An Arts and Crafts sterling silver butter knife, made by the little known silversmith Denis Lacy-Hulbert. The knife has the traditionally shaped blade, for spreading, not cutting, and a flat rectangular stem which is planished (hand hammered, the blade is also planished), very similar in style to Puritan spoons. The hallmarks form part of the decoration, proudly struck on the front of the stems, evenly spaced, these are very clear, and include makers mark D L-H and the optional Silver Jubilee mark used in 1977 to celebrate 25 years on the throne for Queen Elizabeth II. Denis (Ben) Lacy-Hulbert (1911-2005) was Managing Director of a family steel tube/ cylinder manufacturing business, silversmithing was a hobby, very few items are recorded by him. Denis also made antique replica items in 18 carat gold, notably a strawberry dish and tumber cups. Denis Lacy-Hulbert registered his mark in 1953, but most surviving work appears to be between 1972 and 1983, he was based in Chesterfield, Darbyshire. The business Lac...
A lovely hand hammered Portuguese silver Arts and Crafts spoon, with a blue stone cabochon set in the handle, possibly turquoise. The spoon is a pleasing gauge, quite heavy, this is a good quality hand made spoon. The spoon has a rounded bowl with quite a long handle, so possibly a jam spoon or sauce ladle. The hallmarks include "Pedro A Batista", a very small Portuguese standard mark (eagle facing left above 925, in rectangular canted punch for Porto), and additional makers mark of crossed hammer and spanner.
Small Arts and Crafts basket, possibly Norwegian, with swing handle. The basket is spot hammered and has an attractive embossed 5 dome design. The base is stamped 830, and both the interior and the handle are hallmarked with a script V, the Dutch import mark (post 1906).
A handbeaten, three legged, Arts and Crafts sweet bowl, with leaf and paw feet. In addition to the hallmarks (which are clear) the bowl is stamped "Connell, 83 Cheapside". Connell's was a highly regarded firm which was situated at 83 Cheapside from 1845 until it went into voluntary liquidation in 1939, probably as a result of the outbreak of war. Connell's of Cheapside have been described as "pioneers of modern artistic silverware" (Pudney, Silver Society Journal 11), one of the few traditional London dealers that promoted the Arts and Crafts movement. Much of their silver was produced by WH Haseler, William Hutton & Sons and AE Jones.
4 piece tea service comprising teapot, hot water jug, creamer and sugar, by the well known craftsman A.E. Jones. They are beautifully made, with spot hammered bodies and cast disc feet. A simple design of an embossed band with roses is present, as is the engraved initial R. All pieces are fully hallmarked with clear hallmarks, including the lids and even the finial screwnut.