A delightfully decorative chamberstick, realistically modelled as a flower bud, stem and leaves, one of the finest chambersticks we have seen. The flower stem forms the ring grip, and the bud holds the candle, and the pan is octagonal. It is beautifully made and decorated, and is very good quality - truly the work of master craftsmen. Chambersticks were traditionally used to light your way to bed at night. The Angell's are described by Pickford as "very fine 19th century family of goldsmiths" (Jackson's Hallmarks). The hallmarks are clear, and include the duty mark of William IV (even though Victoria was already on the throne), indicating this piece was made between 29 May and 20 June 1837. Both the pan and one of the leaves are hallmarked, even the silver wingnut underneath is hallmarked. The makers mark is poorly struck and only partially visible, but sufficient can be seen to leave no doubt as to the makers identification.

Bright cut helmet shaped cream jug with beaded rim and square base, very typical of the period. Clear hallmarks, with evidence hallmarks were applied before the bright cut engraving. Cartouche has initials engraved on it. Very interesting makers name!

An unusual Russian silver vodka jug in Trompe L'Oeil style ("deceive the eye"), which is a type of decoration designed to imitate a surface or texture, to create a 3D impression. The jug is typically Russian in style, and the texturing imitates rush work or raffia (plaited stems of marsh plants). The detail is amongst the best we have seen, the silversmith was definitely a true artist. The interior of the jug is gilded, and the hallmarks on the base are clear, although part of the makers mark is worn. The handle also has the St Petersburg hallmark. The assay master is unknown, but worked from 1881 -1894. We are not experts on cyrillic makers marks, so are not certain we have correctly identified the maker - all opinions welcome.

A pair of Liberty Cymric glass and silver dressing table pots, with turquoise cabochons set in the lids. The pots match the Liberty vanity set (S1360). Each lid is fully hallmarked with clear marks including L&Co makers mark. The glass pots are bevelled.

A magnificent Scottish kilt sash brooch, used to hold the shoulder plaid in place. The brooch has cast thistles and celtic "buttons" surrounding a spectacular cairngorm (commonly known as citrine, also called black quartz or smoky quartz). The gemstone is very impressive, amongst the largest we have seen. It has been estimated at over 100 carats, and is a round brilliant cut. The hallmarks are clear, with retailers mark J.S.McL (McLeod we assume) overstriking the makers mark. Scottish citrine is called cairngorm after its place of origin in the Scottish Highlands, and is the November birthstone, also the symbol of brightness, life and hope.

A rectangular silver tray, beautifully engraved with a picture of the Frigate HMS (His Majesty's Ship) Broadsword, showing very realistic detail, including the flag. The engraving is superb, very fine detail of the ship, and good texturing of the clouds and sea. The tray has loop handles in the same reeded pattern as the applied rim. The tray is good quality, and was retailed by Asprey of London. The hallmarks are clear, except makers mark which is partially worn. "Asprey London" is stamped on the base. HMS Broadsword was a destroyer of the "Weapons" or "Battleaxe" class, it was built in 1944 and launched in 1946. Designed for antisubmarine warfare, she saw extensive service including USA, Malta and the Iceland Patrol. She was retired in 1964, but her name lives on in later ships. HMS Broadsword has an association (www.hmsbroadsword.co.uk, where we sourced the 2 original photo's of HMS Broadsword in action) and is affiliated with the city of Chester.

A silver bowl bearing the crest of The Kings Royal Rifle Corps, complete with motto "Celer et Audax" (Swift and Bold). The bowl (or possibly ashtray, although we cannot imagine putting ash into such a lovely bowl) is well made, in Arts and Crafts style with hand hammered marks giving lovely texture. The crest is detailed, and has the initials EMV of the silversmith. The date 1914 is significant, being the start of the "Great War", now known as World War I, so was probably made to commemorate the departure of the Corps to the Western Front. The Corps, known today as the "Green Jackets", was expanded to 22 battalions during the war. As riflemen, they were in the thick of trench warfare, and earned 8 Victoria Crosses, but paid the price with the loss of 12824 men.

An interesting silver standing salt made to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII in 1902 by Elkington, who are known for their fine replicas of earlier styles. The quality is superb, and it is a very good weight. The salt is an exact replica of a salt made in 1626, engraved "This Salt is the Gifte of John Waterworth 1626". It has the crest of the "Worshipful Company of Innholders", with St Julien's Cross sable and chevron between three oatsheaves. The company, which still exists today, was created in 1514, and is no. 32 in order of precedence of the 107 London companies. The Company of Innholders has the original Waterworth salts (a pair), we assume the replica was commissioned by them in 1901. The originals are described in an article entitled "The Old English Silver of the Innholders Company, London" by Arthur Butler, in "The Connoisseur Illustrated Vol 1, pg 236, Sept - Dec 1901." Butler describes them as "of very massive silver, the well turned moulding and sensible proportions amply compensate for th...

