An extremely rare Cape silver knife, with ivory handle and engraved on the blade "EHM from HOM". The hallmarks are extremely clear, pseudo - English duty mark and castle, with makers mark JML (mark 82 in Welz, Cape Silver). These are accompanied by another mark, some sort of device, unrecorded in Welz. The knife is very well made, good quality and a pleasing weight. The ivory handle shows good texture and a changing colour from dark to light. The knife is extremely rare, being the only known example recorded to date. The leading authority on Cape Silver Stephan Welz said "I have been unable to trace any Cape silver knives" (Cape Silver pg 73), and David Heller said "the only type of silver knife in use at the Cape seems to have been the butter knife (History of Cape Silver, pg 202). Johannes Lotter was part of the highly regarded Lotter family of Cape silversmiths, being the son of Willem and the brother of Carel.

A rare Scottish provincial teaspoon from Dumfries, in the Old English pattern. The hallmarks include a fowled anchor, X, crown and MH (small) makers mark. The hallmarks have some wear but are still clearly visible, makers mark is very clear.

A rare Irish provincial silver toddy ladle made in Cork, but hallmarked in Dublin. The ladle is circular with a lip for pouring, and has a whale bone handle. The ladle is beautifully decorated, with embossed flowers, leaves and scrolls, on a stippled background. The pouring lip is decorated with a "sunburst" collar. The decoration is typical of the Irish silver of the 1820 period, with floral repousse (embossing) on a background stippled to a matt finish (Bennett, Collecting Irish Silver, pg 79). The whalebone handle is 4 sided, and has an unusual knop end, the circular knob set above silver banded decoration. The hallmarks are all very clear, including makers mark PG in oval outline (Cork mark no. 80 in Bennett). The Dublin Goldsmiths company passed an act in 1807 requiring the Kings head to be stamped on all plate made in Ireland. As this could only be done in Dublin, it forced the provincial goldsmiths to start sending silver to Dublin for hallmarking. Garde, who worked in Cork between 1812 and 1845, appe...

A Russian silver Fiddle pattern tablespoon, with very clear hallmarks, including town mark for Tallinn (now Estonia). The town mark is a shield containing 3 lions, and was used between 1842 and 1920 (Watts, Russian Silversmiths Hallmarks). The assay masters mark is very clear (YaN), the mark is recorded by Watts but unknown (pg 89). The makers mark CRH (Rubert Hermann) is very clear, he also worked in Tartu. The spoon has scripted initials "G et WP" on the front, and "H&TJ" on the back next to the hallmarks.

A Chinese export silver dessert spoon in the Fiddle pattern. The pseudo-English hallmarks are in excellent condition, well struck and very clear. They include lion passant with triangular indent to punch, crowned leopards head, duty mark and makers mark L. Linchong was an early maker of Chinese export silver, his silver is usually in the English Georgian style. He worked from New China Street, Canton.

A lovely and early George II double lipped punch ladle, with twisted whalebone handle, of extremely good quality. It is a good gauge and weight, much heavier than many we have seen. The bowl is fluted and is a generous size, and is joined to the handle with a double scroll. The base of the ladle is engraved "G over J+E", the engraving is contemporary and done by hand. The hallmarks are clear, and include the unregistered makers mark EA (Grimwade 3534) with 2 dots above and 1 below. Whalebone was heated under pressure with steam until malleable, and then twisted into ornate spirals, which hardened and retained their design after cooling (Helliwell, Collecting Small Silverware, pg 76). Aldridge worked between 1724 and 1765 in Foster Lane. He was tried at the investigation of the Goldsmith's Company for counterfeiting marks in 1742, but was acquitted by the jury (Grimwade pg 421).

An early George II silver punch ladle, with "goose egg" bowl, and twisted whalebone handle (with silver tip). The goose egg bowl is plain, but has a lovely texture as the individual hammer marks are visible all over the bowl. The join is the traditional heart shape, and the handle is securely fastened to the bowl.The early George II goose egg ladles are quite rare, having been made for only a short period (1735 - 1740). It is also unusual to find one in such good condition, the handles are often loose or damaged. The hallmarks are clear, but the date letter e and makers mark GJ are partially struck, but still discernable. The ladle has a 5th hallmark, the Dutch script letter I, which is a tax mark for silver items in the Netherlands not bearing an older tax mark. This indicates the ladle passed through the Netherlands at some stage.

A set of 6 silver and enamel teaspoons, with the badge of the Transvaal Scottish Regiment. The badge has a Scottish thistle surrounded by heraldic strap and buckle, over the "Star of the Order of the Thistle". The motto "Alba nam Buadh" (Well done, Scotland or Scotland, Home of the Virtues) is underneath the thistle. All 6 teaspoons are fully hallmarked. James Fenton worked from Great Hampton St, Birmingham between 1905 and 1954.

A set of 6 Scottish Fiddle pattern teaspoons, the shape of the Fiddle typically Scottish. They are accompanied by matching sugartongs with shell bowls. The hallmarks on all 7 items are very clear. The punch outline of the JW makers mark is very unusual, having a wave shaped indentation at both sides. The punch shape is identical to unknown maker "AW" who worked between 1828 and 1843, we assume he was John Williamson's father. John Williamson worked between 1845 and 1881, so these are very early examples of his silver.

A Hanoverian rat-tail basting spoon, of good size and weight, suitable for everyday use as a serving spoon. This spoon has the typical Hanoverian "turn-up", oval bowl and rat-tail. This example is late Victorian, an example of the Victorian practice of "reviving" earlier styles - original Hanoverian rat-tail spoons would be circa 1720. The hallmarks are clear.

