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 Dutch antique silver miniature 6 light chandelier, (kaarsenkroon in Dutch) in the traditional form, with a globe under the candlestick holders intended to reflect the light of the candles. The globe holds six scrolling arms, with applied decorative loops, the sconces with 4 petals. The connecting hook has 3 segments, also with ball decoration, the bottom one fixed and the 2 upper segments have chain links. All 3 pieces of the connecting chain are hallmarked with the Dutch dagger, the chandelier itself is apparently unmarked. The Dutch dagger was used between 1814 and 1905, and indicates a minimum of 833 grade silver. Chandeliers of this form date back to the 17th century, they were also produced as Dutch silver miniatures in the 18th century (see similar example by Arnoldus van Geffen, "Tall and Small Antique Dutch Silver Miniatures, Aardewerk, page 48). Two other examples are depicted in the book "Nederlandse Zilveren Miniaturen, 17de en 18de Eeuw, John Endlich, page 49. They were also reproduced in the 19...

An antique silver cigarette case, presented to Captain and Adjutant W.P.E. Newbigging of the 1st Manchester Regiment in 1894. The case is rectangular, with a gilded interior, with a very good quality spring loaded clasp, which is still in perfect working order. The case is engraved "W.P.E. Newbigging, 1st Manchester Regiment" on the exterior, and is also engraved in script on the interior "Biggins, from T.T., 1894", we assume Biggins was his nickname. The hallmarks are very clear on both lid and base. Zimmermans (Arthur & John) worked from 1889 until their liquidation in 1929. William Patrick Eric Newbigging was an interesting character, born in Bengal, India in 1871, son of Lt. Colonel William Newbigging of the Manchester Regiment, so he followed his father's footsteps. He co-authored a book entitled "Rough Diary of the Doings of the 1st Battn. Manchester Regt. During the South African War 1899-1902", with Major Marden. He was severely wounded at Elandslaagte, leading the charge of the Manchesters, for whi...

A cast silver reproduction of the Lady in Crinoline caddy spoon, originally made by John Figg in 1844. The spoon depicts a lady in a crinoline dress carrying a parasol, the bowl is a matt chased rocaille shell. Being cast, this is an extremely heavy caddy spoon at 42 grammes, it is superb quality. The original is a highly important and extremely rare caddy spoon, it is depicted in John Norie's Caddy spoon book (plate 10) and also in the book "Investing in Silver" by Eric Delieb, pg 31, where it is pictured and described as "the superb little lady in the crinoline of the chinoiserie revival period". A similar spoon was part of the John Norie collection of caddy spoons, sold as lot 99, part 1 (Woolley & Wallis, April 2004). The hallmarks are clear. Note - The Society of Caddy Spoon Collectors (http://www.caddyspoonsociety.org) has just published a very interesting article about this caddy spoon in it's October 2020 bulletin, entitled "Lady in a Crinoline". It states that in "1967 a rogue silversmith chanced his...

A Cape silver basting (or serving) spoon in the Fiddle pattern, by Willem Godfried Lotter, one of the members of the famous Lotter family of Cape silversmiths. The spoon is engraved with initials CIT in fancy script, this is original. This is a good solid spoon, very suitable for use, the bowl is a good gauge and the tip is excellent. The hallmarks are clear, and consist of makers mark WGL between 2 diamond devices (actually square with a cross in the middle), mark 89 in Cape Silver by Stephan Welz. Willem Lotter worked between 1810 and 1835, his work is represented in the Paarl musuem. David Heller (History of Cape Silver) regarded Lotter as one of the top Cape silversmiths.

A set of 6 silver Art Deco grapefruit spoons, made in Sheffield in 1939, just before the start of the war. The spoons are classic Art Deco, with flared terminals, with shaped 5 sided bowls, with a strong curved tip for digging into a grapefruit. The spoons are a good weight and quality, perfect for everyday use. The hallmarks on a 6 spoons are very clear, the spoons also have a registration mark, RD 835635, which protected the design, and are also stamped "Made in England".

Delightful grape scissors with a fox amongst grapes and vines, definitely the nicest grape scissors we have ever seen. The handles are cast, with the design repeated on both sides. Both arms are clearly hallmarked. The shears are all silver, with no steel inserts. These scissors are still in their original box. James Edward Hutton joined his father's firm (William Hutton & Sons) in 1880. The firm supplied many leading retailers, including the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co, Mappin and Webb, and Neill Ltd of Ireland.

