A fabulous set of 4 cast Britannia (950 grade) silver candlesticks with 2 matching detachable two light candelabra, which slot into the candlesticks. The candlesticks are octagonal with diamond facets, with the stems and sconces conforming in outline with the bases, a "pleasing and balanced design" (Peter Waldron, Price Guide to Antique Silver, No 115, pg 52). These are reproductions of a very popular Queen Anne style, made circa 1710, described as "the most desirable of Queen Anne candlesticks (Waldron, as above). The candlesticks are cast, and are exceptional quality, weighing around 530 grammes each (these are not loaded, total set weight 3.064 kilogrammes, or 108 ounces). The candlesticks have no engraving or armorials, and nothing has been removed. The two detachable 2 light candelabra slot perfectly into all 4 candlesticks, so quite a versatile set. They follow the same design as the candlesticks, with the addition of octagonal drip pans. The 2 candelabra were hallmarked in 1930 (so slightly before th...

A magnificent 18th Century Dutch silver sugar caster (strooibus), made in The Hague in 1761 by Pieter van der Kruyf. The caster is large, just under 24 cm, and heavy at 511 grammes, the quality is superlative, this is a museum quality piece. The caster is the traditional baluster shape, but the main body has four twisted ribs, beginning at the foot, which swirl upwards, a very pleasing design feature. The roughly octagonal and cast base has 4 raised leaf like designs. The caster lid also has an attractive design, with very intricate piercings (rococo scrolls) and textured engraving. The finial is a cast flower bud. The hallmarks on the caster lid are clear, crowned lion rampant standard mark (fineness 934), The Hague (Den Haag or S Gravenhage) city mark (stork holding eel below coronet), date letter P crowned for 1761, all 3 of the marks are well struck. The 4th mark is makers mark PK in rectangular punch, the P is worn but the K is clear. There are no hallmarks on the base. A very similar sugar caster, made ...

An important Royal silver brandy saucepan, which was given by Queen Victoria to her grandson Prince Christian Victor (Christle) of Schleswig-Holstein in 1868 as a christening present. The quality of the saucepan is excellent, it is the usual bulbous shape with a spout and turned ivory handle. It has a detachable domed lid, with a hinged projection for covering the spout, and an ivory and silver finial. The interior is gilt, it sits on a raised foot and has the traditional heart shaped join between body and handle. The saucepan and lid are both decorated with scrolling foliage and flowers, which is beautifully engraved. The lid fits snugly, the hinge is excellent, and the handle and finial are firmly secure. The saucepan is engraved "From his Grandmama Victoria R, 14 April 1868" on the front, the back has a scrolling foliate cartouche with the engraved initials "CV" below a coronet. The hallmarks are very clear, and are accompanied by the number 113 struck into the base (perhaps a pattern number?). The base al...

A magnificent set of 4 early Georgian cast scallop shell dishes, with "curled" handles, the ends "rolled over" to form a double scroll grip, in the manner of Onslow pattern flatware. The use of scallop shells is the subject of some argument, they have long been called "butter shells", but have also been described as "oyster scallops", salts, sweetmeat and sauce dishes (Judith Bannister, "Scallop Shells in English Silver, Collectors Guide, June 1967"). They are in the style of Paul de Lamerie, who popularised these in the 1730's, so much so that other makers followed suit. The shells are realistically cast, roughly life size and rest on 3 dolphin feet, also cast, in keeping with the marine theme. Each shell is also engraved with a family crest, a Maltese cross over a crescent, surrounded by branches. The shells are exceptional quality, they are solid and heavy, and the detail on both shells and dolphins is good. The hallmarks are visible but given the curved shape of the shell are not well struck, and are worn...

A fabulous near pair of cast silver gilt figural candlesticks, modelled as Roman's in togas with laurel wreaths, made by the Fox Brothers, Charles and George, important makers known for their figural pieces. The Roman figures are beautifully modelled, note the detail in the face, hair and toga folds, one arm holds the sconce, the other is raised, with the bent knee they almost appear to be dancing. The figures stand on a cast silver Rococo base, also finely decorated with swirling scrolls, incorporating a vacant cartouche for engraving of a family crest (both vacant). The sconces with acanthus leaf decoration and the original detachable nozzles (for ease of cleaning) are also all cast silver, the quality is outstanding, these would have been expensive items when new. Both the figures are securely fastened to their bases with their original bolts and screws, one is slightly loose. The quality of the gilding is also superb, with very little wear, these figures with come to life in candlelight. On close examinat...