A rare Liberty Cymric toothbrush, with silver handle set with two turquoise cabochons, and wooden (ebony) toothbrush set with bristles. The hallmarks are clear, including L&Co makers mark, but the CYMRIC mark is not present (as is usual on small items). This toothbrush matches the Liberty Cymric vanity set (S1360).

A Cape silver Basting spoon in the Old English pattern, of good gauge, very suitable for use. Whilst the spoon is Old English pattern, the drop is definitely not English in style, it has a European flavour (which shows the different influences on Cape Silversmiths of the time). The hallmarks are very clear, makers mark WGL struck twice, and the inverted L device used by Lotter (mark 95 in Welz). The Lotter family are important in the history of Cape silver, with 12 members of the family known to have produced silver. Willem Godfried, who made this spoon, worked from 1810 - 1835, and is known for good quality work.

A lovely pair of cast sugar tongs, with ornate pierced arms, shell grips and a shaped bow with feather edge engraving and floral design. The owners initials MT are engraved on the bow. As is usual for tongs predating 1784, these tongs only have 2 hallmarks, the lion passant and makers mark (TE) - (see Georgian Silver Sugar Tongs, Graham Hodges, pg 11, 39 and 218 - P.S. we strongly recommend this book). Cast tongs are delicate, it is rare to find a pair without repairs. This repair is old, and is very well done. Thomas Evans worked between 1774 and 1792, but as this pair has no duty mark we know it was produced before 1784. The style of the tongs suggests a date circa 1775.

Magnificent pair of Arts and Crafts spoons by Sibyl Dunlop, one of the leading female practitioners of the Arts and Crafts movement. The spoons are in the shape and style of 16th century spoons, with fig shaped bowl, hexagonal stem and shaped finials. The spoons are cast, with hand hammered bowls, and have a cast finial that resembles a pineapple with scrolls on either side, resting on 3 rings. A furrow runs down the front end of the shaft of each spoon. These spoons are very good quality, with pleasing weight, lovely to hold and use. The hallmarks on both spoons are very clear, including the SD makers mark. Dunlop (1889-1968) was born in Scotland, trained as a jewellery designer in Brussels, and opened a shop in Kensington Street, London. She specialised in Arts and Crafts silver and jewellery, often naturalistic in style.

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).

A boxed set of 6 silver enamel commemorative teaspoons, with enamel "Southern Rhodesia" with coat of arms, and cast bowls featuring "Rhodes Statue, Bulawayo". Cecil John Rhodes was a British empire builder, who obtained mineral rights in the territory later to bear his name in 1888. Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) was the name used for the British colony between 1901 and 1964. The spoons are in their original box, and were retailed by Birch & Gaydon, "Watchmakers to the Admiralty", of Fenchurch street, London. The hallmarks are clear on all spoons, although the makers mark (present but unidentified) is poorly struck and only partially visible.

Typically Cape konfyt (preserve) fork, in the Fiddle pattern. The hallmarks are also typically Cape (WC or WG?) in a shaped punch, between 2 crude stars. The makers mark is a little indistinct, either a worn or mistruck punch, or could even be overstruck. Given this is an unrecorded maker not listed in any of the reference books (as far as we can determine), it could have another Colonial origin.

A lovely antique silver fish slice from the short reign of William IV, with a pierced and engraved fish design, with lovely detail. The slice is Fiddle pattern, and has a crest of a griffin on a crown, surrounded by buckle with the motto "Nil Virtute Praeclarus" (Never Virtue in Beauty?). The crest is very good condition, clearly visible. William Eaton, a specialist spoonmaker, worked between 1824 and 1844. The hallmarks are very clear.

Lovely set of Kings pattern (with diamond point) Cape tableforks, of very good quality and gauge - the forks are 100 grams each, very heavy to hold. Cape flatware in Kings pattern is fairly rare, the most prevalent patterns being Fiddle and Old English. These forks all have the same English pseudo hallmarks (leopards head, date letter A, duty mark and lion, Welz mark 135), struck by the same punch in the same workshop. However, 4 have the maker mark LT (Twentyman), and two have the makers mark FW (Waldek). This is not unusual, as Waldek worked for Twentyman, and probably took over the business when Twentyman departed for India, circa 1835.

Lovely boxed set of antique sterling silver Gorham flatware, in the attractive New Queens pattern, with double shell finial (concave on top and convex underneath), and triple shell on heel. The set includes: 6 tablespoons, 5 tableforks, 5 dessertspoons, 6 dessertforks, 12 teaspoons, 1 soupladle, 1 sifter ladle, 1 butterknife, 1 saltspoon, 1 condiment ladle, 1 serving spoon, 1 jamspoon (total 41 pieces).The soupladle, serving spoon and and jamspoon all have rattails. Each of the 41 pieces is fully hallmarked, with the Gorham hallmarks (lion, anchor, Gothic G), and "Sterling, PAT, 1899". An additional letter hallmark (T, D or H) is also present on some pieces (H on tablespoons, T on dessert spoons and forks, D on tableforks and teaspoons). We believe these additional marks refer to the weight, T being Trade and H being Heavy, unmarked pieces are regular weight. The set is housed in an attractive solid oak box, with brass mounts on corners, brass handles and nameplate, complete with lock and key in working order...

A magnificent set of 13 gilded silver Italian apostle spoons, featuring the 12 apostles on the smaller spoons and the "Master" on the larger spoon - all in their original box. They are extremely good quality and well made, the cast finials have very fine detail. The stems are twisted with a beaded design, and a winged female angel joins the bowls to the stems. Each apostle is named on the back of the finial in Italian - (S. Pilip, Giag, Paol, Luca, Mat, Bart, Piet, And, Tom, Mar, Giov, Sim). The spoon bowls are all made of silver coins (Piastra's) from the Papal States (which included most of central Italy in the 18th century) dated between 1676 and 1802. The coins have the Papal Arms for the following Popes: Innocento XI (1676-1689), Alessandro XIII (1689-1691), Innocento XII (1691-1700), Clement XI (1700-1721), Clement XII (1730-1740), Clement XIV (1769-1774), Pius VI (1775-1799) and Pius VII (1800-1823). Two of the coins, dated 1691, are "Sede Vacante" - translated "The Seat is Empty", meaning they were m...