A very worn late 17th century Lace Back Trefid spoon, of interest as is has some very rare features, so despite the poor condition of the spoon we have added it to our website. The spoon has a rounded terminal with no ears, sometimes called a spatula end, this is a feature of early Scottish trefid spoons, hence our tentative description as Scottish. The spoon has a reeded rat tail, the lace decoration on the front of the terminal is worn but distinct, the lace decoration on the back of the bowl is very worn, almost gone on one side of the bowl, with some features faintly visible on the other side. The spoon is engraved on the back with owners initials TK surrounded by arrows, this engraving is lovely. The front has another very faint set of scratched initials CS, also with arrow, only visible in strong light. The spoon has 3 partially struck or worn hallmarks, the first a crown above (leopard head?), the second possibly a date letter (C?), the third is just a squiggle. The book "Silver Spoons of Britain 1200...

An interesting pair of Cape silver tablespoons, engraved with an original family crest of winged castle turret below circular cross. The spoons are Fiddle pattern, and are very pleasing quality and weight, the condition is good too, we really like these spoons. The hallmarks are also very clear on both spoons, pseudo duty mark, pseudo castle town mark with flag flying, pseudo date letter C and makers mark LT (mark 140 in Cape Silver and Silversmiths by Welz). Twentyman was the most prolific of all Cape silversmiths, he had the first shop on Heerengracht (now Adderley Street) with a shop window. He worked between 1818 and 1832. Note - With the assistance of a customer, we have now identified the engraved crest as the Heathcote family, described as "On a mural crown, a sphere charged with a cross, between two wings". The spoons probably belonged to Captain William Lovell Heathcote (1802-1885), who was born in Hursley, U.K. and died in Colesburg, Northern Cape, South Africa. He was the son of Admiral Henry Heath...

Beautifully made coffeepot with chased detail, a wooden handle and an ivory finial. Very fine maker, as evidenced by the royal warrant. Very clear hallmarks, (including lid) and "Garrards, Panton Street London" on base. It is interesting to note that even the securing nut that holds the finial in place is hallmarked - true quality!

A pair of Dutch silver Hanoverian pattern tableforks, made in Rotterdam in 1781 by Rudolph Sondag, 'the most famous silversmith in Rotterdam, his work towered above the Rotterdam silver landscape" - source (Schadee, Zilverschatten, Drie Eeuwen Rotterdams Zilver). The forks are clearly hand made, and differ in weight - one is 75 grams, the other 71 grams. The forks have 4 tines, and are bottom marked with 4 clearly struck hallmarks - date letter Y for 1781 with a distinctive dot above one arm, Rotterdam town mark (slight wear at bottom), crowned rampant lion standard mark (934 grade so purer than sterling) and makers mark of sunburst sun in shield punch. Rudolph Sondag's makers mark usually has a face in the sun centre, this is worn on these forks. Sondag worked form 1746 until his death in 1812, he was highly productive and has left behind some magnificent silver, well represented in Rotterdam's Museum Boijmans van Beuningen. Aardewerk notes varied quality in the work he produced, and postulates he guarentee...

A lovely antique silver and enamel vesta case, with an oval enamel plaque depicting a Beefeater (Yeoman Warder) of the Tower of London. The Beefeater is wearing Tudor State Dress, the colours are vibrant and the detail is good. The vesta case is rectangular, decorated with scrolling foliage, it has a safety suspension loop attached to the lid. The interior is gilded, this is a good quality case. The hallmarks are clear, including sword and wheatsheaves town mark for Chester. Charles Lyster & Son used the Chester assay office between 1899 and 1902, then switched to Spencer Street, Birmingham between 1903 and 1911 (perhaps linked to a change in location). The Yeoman Warders, commonly called Beefeaters, are the ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London. They were established in 1485 as Royal Guards, the Beefeater name is thought to derive from the large ration of beef they were issued daily in court. They only wear the Tudor State Dress depicted on Royal occasions.

A Royal Sussex Regiment 15 carat gold and enamel sweetheart brooch, probably dating from the 1st World War, but possibly earlier (Anglo Boer War). The brooch consists of the Garter Star with Roussillon plume, red enamel cross, blue enamel motto "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense", above blue enamel scroll "The Royal Sussex Rgt". The star and plume are white gold, which contrasts nicely with the yellow gold of the enamel and bar. The badge is mounted on a bar brooch with Y shaped safety clasp, the pin, hinge and clasp are all gold. Both the badge and bar are hallmarked 15CT for 15 carat gold, this standard of gold was discontinued by Britain in 1932, hence we can date this brooch to the Great War. The Royal Sussex Regiment was established in 1881, they saw service in the Anglo Boer War, World War I and World War II. They were amalgamated with other regiments in 1966. The brooch also has a old ring link at the top, so could also be worn as a pendant on a chain.