A rare Carolean silver flat lidded tankard, made in London in 1668, which was part of Oxford's University Magdalen College silver plate. The tankard is the traditional shape of the period, tapering cylindrical with reeded borders, the flat lid with single step and single peak (lip). The flat hinge and hinge plates are cast, designed to withstand wear and tear. The thumbpiece is a double cusp. The massive scroll handle has underside curved into a half round, with hole, these handles were made in two pieces (myth has it that the hole was a whistle to call for more beer!, Waldron, Price Guide to Antique Silver, item 620, page 196). The tankard has been later engraved with the Magdalen College armorial, it reads "Magd: Coll: Athletic Sports, March 1861", and the lid is engraved with a wheatsheaf between wings armorial, the engraving is excellent quality and is beautifully preserved. The tankard has a full set of hallmarks on lid and base, Leopards head crowned and lion passant in irregular punch, date letter L fo...

A magnificent Elkington silver salver, of very generous proportions, circular with a cast border decorated with 4 faces (the 4 seasons), and an elaborate shell and scroll border. The salver is exceptional quality and weight, weighing 4.65 kilogrammes (164 ounces), so this is a very large and heavy salver. The salver rests on 8 shell feet (4 double feet). It has very clear hallmarks, and is also stamped "Elkington & Co, 31921", which is probably a pattern number. The four faces are as follows: 1. Old man with flowing beard 2. Young woman with wheat sheaves 3. Young woman with roses 4. Young woman with vines and grapes. The border is cast, as can be seen in the photograph of the back of the rim.

A magnificent and rare early Brittania standard silver coffee pot of very good quality, with handle at right angles to the spout, in the Queen Anne style. The pot has a high domed lid with baluster finial, a stand-away hinge, and an octagonal swan neck spout with "Ducks Head" terminal.The pot itself is the tapering plain cylindrical shape with spreading foot, and the handle is turned fruitwood. The coffee pot is plain except for a lovely contemporary armorial, a diamond shaped logenze surrounded by plumes, with the arms of Newdigate (gules three lion's gambs erased argent) impaling a lion rampant reguardant gules. The logenze indicates ownership by a widow of the Newdigate family, as the lozenge is the only vehicle for a widow to display her arms. This plain style is usually called Queen Anne, the shape of coffee pots changed circa 1723, when the lid became flattened and the spout moved opposite the handle (Judith Banister, 3 Centuries of Silver Coffee Pots). As is usual for coffee pots of this era, it is qu...

A rare Charles II Restoration period silver porringer, made by Ralph Leeke, one of the leading goldsmiths of the late 17th century, in 1669. The porringer is the traditional shape and size (noticeably larger than later examples), and is chased in high relief with a running stag and hunting hound, surrounded by bold Stuart flowers (we think daffodils and poppies), these bold flowers predate the commoner restrained acanthus decoration introduced around 1680. The porringer has the traditional cast caryatid scroll handles with faces on both sides. The flat circular base is engraved with original owners initials F/SM, the engraving has character. The porringer has 6 hallmarks on the base, crowned leopards head town mark for London, date letter Gothic M for 1669 (slight wear to top but unmistakable for 1669), Lion passant, and makers mark RL above trefoil in shaped shield struck 3 times, 2 are partially worn but still readable and 1 mark is very clear. Ralph Leeke (or Leake) has been described as "a fine 17th centu...

An extremely rare miniature silver coffee pot by the Huguenot John Hugh Le Sage, subordinate goldsmith to the King. The coffee pot is early Rococo style, with relief chasing of flowers and scrolls around the base and border below the cover. As is expected with early Rococo (1740 - 1750), large areas are left blank, only after 1750 did full Rococo develop which filled in the blanks. The swan neck spout is leaf wrapped, and the wooden handle has a typical double C scroll. The lid, which is richly decorated, has a stepped dome cover and acorn finial. The pot also has a tucked in base and stand-away hinge. The only hallmarks are the makers mark (script JS underneath crown) struck 3 times on the base (Grimwade 1680, Jacksons pg 192). As per the plate act of 1739, silver toys were exempted from assay, and only required the makers mark. A number of silver toys have been attributed to John Hugh Le Sage, many of which today reside in museums, including the Henry Ford Museum (USA) and the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&...