Lovely set of Art Deco cakeforks, of good quality and gauge, suitable for everyday use. The town, sterling and date marks are clear on all forks, the makers mark is poorly struck and only faintly visible, but still identifiable as Lanson Ltd, who used this mark between 1933 and 1961.

Set of 12 Fiddle pattern dessert spoons and forks, made by Hamilton & Co, the "Garrards of India". All 12 have a crest and set of initials (AD), the crest (which are worn but visible) is a dove with an olive branch in its beak, under the motto "Nil Nisi Fidum" (translated "Nothing but Trust"). All are clearly hallmarked with maker mark, elephant, the capital letter A and a variety of tallymarks.

Art Deco sugartongs with a classic cast silver deco design on both arms. The tongs are well made, and feel heavy and solid to hold. The hallmarks are clear, and a facsimile Charles Boyton signature is also present. Boyton broke away from the family firm of Charles Boyton & Sons Ltd in 1934, setting up his own business emulating Omar Ramsden in the "decorative style".

Typical Scottish silver toddy ladle, in the Fiddle pattern, with engraved initail P. The ladle was made by Andrew Wilkie, a Dundee silversmith, but was assayed in Edinburgh. Silver by Wilkie is found with both Dundee marks (pot of lilies) and with Edinburgh marks, as is the case with other Scottish provincial silversmiths, brought about by the imposition of duty on hallmarked silver. According to Turner (Directory of Scottish provincial silversmiths and their marks), certain makers had a proportion of their silver fully stamped in Edinburgh, to keep their registration as a silversmith valid - and to keep the Revenue service happy that duty was being paid.

Plain, good hallmarks, English Pseudo and makers name. Daniel arrived in the Cape in 1820 (one of the settlers) as a child from Dublin, his Father (who had the same name) was also a silversmith.

Attractive set of antique Tiffany sterling flatware in the rare Tiffany pattern, comprising matching set of Tablespoons, Tableforks, Dessertspoons and Dessertforks (6 of each). The Tiffany pattern (pattern No 1 in the book "Tiffany Silver Flatware, 1845-1905) was designed by Edward C Moore, and was the first pattern he designed. The pattern is lovely, described as "Renaissance Revival, with modified Greek double scroll with shell like antefix and honeysuckle blossom" in the Tiffany Flatware book. It was produced between 1869 and 1917. In 1956 this pattern was re-introduced as the Beekman pattern, which does not have the intriguing scrolls that protrude halfway up the stems. Each piece has a monogram JHC, and each is clearly hallmarked "C Tiffany & Co, Sterling, PAT 1889". They are of exceptional quality, as you would expect from Tiffany, and are all a good weight. The Tiffany Silver Flatware book describes this pattern as "rare, seldom seen" (page 171). This pattern was the first flatware pattern that Tiffany...

Fiddle pattern Cape silver tablefork with Pseudo English hallmarks, which are clear, and makers mark WM. This hallmark punch was used by 5 different Cape silversmiths, including Twentyman, Combrink, Townsend and Beck, leading Welz (Cape Silver, pg 95) to speculate that all the silver with this mark came from the same workshop.

A lovely set of Jugendstil German 800 silver teaspoons, of very good quality. The spoons all have a cast crest depicting an eagle within a shield, over a cross within another shield. This has the appearance of a military crest, but this is not our area of expertise. The spoons are in their original box, marked "HG Berg, Guldsmed, Sandefjord", which is in Norway - so the possibility exists that the spoons were manufactured in Germany for the Norwegian market, so the crest could be Norwegian.

Impressive set of good quality Russian flatware, with an applied crest of what appears to be a basket of flowers over a shield, bearing the initials ES. They are of very good gauge, the individual spoons and forks weigh 80 grams each, the knives 130 grams each. The set was made in two different batches 2 years apart, the first 6 (2 of each) was made by Fabecki in 1883, the second 6 by C.H. Stern in 1885. All were assayed in Warsaw, Poland (which was part of Russia between 1850 and 1915) by O.C. (Josef Sosnkowski), who was the assaymaster in Warsaw between 1860 and 1896. The hallmarks are all clear, the 6 by Fabecki have an additional hallmark of a bulls head, the 6 by Stern have a device that looks like a rams head. The knives are silver handled with steel blades (blades by Gerlach and S. Bienkowski). The hallmarks on the spoons and forks are very clear, those on the knife handles are present but worn (still discernable).

Set of Jensen silver flatware in the popular Acorn pattern, designed by Johan Rhode in 1915. Rhode was probably the most influential of all the designers who worked at Georg Jensen, and the Acorn pattern is the most popular of all of Jensen's flatware designs, still in production today. The set comprises of 12 teaspoons (medium size), 12 cakeforks and 12 butterknives, which are also suitable for pate. The butterknives all have silver blades (these are sometimes produced with steel blades). Each of the 36 pieces is clearly hallmarked "Sterling Denmark Georg Jensen & Wendal A/S", the mark used between 1945 and 1951 on items retailed in Copenhagen.