An Edwardian silver and enamel novelty vesta case, of circular form with hinged flip top lid and striker built into the base. The vesta has an applied enamel in silver rope border, featuring a pack of 8 English foxhounds, very attractively modelled with lovely colours. Vesta cases (also called matchsafes) were used to store vestas (early matches before safety matches were invested), they were very popular between 1890 and 1910.

Fabulous matching set of 24 spoons (table and dessert) with griffon crest. The tablespoons are large and heavy enough to use as serving spoons. Very clear hallmarks and crest on all 24 spoons.

A typical early Georgian two handled punch strainer, which was used for straining orange and lemon pips in the preparation of punch, which was a very popular drink in early 18th century Britian (before wine became popular). The bowl is pierced with 81 crosses arranged in a square, surrounded by pierced foliate decoration. The rim is reeded, and the handles are typical of the period. The strainer has an attractive crest of a clenched fist holding 3 three leaf clovers.The bowl interior is hallmarked with the makers mark struck 4 times, 3 of which are partially obscured by the pierced crosses, and one of which is fully intact and very clear.

An interesting pair of early Canadian silver tableforks in the Fiddle pattern, made by George Savage of Montreal, between 1818 and 1829. At first glance they look like a matching pair, but close examination reveals differences in weight and length (one fork is 80 mm longer than the other), so these were clearly made by hand. The length difference is not only in the tines, the handles are different lengths, and the fork handles have small differences in size and shape. Both forks have a clearly engraved family crest of a bird (stork or heron?) holding an anchor, this is engraved on the back of the forks, when forks were placed on the table with tines pointing down. Both forks are clearly hallmarked with makers mark "SAVAGE", but one has lines in the punch, the other does not, so we believe they were struck with 2 different punches. Both are also clearly struck with 2 pseudo English hallmarks, a skinny lion passant and a Georgian duty mark, these are very clear. It is also interesting to note that one duty mark...

A pair of Dutch silver Hanoverian pattern tableforks, made in Rotterdam in 1781 by Rudolph Sondag, 'the most famous silversmith in Rotterdam, his work towered above the Rotterdam silver landscape" - source (Schadee, Zilverschatten, Drie Eeuwen Rotterdams Zilver). The forks are clearly hand made, and differ in weight - one is 82 grams, the other 77 grams. The forks have 4 tines, and are bottom marked with 4 clearly struck hallmarks - date letter Y for 1781 with a distinctive dot above one arm, Rotterdam town mark (slight wear at bottom), crowned rampant lion standard mark (934 grade so purer than sterling) and makers mark of sunburst sun in shield punch. Rudolph Sondag's makers mark usually has a face in the sun centre, this is worn on these forks. Sondag worked form 1746 until his death in 1812, he was highly productive and has left behind some magnificent silver, well represented in Rotterdam's Museum Boijmans van Beuningen. Aardewerk notes varied quality in the work he produced, and postulates he guarantee...

A rare Cape silver basting spoon with exceptionally clear hallmarks, they could not be better. The spoon is Old English pattern, but more European than English in style, with a deep bowl and strong tip, it also has a double drop, and no engraving is present with no signs of removal, we think this spoon was never engraved. The spoon is hallmarked with a flower in oval punch, flanked by 2 makers mark IL, with an indent in the top of the punch, this is makers mark 74 in the book Cape Silver by Stephan Welz. Jan Lotter, who was regarded by Heller as "a highly skilled craftsman", only worked for 4 years between 1813 and 1817, so he probably died young. He made most of the prized Cape silver "lemoenlepels" (orange spoons) known to exist today. He worked from 22 Keerom Street.

A rare and interesting pair of Irish Georgian silver Bright Cut tablespoons, engraved "Wicklow Reg", for the 37th Wicklow Regiment, part of the Irish Militia. The spoons are Old English in shape, with the traditional "Dublin Star" engraved at the top above the oval cartouche with the regimental engraving, and traditional bright cut engraving. One spoon is in very good condition, the second has small dents to the bowl, overall quite pleasing for Regimental silver spoons which often are in poor condition. One spoon has excellent hallmarks, the second spoon has clear makers mark but worn Irish marks, still visible (spoon with good hallmarks has the dents to bowl). John Shiels (or Sheils) had a long career between 1762 and 1790, given these spoons are 1797 it is possible a son took over his punches. 38 Regiments of Irish Militia were established in 1793 (one from each county) after the outbreak of war with France, to free regular soldiers up and to control the Irish rebellion. The 37th Wicklow Regiment first saw ...