A rare Irish silver Freedom Box, engraved with the coat of arms of the city of Londonderry, in Northern Ireland. Freedom boxes are typically Irish, and were used as presentation pieces to distinguished non- residents who received the honorary freedom of the city (Bennett, Collecting Irish Silver). Example from Dublin, Youghal, Limerick and Cork are known (Bennett), Londonderry is rare. The coat of arms includes a skeleton sitting on a hill, with a turreted castle, and the George Cross and dagger of London above. The skeleton is thought to represent starvation during the great siege. The city motto "Vita Veritas Victoria" (Life, Truth, Victory) is engraved below. The engraving quality is superb, with delicate flowers and chased C scrolls. The decorated lid is a separate panel that has been set into a presumably plain table snuff box. The box has a curved thumbpull for easy opening, and is gilded interior and exterior, with exception of the base. The only hallmarks present are the makers mark (struck twice, on ...

A fabulous sterling silver sugar basin, in the shape of a vase, made by the highly regarded French silversmith Jean-Valentin Morel, made during the brief period he was based in London. The sugar basin is octagonal in shape, with 8 curvilinear sides, 6 smaller panels on the sides and 2 larger panels on the front and back. the basin sits on a raised foot in the same shape, the basin also has bands on the top, base and three quarters way up. the end and side panels are also finely engraved with an architectural shield with scrolls flowers and foliage. The interior is gilded with original gilding, and overall the quality is excellent, Morel was certainly a master craftsman. The foot of the basin is engraved on the exterior "MOREL & Cie a LONDRES", it is quite unusual to see English silver branded in this way, especially on the exterior. The hallmarks are excellent, including makers mark J.V.M for Jean- Valentin Morel. "Jean-Valentin Morel (1794-1860) was born in Paris, the son of a lapidary. He began his career ...

A magnificent set of 4 Victorian cast silver Cherub salts, replicas of a style introduced by Paul de Lamerie. The salts have a cast vine leaf bowl, supported by a cherub with arm outstretched, and two dolphin feet supporting the bowl. These are fabulous quality, they weigh between 232 and 273 grammes each, averaging at 255 grammes each, and the condition is excellent. The cherub (also called amorini and putti, but not cupid as no wings present) is naked except for a small loincloth, he is well modelled, note the detail of his hair. The bowl is a cast vine leaf, also well modelled, and the 2 stylised dolphin feet are copies of those used by Lamerie. The salts are all solid, and stand well on the table, no wobble at all. Traces of original gilding are still visible, especially on the harder to reach areas on the body of the cherub (we imagine much of the gilding has been polished off over the years. The cherub is hollow, the casting hole visible under his bottom. One salt is clearly hallmarked on the vine leaf,...

An important piece of Boer War memorabilia, celebrating the relief of Mafeking. A piecrust salver with beaded border and scrolled engraving. The hallmarks are clear, makers mark BB, for Barker Brothers. The salver has the crest of the Imperial Light Horse (ILH), which was raised in Johannesburg by English speaking South Africans to fight as part of the "Uitlander Army", on the side of the British during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). The crest has 2 crossed flags (Union Jack and Transvaal Republic). The inscription reads " Officers Patrol, who rode with Major Karri Davies into Mafeking on the night of May 16th 1900. J Dryden, AB Duirs, EW Warby, JE Merton, LM Harvey, G Seymour, HF Francis, EA Betton. Presented to J. Emerton by Major Karri Davies." Major Davies was 2IC of the ILH, and was quite a character. He was a key participant of the Jameson Raid, and spent time in prison after its disasterous end. This salver commemorates his leading the first English contingent into Mafeking, thus ending the siege afte...

A rare and unusual silver gilt stirrup cup, a later replica of one of the earliest forms of stirrup cups, prior to the rise in popularity of the better known fox and animal head stirrup cups. It consists of a small banded beaker shaped cup (3.5 cm height), suitable for sherry, on top of a long, tapered silver handle, with wonderful textured patterns for improved grip. The cup is engraved "THE DURBAN STIRRUP CUP - PRESENTED BY THE EARL OF LONSDALE IN COMMEMORATION OF THE KINDNESS RECEIVED FROM ALL DURING HIS VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA". The shield is engraved "REPLICA OF THE EARL OF LONSDALE'S STIRRUP CUP AD 1788" The handle is divided into 4 sections, separated by a protruding ring, the 3 rings are not gilded, which provides a nice contrast. The top section has alternating floral bands, the second barley-twist ribbing, the 3rd is similar to the first but with flowers reversed, the 4th a thicker barley-twist with additional texture to alternating band. The end is capped with a suspension ring, with original hallmar...