A magnificent set of unusual silver gilt cast teaspoons and sugartongs, all of exceptional quality, in original silk lined leather box. Each individual spoon is a replica of an earlier spoon design, covering 300 years of spoon history. They include (as best we can identify): 1. Moors head, twisted stem 2. Onslow with flowers 3. Bearded monks head (Rococo) 4. Pierced handle (rare 18th century design) 5. Apostle spoon. pilgrims staff and book 6. Bacchus (Roman clothes) holding wine goblet 7. Stag with antlers 8. Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, dancing with tambourine 9. The devil, with horns 10. Warrior with raised arm, helmet and brestplate 11. Angels head (blowing clouds?) 12. Cherub's head, ornate stem 13. (Sugartongs) Cupid with wings. Manoah Rhodes was established in Bradford, Yorkshire in 1836, Thomas Ackroyd Rhodes was appointed Managing Director in 1888. He lived in Frizinghall and Thornbury in Bradford. They also had premises in Hatton Gardens, London. They were Diamond merchants, Goldsmiths ...

Lovely Art Deco soup ladle in 800 silver, of exceptionally good quality and gauge.This ladle is truly a pleasure to hold and use (as long as you have strong wrists!). Wilkens & Son were one of the "big 3" German silver producers, and were highly regarded. The hallmark consists of the Wilkens makers mark bracketed by the letters MC, standing for Michelangelo Clementi & Cie of Bologna, Italy. Wilkens & Son entered into a strategic partnership with Michelangelo Clementi in 1912. The makers mark is alongside the 800 purity mark. Another mark is present, but it is worn/poorly struck, so not legible. Clementi Fabbrica Argenteria still exists today, manufacturing Buccellati

Pair of Cape Silver Konfyt (preserve) forks, in the Fiddle pattern, with very clear hallmarks and initials JWH. Pairs of konfyt forks are fairly rare, most konfyt forks found are singles. The hallmarks on both forks are very clear, and consist of makers mark, pseudo English dutymark and castle town mark. Johannes Lotter was a member of the Lotter family of silversmiths, he was the son of Willem Godfried Lotter and the brother of Carel David Lotter. He also made the snuffbox featured on our website (item S 185).

A unique set of 12 Hanoverian teaspoons, six of which are shellbacks, the other six are scrollbacks. These spoons predate the common practise of making and selling flatware in sets, complete sets are extremely rare. As is usual of the period, these spoons only have 2 hallmarks, the sterling and makers mark, which given the small size of the spoons were often poorly struck. The makers mark is present on all spoons but discernable on only 8, with 5 being by Charles Hougham (one set of 3 and another set of 2), and one each by Hester Bateman, Ebernezer Coker and Thomas Devonshire & William Watkins. Nine spoons have contempory initials, and 2 have a later crest.

An unusual silver and ivory crumb scoop (these usually have silver plate blades, this one has a silver blade), with an attractive turned ivory handle. This is both a practical and beautiful object, which would be a talking point at any dinner table. It is very good gauge, very solid, and with very clear hallmarks. The ring covering the join to the handle is also hallmarked silver.

Unusual pair of knife rests, shaped as a pair of "jacks", with a central ball with 6 arms, each ending in a small ball. They are nice and solid, and a very good weight. In addition to clear hallmarks, they also carry a registration number (111097), indicating the design was registered by Roberts & Belk, and a small crest depicting a Roman oil lamp. Roberts and Belk were a well known firm, first established in 1809, and bought by CJ Vander in 1961.

Lovely set of German 800 silver teaspoons, of very good quality and weight, with an attractive scrolling border an an unusual crest. The crest is an angel, a young girl in traditional dress with angels wings, holding a shield containing a crown over 2 crossed arrows and circle. We have been informed that this is a Hitler Youth crest, but as this is not our area of expertise we cannot confirm that. We would welcome any views or comments, and hope we are not offending anyone in the event that it is a Hitler Youth crest. The hallmarks are clear, makers mark NIB, which we cannot identify.

Plain silver meat skewer with ring pull and a diamond shaped crest, indicating it once belonged to an unmarried daughter of a nobleman. Skewers were used in joints of meat to hold them together whilst carving. John Wakelin and Robert Garrard I were extremely important makers, who were appointed as Goldsmith & Jeweller to the King (George III) in 1797 (Source Grimwade, London Goldsmiths). The hallmarks are well struck and extremely clear. The makers mark appears to be overstruck. Garrard, who joined Wakelin in 1792, took over the firm on Wakelin's death in 1802 - Garrard's still exists today.

Beautiful set of 6 classic Art Deco teaspoons, made by the highly regarded firm of Elkington. The spoons were made early in the Second World War, before production was halted in favour of the war effort. The hallmarks are clear on all 6 spoons.

Delightful set of 8 silver cocktail sticks, modelled as golfclubs, complete with handle and clubface. The hallmarks are clear and present on each stick. Turner and Simpson used this particular makers mark between 1929 and 1979.

Early Old English pattern (with narrow, elegant handle) basting spoon, with a long drop. The bowl is slightly smaller than later versions. The hallmarks are very clear.

An extremely rare Cape konfyt (preserve) fork with tubular handle, with typically Cape prick engraving of foliage at the top of the handle. No hallmarks are present. The handle is similar to the Cannon handle pattern of early English flatware. Similar forks are illustrated in Heller's History of Cape Silver (Vol 2, pg 82) and Welz's Cape Silver (pg 68), these are by Johannes Combrink.

Pair of Cape Fiddle pattern Tableforks, by the highly regarded silversmith John Townsend. The length of the tines is good, and the forks have very clear Pseudo English hallmarks and makers mark. The initials CJH are engraved on the back of the forks. Heller described Townsend as the most versatile of all the English silversmiths at the Cape, capable of excellent craftmanship.

Cape Silver tablefork (Fiddle pattern) with interesting horse crest, initials HR and very clear hallmarks. The hallmarks include Pseudo English marks and the makers mark.

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.

