain the pin is solid gold (we assume 9 carat).
A beautiful pair of miniature antique silver pastry servers, perfectly preserved in their original box. The servers are in the Kings Husk pattern, single struck, this is a variant of the Kings pattern without the central honeysuckle decoration, and a husk shell. Both servers are a similar size and shape, one had a flat spade shape blade and the other has a serrated prong front, so quite versatile. The hallmarks on both are very clear. The box reads "By Appointment to his Excellency The Governor of Cape Colony, Morris Bros, Jewellers & Silversmiths, Kimberley & Johannesburg". We have not been able to trace any information about Morris Brothers, all assistance welcome. Note - We have now traced a 1905 advert for John Round & Son, they claim to be "The largest spoon and fork makers in the world".
A beautiful pair of Salters Company silver spoons, with the Salters Company coat of arms, and motto "Sal Sapit Omnia" (salt flavours all) on a banner wrapped around the stem. The bowls have a traditional shell design, these are very attractive spoons. The back of the armorial is embossed with the date "May 12 1853", which commemorates the date the Salters Company acquired ownership of it's Irish estates. The spoons are very good quality, are a good weight, and are perfectly preserved in their original box. The box reads "Carrington & Co. To his Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Alexandra, 130 Regent St W". Carrington & Co was established in 1873 by John Bodman Carrington, it still trades today. They were a very prestigious firm when these spoons were made, they had Royal warrants from Queen Victoria, Kings Edward VII and George V, as well as Czar Nicholas of Russia. The Salters Company is one of the 12 great livery companies of London, ranked 9th in order of precedence. Their origins were in the salt tr...
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...
An interesting antique silver and enamel vesta case, with a black and yellow enamel maritime flag, engraved SALLY 1907, we assume Sally was a yacht. The back is engraved "Presented by Dr. Lauder to W.H.J. Hirst", the engaving is well done and still very clearly legible, with no wear. The vesta is the traditional rectangular shape, with striker on the base, and has a suspension ring for attachment to a fob chain. The interior still has some gilding visible, and the hinged lid works perfectly. The vesta is clearly hallmarked for Robert Chandler, Birmingham 1906, the lid is also clearly hallmarked. Robert Chandler (1902-1924) appears to have specialised in silver enamel vesta cases.
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 pair of antique silver serving spoons, with beautiful pierced and engraved handles, in pristine condition. The detail of the piercing is excellent, an architectural feature surrounded by foliage. The spoons are a useful size, ideal for serving. The spoons appear to have never been used, such a pity for such beautiful items. The hallmarks on both spoons are clear, and include makers mark for the Sheffield firm of Hawksworth & Eyre, who worked between 1841 and 1932, when they were taken over by Ellis of Barker Brothers. Charles Hawksworth and John Eyre exhibited a wide variety of goods at the Great Exhibition of 1851, they had showrooms in London Fleet Street and Montreal, Canada. (Culme, Directory of Gold & Silversmiths, page 222).
A set of six Art Deco sterling silver grapefruit spoons, in perfect condition. The spoons have fluted bowls, with strong tips for digging into grapefruit, the bowls are also gilded. The finials are pierced, the design looks like a stylised Fleur-De-Lys, reminds us of a Gothic arch. All 6 spoons have clear hallmarks.