An important piece of Boer War memorabilia, celebrating the relief of Mafeking. A piecrust salver with beaded border and scrolled engraving. The hallmarks are clear, makers mark BB, possibly Barker Brothers. The salver has the crest of the Imperial Light Horse (ILH), which was raised in Johannesburg by English speaking South Africans to fight as part of the "Uitlander Army", on the side of the British during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). The crest has 2 crossed flags (Union Jack and Transvaal Republic). The inscription reads " Officers Patrol, who rode with Major Karri Davies into Mafeking on the night of May 16th 1900. J Dryden, AB Duirs, EW Warby, J Emerton, LM Harvey, G Seymour, HF Francis, EA Betton. Presented to HF Francis by Major Karri Davies." Major Davies was 2IC of the ILH, and was quite a character. He was a key participant of the Jameson Raid, and spent time in prison after its disasterous end. This salver commemorates his leading the first English contingent into Mafeking, thus ending the si...

A fabulous Victorian Scottish silver Rams Head snuff mull cover, decorated with an impressive faceted semi precious stone and 6 hardstone cabochons. The cover is dome shaped with a circular base, and is embossed and engraved with Scottish thistles and Celtic knot designs. The central diamond shaped crystal has a diameter of 3.7 cm, this is a large stone. The six hardstone cabochons are 2.2 cm in diameter, colours range from green to red to brown, we imagine Scottish granite. The interior is gilded, and the hallmarks are perfectly preserved. This is the largest and most impressive Rams head snuff mull cover we have seen, we have seen similar smaller examples. The cover would have been mounted on a ceremonial Rams head, used to dispense snuff at a table - we prefer this cover without the original rams head! Mackay & Chisholm were a prestigious Scottish firm, the worked between 1834 and 1941 from Princes Street, Edinburgh.

A fabulous pair of cast silver mustard pots, realistically modelled as dragons, with the head resting on the lid, and coiled body forming the pot, with barbed tail forming the handle. The back of the dragon's head acts as a thumb piece, the hinged lids open to reveal clear glass liners for holding the mustard (or other condiments). These are substantial items, they weigh over 350 grammes each without the liners, the quality is superb. The bodies were cast in 2 separate sections, the solder join is visible on the interior. The hallmarks are excellent on both pieces, the lids are hallmarked as well. We have not encountered this model before, it is possible they were specially commissioned and as such are unique. C.J. Vander was established in 1886 by Cornelius Joshua VanderPump, the firm became "the last of England's preeminent silver firms, creating exceptional silver masterpieces using the time-honored traditions of the silversmith's art. It was this firm's steadfast commitment to quality that made them the ...

A fabulous early Georgian (George II) silver sauce boat, one of the best we have seen. The sauce boat is an exceptional size and quality, tipping the scales at 492 grammes (17.4 ounces), and is wider and shallower than later examples. The sauce boat has Rococo decoration, with engraved swirling shells, flowers and scrolls, it also has an intricate diamond pattern which is also hand engraved. The 3 cast shell feet are also fabulous, with a scroll between shell foot and shell attachment. The leaf capped double scroll handle has also been cast and applied. The sauce boat has a Rococo family armorial (3 wheat sheaves and a cross) on one side and a family crest on the other, consisting of a lion rampant holding 2 wheat stalks. The Sable a cross potent is the Alleyn family, in this case the arms of the wife, we have not yet identified the arms of the husband. It may possibly be the Lidsel family from Essex, Gules three garbs argent. This sauce boat is accompanied with the Heraldic report identifying the Alleyn fami...

A beautiful Arts and Crafts silver dish, with planished hand hammered surface, by Leslie Durbin. The dish is oval in shape, and sits on an oval reeded foot, the 2 ends have a slight overlap, it is a lovely shape. The dish is excellent quality, and quite heavy, it is a pleasure to pick up. The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark LGD for Leslie Durbin. Leslie Durbin was one of the most admired silversmiths of the 20th century, his silver is in the Royal collection, he was also honoured with a 1 man exhibition at the Goldsmiths hall entitled "50 Years of Silversmithing" in 1982. He produced the silver components for the Stalingrad Sword during WW II, he also designed British coinage. He apprenticed with Omar Ramsden, his students included Benney, Mellor and Robert Welsh. Durbin is included as one of the top 50 British silversmiths of his era in the book "Designer British Silver 1930-1985", pgs 186-193, by Andrew & Pearson, a book we highly recommend.