Attractive Art Deco cake forks of good gauge, these are solid and pleasant to hold, unlike many flimsier cakeforks we have seen. Hallmarks are very clear on all 6 forks.

Plain marrowscoop with a long drop, in lovely condition and with very clear hallmarks. The makers mark is very deeply struck. Schofield, who worked from Temple Bar, was reknowned for his impeccable craftmanship. He worked for the Royal Silversmiths Jeffries, Jones and Gilbert.

Plain Cape silver tablefork in the Old English pattern, with original owners initials lightly scratched on back (MF). Hallmark very clear, makers mark struck twice, either side of a flower (or bunch of grapes). Jan Lotter was an excellent silversmith who made most of the cape orangespoons (lemoenlepels) found today. He traded from Keerom St.

A lovely, early Old English basting spoon, with narrow elegant stem and very good gauge, in excellent condition. It is ideal for use as a serving spoon. The hallmarks are also very clear.

Pair of Old English serving spoons of good gauge, with a nice feel.They are perfect for use as heavy duty serving spoons. They have an interesting crest of a tulip in front of 2 crossed crosses, each cross arm bearing another cross. Hallmarks very clear.

A beautiful scoop in excellent condition, with very clear hallmarks. In addition, this scoop has an interesting bundled snake crest, also in excellent condition. This scoop is also slightly larger and heavier than others we have seen.

A lovely set of classic deco coffee spoons, in original box. All 6 spoons are clearly hallmarked.

Rare set of 6 Cape fiddle pattern dessert forks, with very clear English pseudo hallmarks and makers mark on all 6 forks. They have an interesting crest, a roaring half rampant lion with his front paws on a strange shaped object (we guess a church with a spire?).

Set of matching spoons in the French Fiddle and Thread pattern, in 800 silver, made in Germany post 1884, all with the same engraved initials (HB). The set includes 6 tablespoons (in original box), 6 teaspoons (in original box) and a soup ladle. The spoons were retailed in Berlin by H Zimmermann, (Juwelier on Orienstr). The 12 spoons were made by Wilkens & Sohne, the ladle by another maker (mark a clearly visible W with 2 people). The ladle has a gilt interior and flat bottom. Note: - these should not be confused with the term "german silver", which is an alloy and not silver as such.

Plain marrowscoop, by specialist spoonmaker Elizabeth Oldfield. This scoop is very dainty, being smaller than later versions. Oldfield was the widow of silversmith Charles Jackson, and had a previous mark as Elizabeth Jackson. She remarried in 1750, when the mark pictured here was registered. The hallmarks are clear, and the original owners initials "WY" are scratched in small letters next to the makers mark.

Plain Georgian Silver pierced fish slice in the Fiddle pattern, with a very pleasant feel. Engraved initials and clear hallmarks.

Pair of Georgian provincial silver Exeter tablespoons in the Old English pattern, with clear hallmarks.

Unusual and beautiful Fiddle pattern serving spoon and fork. The spoon bowl is an unusual oval shape. Forks of this size are rare, serving sets even more so. Beautiful stags head crest and clear hallmarks.

Plain, elegant Fiddle pattern basting spoon of good weight, perfect for use as a serving spoon. The hallmarks are very clear. These silversmiths were a father and son team.

Beautiful set of heavy, elegant grapefruit spoons with classic art deco design. Cased in original box marked "By appointment, Mappin and Webb Ltd, Oxford Street, London". The hallmarks are very clear.

Pleasing associated set of Cape tableforks, 5 by Lawrence Twentyman, one by his contempory John Townsend. Very clear hallmarks, showing the wide variety of hallmarking styles used by the Cape silversmiths. 2 forks have the initial W on the back.

Attractive set of pierced and engraved fish servers, with a very comfortable feel. Albany pattern handles, which are loaded. The Albany pattern was the only 19th century pattern to join the standard patterns after 1860. It was named after Queen Victoria's youngest son, the Duke of Albany, who died in 1884. Very clear hallmarks.

Beautiful set of dainty Art Deco cake forks, in original box. Very clear hallmarks on all 6 forks. Charles Fletcher took over the firm Brewis and Co in 1907, the firm still exists today.

Typically Cape konfyt fork. Smith was a Dane who arrived in the Cape in 1757 as a VOC employee. The hallmark is partially obscured, with only LS of the MLS visible (overstruck?), but his 2 distinctive leaves are clearly visible.

Cape sauce ladle with very clear hallmarks, the makers initials struck twice between 3 roses. Beets was the illegitimate son of the German Balthus Beets of Neubrandenburg and the Cape slave Angana.

Cape tablefork in good condition, with very clear pseudo English hallmarks and makers mark. Initials ADL on the back of the fork.

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. This set has now been featured in an excellent article in ...

Typical Cape konfyt fork in the Fiddle pattern, with an unknown makers mark, not recorded by Morrison, Heller or Welz. The mark is clear, JB between an unknown device, possibly a bird?

Asparagus server with plain handle and blades with pierced floral design, one blade has a lip. Hallmarks are clear, the spring is also marked with a lion passant. Wellby was reknowned for its fine copies of earlier designs, and supplied many leading retailers, including Barnard & Sons. They were located in Garrick St, Covent Garden from 1866 - 1965.

A rare Cape Silver twisted stem konfyt (preserve) fork, with spearhead handle and typical Cape floral engraving. This is similar to the pair (item S 1188), but the engraved flower lacks foliage and the only hallmark present is the makers mark, which is very clear.

A rare matching pair of twisted stem konfyt (preserve) fork and spoon, the fork having 3 prongs. They have spearhead handles, with typical Cape floral engraving, and very clear hallmarks. Similar forks and spoons are illustrated in Heller's History of Cape Silver (Vol 1, pg 148) and Welz's Cape Silver (pg 41). Byleveld worked from 53 Loop Street and 31 Waterkant Street from 1814 - 1827, when he died age 35.

Plain Cape butterknife with scimitar blade, and clear Pseudo English hallmarks. The makers mark is not present, but these particular Pseudo marks were only used by Twentyman (mark 134 in Welz, Cape Silver).

Early pair of bright cut English provincial sugar tongs with clear makers and duty mark, however date and town mark are not present. Quite heavy and solid, have a nice feel. Initials TMM on bow.

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.

Cape Konfyt (preserve) fork with 3 prongs, with clear English Pseudo hallmarks and makers initials. Silver Konfyt forks are unique to the Cape.

A Fiddle pattern Cape Silver Tablefork by a well regarded Cape Silversmith, with engraved initials AW. The hallmarks are clear, being the makers mark struck twice. Lotter worked as a silversmith from 1810 - 1835, and was regarded by Heller as one of the finest of all Cape silversmiths.

Typically late Victorian sugar sifter with ornate cast handle depicting flowers and foliage, and gilded bowl. Hallmarks very clear.

Early Georgian sugar nips with scroll work arms and scallop shell grips. Scratched initials MD in hinge box. Marks (makers and lion passant) on outer side of finger ring, however the makers mark is only partially visible and appears to be ig (which we are informed could possibly be Phillips Garden). The date mark absent as is usual for nips of this period.

Set of six Irish teaspoons, with an interesting falcon crest, in the Fiddle pattern. These spoons are larger than many other teaspoons (slightly longer and heavier). The hallmarks are very clear on all spoons.

Beautiful christening set (boxed spoon and fork) with Hey diddle diddle nursery rhyme, in original box. Exquisite detail, as can be seen from the photographs. Spoon bowl shows detail of complete nursery rhyme. The shafts have a dog, the cow jumping the moon and the cat (who has mysteriously switched from a fiddle to a cello!). Levi and Salaman were well known for their large selection of intricate souvenir spoons. Very clear hallmarks.

A pair of Fiddle pattern Cape tableforks, with clear English Pseudo hallmarks, but no makers mark. As these marks were only used by Lawrence Twentyman, we can be certain of the maker.

Stunning pair of very good quality 2 pronged pickle forks of 800 purity, with a beautiful jugendstil design on both the back and the front of the forks, and horseshoe pattern above the prongs. The box is intact, but showing signs of its age. The hallmarks are very clear, depicting the German moon, crown, 800 purity and a double headed eagle, the makers mark for Bruckmann. Bruckmann were the largest silver producer in Germany, and were noted for their Jugendstil designs.

Plain Irish meat skewer with flat blade, and shoulder pattern beneath ring. The hallmarks are very clear, note the lack of a duty mark, as duty was only introduced on Irish silver in 1808. Initials VG. Neville was an extremely well regarded Dublin silversmith, who served as Warden and Master of the Goldsmith's Company. He was elected to the Dublin City Council in 1807.

A lovely set of early Scottish tablespoons, complete with a double drop, by John Welsh, who was entered in 1742, and who made the Liberta Communion cups. The makers mark and townmark are very clear on both spoons, the date mark and thistle are visible one one spoon (slight wear), and worn on the other.

Scottish Fiddle pattern table forks, appear unused, with tines in excellent condition. Very clear hallmarks.

Pleasant set of Scottish Fiddle pattern tablespoons, of very good weight and by a well known maker. Extremely clear hallmarks on all spoons.

Beautiful, elegant, early Old English pattern sauce ladles, with a long drop and engraved initials JIL. Smith and Fearn were leading spoonmakers, and the hallmarks are very clear.

Very rare set of plain fiddle pattern Scottish provincial sugar tongs with extremely clear hallmarks on both arms - AS TAIN. Initials GC engraved on bow. Stewart was a very skilled craftsman (Quick, Ballance of Silver) who originally worked in Inverness (1796 - 1812), then moved to Tain. He died in 1841. Only 160 pieces of Tain silver by Stewart are known to exist, and only three quarters of these have the TAIN townmark. (Quick, Ballance of Silver). Tain, which has long been a pilgrims destination visiting St Duthac's shrine, is the home of Glenmorangie Whisky, made by "The 16 men of Tain".

Fiddle Pattern Konfyt fork, typical of those produced in the Cape. The fork is engraved "Irene". Konfyt forks were made and sold as individual items in the Cape (Welz, Cape Silver). The hallmarks are very clear, makers initials MLS between 2 Fleur de Lys (one is unclear). Smith was a VOC employee from Denmark who arrived in the Cape in 1757. He married 4 times, had 10 children and died in 1806.

Georgian Irish Fiddle pattern sugar tongs, with very clear hallmarks. They also have the original owners initials (W over CW) scratch engraved in 18th century style (not script). Cummins worked from 1813 to 1846, so these tongs were made very early in his career. He worked from 31 Exchequer Street, and his name was also recorded as Cumying.

A unique collection of 12 early Georgian Hanoverian tablespoons, 8 being George II and four being George III. Sets of flatware from this period are extremely rare, most spoons were made singly or in pairs. All the spoons have clear hallmarks, with visible date letters and makers marks (all but 2 have the makers identified). Five of the spoons are shellbacks, two are scrollbacks, the remaining 5 have double drops. Nine spoons have contempory initials and two have later initials. One spoon has an additional later hallmark JP (John Page, 1900), indicating it may have been repaired at this stage. Identified makers include Thomas Pye, Richard Gosling, Marmaduke Daintry and Robert Sallam.

A delightful ladle shape sugar sifter, with an unusual pattern of stars, crosses and a half moon oval device. The pattern was cut by hand, and appears a little crude. The handle is initialled HI, and the hallmarks are clear with the exception of the makers mark, which is poorly struck, although still discernable.

A delightful pair of Cape silver Konfyt forks, in the rare Fiddle and Shell pattern. The forks also have a bevelled edge, and are single struck. Fiddle and Shell pattern is scarce (Pickford, Silver Flatware), Cape silver in this pattern is very rare. The hallmarks on both forks are very clear, being makers mark MLS between 2 Fleur de Lys. Smith was a Dane who arrived in the Cape in 1757. He married 4 times, had 10 children, and died in 1806 (Welz, Cape Silver).

A lovely Irish soup ladle in the Fiddle pattern, with an attractive, naive tulip crest. The handle is beautifully curved, so much that the top of the handle is at right angles to the bowl, which makes holding this ladle a pleasure. The bowl, which is quite large, is shaped with high edges which assists pouring the soup out of the ladle. The hallmarks are very clear. Sawyer worked from Fishamble Street from 1797 - 1812, when he died - meaning this ladle was one of his last works.

A Scottish Provincial Fiddle pattern soup ladle, with exceptionally clear and distinct hallmarks, deeply struck with no wear - these hallmarks are rare. The ladle is a good gauge, very solid, and fit for use, and is engraved with the initial I in contempory style. The bowl has a good shape, with raised edges, a feature of earlier ladles. The hallmarks are makers mark CF, ELGIN, cathedral wall and St Giles. The cathedral hallmark represents the west front of Elgin Cathedral Church (Jackson, pg 601), St Giles is its patron saint. The detail of the hallmarks is very good, with windows, door, double roof and battlements visible in the cathedral, and cloak, nimbus, staff and book visible in St Giles. Charles Fowler worked from 1809-1824, most of his silver is marked ELN (as opposed to ELGIN in full), the combination with the cathedral wall and St Giles is scarce.

Early Dutch bottom-marked silver tablefork, with transitional elements from Dognose to early Hanoverian pattern. The fork has a distinct Dognose, and a very pronounced rib on the front of the fork. The fork has a double drop, with the "Hague Leaflet" (lofje), a little lip at the join of the handle, typical of flatware made in The Hague (as opposed to Amsterdam) (source Dutch Silver, pg 83, MH Gans). The fork is of good gauge, very pleasing to hold, and engraved with the initials HLZW on the back. The hallmarks are exceptionally clear, showing makers mark (triangle device), lion rampant silver guarantee mark (875), Rotterdam city mark, and date letter b for 1736. The fork also has a puzzling and rare 5th hallmark (added later), being the duty mark used in the Netherlands between 1807 and 1810, for articles of foreign manufacture without payment of duty (source Tardy, International Hallmarks on Silver, pg 317). We can only surmise the fork was re-imported into the Netherlands at that time.

A fine example of a Scottish Georgian Silver toddy ladle, by very fine makers. The ladle is Fiddle pattern, and is engraved with the initial C, in contempory style. Toddy ladles are uniquely Scottish, used for that "wee dram" of spirits, but also suitable as sauce ladles. The hallmarks are very clear and detailed (the tree, fish and bell in the Glasgow town mark are all visible), an additional "star" journeymans mark is also present. Robert Gray and Sons of Glasgow produced "some of the finest British silver of the period" (Walter Brown, Finial, June 2006). Silver by Gray can be found with both Glasgow and Edinburgh marks, as between 1784 and 1819 the Glasgow assay office was closed.

A lovely Edwardian Christening set, comprising of a replica rattail trefid spoon with ribbed rattail, very distinct notches, with matching fork, in original box. Both have very clear hallmarks. Francis Higgins was a specialist spoon and fork maker, who carried a hammer with him in the workshop to destroy any work not up to his standards (Culme, Gold and Silversmiths). He also commented "it should last more than a lifetime, boy" - he would have been proud of this pair. Higgins supplied leading dealers, including Hunt & Roskell and Garrard, this set was retailed by Mappin & Webb of Oxford Street.

A lovely set of replica laceback rattail trefid spoons, decorated in traditional style, both on the front of the stems and the back of the bowls. The rattail is ribbed, the scrolls are elaborate, and the terminals have the traditional notched pattern. These spoons are Brittania standard (950 grade vs. 925 of sterling), as is often the case with early 20th century replica silver. These spoons are very good quality, and the hallmarks are very clear on all 6 spoons.

An extremely rare, Brittania silver, rattail soup ladle in the Hanoverian pattern, of good gauge. The patination on the ladle is lovely, and the bowl, rattail and handle are in proportion, with no sign of alteration. The ladle has the initials E*G scratch engraved on the back of the handle. The stem rises at a sharp angle (almost 90 degrees) to the bowl, the characteristics of a ladle as opposed to a spoon. Snodin (English silver spoons, 1974, pg 46) describes the earliest ladles as dating from the 1730's, this is a rare early example. The hallmarks are worn but visible, the makers mark is very worn, with only the outline of the shield and a ghosting of the makers initials visible. The date letter is poorly struck, but visible enought to determine D from 1719 fairly confidently. Given the wear on the makers mark, an interesting debate has ensued as to the maker. The first letter is definitely S, the second is unclear, the distinctively shaped shield surrounding the makers mark is clearly visible. We had origi...

A typical Cape silver konfyt (preserve) fork with 3 tines, in the Old English pattern, with traditional Cape engraved decoration, consisting of crude stars and a zig-zag pattern which extends all the way to the tines. The makers mark IL is very clear. 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.

Basting spoon in early Old English Pattern, with an elegant narrow handle. In later Old English Pattern the handles flatten out. Basting spoons, sometimes called Turkey spoons, are ideal for use as large serving spoons. The hallmarks are clear, although the makers mark is partially worn, only the GS is visible.

A typically Victorian silver Christening set, consisting of a dessert sized spoon, knife and fork, with a very ornate pattern. The pattern consists of a standing "putti" with arm raised, supporting a blank shield (meant for the recipients initials). The shield is surmounted with a crown, and as can be seen other decoration includes flowers, leaves and scrolling foliage. The pattern is repeated on both sides, on the front the putti is a boy, and the rear of the fork and spoon the putti is a girl with long hair. The set is very good quality, and is still in it's original leather and brass bound box, with blue velvet and silk lining. The hallmarks on all 3 pieces are clear, both the knife blade and hilt are hallmarked - indicating the blade is also sterling silver. The Martin Hall & Co (Richard Martin and Ebernezer Hall) first entered their mark in 1863, so this would have been one of the earliest items they produced. They used this mark until 1878, and remained in business until 1911. They worked from Shrewsbur...

A Tiffany sterling silver Olympian pattern sugar tongs, of very good quality, and with no monograms. Olympian pattern depicts various different scenes from Greek mythology, and has been described as the most elaborate and complex of all Tiffany flatware patterns. This scene shows Pan with 4 nymphs or satyrs, with horns and goat leg hindquarters, one nymph with erect phallus (which must be pretty unique on a flatware pattern!), demonstrating Pan's status as fertility God. Ther tongs are hallmarked "M Tiffany & Co Sterling PAT 1878". The M indicates a date between 1875 and 1891.

An exceptionally large Danish serving spoon, the largest we have ever seen. The spoon is Fiddle and Thread pattern, and has an hourglass shape. An attractive stylised design is engraved on the back of the handle. The hallmarks are clear, being the Danish Copenhagen towers with 89 underneath (indicating 1889), the makers mark ROST and the assaymasters mark (SG entwined) for S. Groth, who was in office from 1863-1904. This is a good solid spoon, ideal for regular use, especially if you are feeding an army!

A Georgian silver sifter spoon in the Old English Bright-Cut Edge pattern, with bottom marked hallmarks indicating a date pre 1777. The bowl has a lovely ornate floral piercing, and a flat base (as expected from original sifters). The Bright-Cut Edge pattern was popular between 1790 and 1800 (Pickford, Silver Flatware, pg 102), so we assume the sifter was updated in style then. John Lambe was a specialist spoonmaker, he worked between 1762 and 1796. His makers mark I*L in oval punch is clear, the lion passant and crowned leopards head are worn but visible, the date letter is very worn but could possibly be the "a" of 1776.

A Chinese Export (or China Trade silver) tablefork, in the Fiddle, Thread and Shell pattern, with scarce Union shell (Pickford, Silver Flatware, pg 118). This is a large and hefty fork of good gauge and quality. The hallmarks are extremely clear, being pseudo - English hallmarks lion passant, dutymark, crowned leopards head, date letter k and makers mark CU for Cutshing of Old China Street, Canton. Cutshing was quite prolific, he used a number of makers marks, including CUT, and worked between 1825 and 1875. CU was used during his earlier period (www.chineseexportsilver.com). Chinese export silver, which is stylistically Anglo-American of the late Georgian period, is "known for its fine workmanship and exceptionally heavy weight (Kernan, China Trade Silver, Checklists for Collectors, November 1965).

A rare and attractive Cape silver fish slice with an engraved fish on the blade between a row of leaves. The blade is pierced by hand and the engraving is typically Cape including the straight and wavy dotted decoration around the edge. The blade is quite large and oval in shape, and the Fiddle pattern handle is quite short. The join between handle and blade is visible, but is clearly original as the decoration over-rides the join. The hallmarks are very clear, makers mark IC between 2 shell devices (Welz mark 26), all well struck. Cape silver fish slices are quite rare, and ones with an engraved fish even rarer. Welz (Cape Silver) mentions that Twentyman was the only Cape silversmith who added the engraved fish (now clearly incorrect), one by Twentyman is pictured in Heller (A History of Cape Silver, pg 168, plate 74). The engraved fish on the Twentyman slice is very similar in style and design to this one, we hypothesize it was engraved by the same engraver.

A beautiful set of Queens pattern tableforks, extremely heavy (over 100 grams each!), they are wonderful to hold! Interesting crest of a curved topped escutcheon containing a wagon wheel, topped with a helmet and a heron. Hallmarks very clear.

A rare pair of Cape Silver sugartongs, in the Kings pattern with diamond heel. They are very good gauge, solid and well made with a strong bow, suitable for use. Whilst Cape sugartongs are known, most are plain (Welz, Cape Silver), this is the only example of Cape sugartongs in the Kings pattern we have ever encountered. The hallmarks are very clear, makers mark FW and the "Cape Stub", 4 pseudo - English hallmarks (lion passant, date letter, duty mark and leopard's head) struck mechanically in a fly press (see article on Cape Stub in "The Finial, 2007, and in the articles tab above). Fredik Waldek was also a chronometer, clock maker and jeweller. Heller (History of Cape Silver) commended Waldek for "excellent workmanship", these tongs are no exception. Only Waldek and Twentyman produced Kings pattern in the Cape.

Pair of bright cut Hester Bateman sugar tongs with very clear hallmarks. Decoration swag and wrigglework with initials JR on bow.

A lovely Russian silver sardine fork in traditional style, the handle a well modelled fish, connected to the 3 pronged fork with a curved, twisted stem. The 3 prongs are also curved, and have short wide tines with flattened ends, for ease of use. The hallmarks include makers mark CH (or CB?), 84 standard mark and town mark, which is a little worn. Our best estimate is Novgorod or Orel (Watts, Russian Silver Hallmarks, pg 42-45), we are open to correction here.