An early Georgian silver salver with wavy outline and gadrooned rim, set on 3 stepped pad feet, with an imposing coat of arms which is well engraved and very clear. The salver is a good size and weight (over 1 kilogramme), and the hallmarks are very clear.The coat of arms belongs to a peer of the realm, which is indicated by the presence of an open coronet above the armorial, and "supporters" on either side. The arms are "quartered" (4 different coat of arms, indicating several marriages to heiresses, bringing new arms to the family). The motto "Agincourt" indicates participation in the famous battle between England and France in 1415. The salver has an old worn label on the back, which records the family names of the coat of arms - Spencer, ?arnegie (Carnegie?), Fraser, Berkeley. Marks on the rear of the salver show the possibility that the crest has been let in (a later addition) which was common practice when a families' coat of arms changed through marriage (the updated coat of arms would be added to the ...

A magnificent set of 4 early Georgian cast scallop shells, 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. The ...

Italian silver 800 beaker with an interesting military crest, of an eagle with wings outstretched, standing on a laurel wreath, with shield containing letters RI intertwined on chest. The crest is on both sides of the beaker, and the rim is decorated with a wreath.

A silver 2 handled wine bottle coaster, with an attractive applied cut card decoration of a spade shaped leaf. This coaster is solid and well made by Wilson & Gill of Regent Street, London, who were known for their novel and artistic silver (they stocked silver by Christopher Dresser, William Comyns and Hukin & Heath). The coaster has the initials GWI, and is stamped on the base with "Wilson & Gill, London, Rd No 556257". The hallmarks are visible but worn. This could also be used as a bowl.

Lovely Nathaniel Mills cigar case with a beautifully engraved hunting scene, a dog chasing two grouse. The entire case is engraved with scrolls, and the cartouche is engraved "Carole". Hallmarks on the lid and base are very clear.

Plain silver piecrust waiter by Asprey, of exceptional quality, as you would expect from Asprey. The waiter has 3 feet, very clear hallmarks, and is also stamped "Asprey London, J". It is a good weight, and in excellent condition.

Rare Cape Silver Christening mug, by the highly regarded Cape Silversmith John Townsend. The body is plain and cylindrical, the handle has a lovely leaf cap, and the mug is of good gauge. David Heller, author of "Cape Silver", described Townsend as the "most versatile" of all the English silversmiths who worked at the Cape. The hallmarks are clear, being makers mark and pseudo English hallmarks which are slightly worn (duty mark, date letter a, leopards head and date letter J) -(see Welz, Cape Silver, pg 122).

Outstanding example of Dutch Art Deco silver, by a highly regarded silversmith and designer Harm Ellens, who executed designs for Hooykaas in the twenties (source Krekel-Aalberse, Art Nouveau and Art Deco Silver). The teapot, cream jug and lidded sugar basin have ebonised wooden handles and finials, in 833 silver. All 3 pieces are a good weight, and pleasing to use. All 3 pieces are fully hallmarked with clear hallmarks, including the teapot and sugarbowl lids. The hallmarks include makers mark HH, Lion Passant for 833 standard silver, (with keymark indicating it was made for export), Perseus duty mark with mint mark M on helmet, indicating Schoonhoven assay office, date letter M for 1922 (source Tardy, International hallmarks). The base of each also has the hallmark M2 and a scratched number 42299.

A silver beaker of extremely high quality, with lobed and reeded body on gadrooned foot, and gilded interior. The beaker is of good weight and has a lovely feel. The beaker has a lovely crest, with the motto "Manners Makyth Man", and a latin motto "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense" (shame upon him who thinks evil of it). The crest, which is well engraved, is that of Winchester College, Oxford, which was founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Oxford. The latin motto is the motto of the "Order of the Knights of the Garter", which was formed in 1348 by King Edward III. Edward Ker Reid, who traded from Fleet Street in London, was the Grandson of Christian Ker Reid of Newcastle, who established Reid & Sons in newcastle in 1788. The hallmarks are very clear. The beaker holds 420 ml, or three quarters of a pint.

Lovely Victorian silver christening mug, with banded body and gilt interior. It is a pleasant size, shape and design. John Keith was a well regarded silversmith, as well as a deeply religious man, who specialised in Church silver. The hallmarks are clear.

A very good quality silver sauceboat or gravyboat with shaped rim and leaf capped flying scroll handle, 3 cast hoof feet and a nice crest, a greyhound holding an arrow. The hallmarks are very clear, even the leopards' whiskers are visible! Smith and Sharp were important makers, who made some of the finest silver of the period (Pickford, Jackson's hallmarks). They supplied Parker & Wakelin, the Royal Goldsmiths who supplied the Prince of Wales and "half the nobility of England" (Grimwade, London Goldsmiths).

A near pair of silver golf trophies from the Manchester Old Golf Club, both won by the same person. The first was made in Sheffield in 1900 by Fenton Brothers, the second in London in 1901 by Harris & Sons. The trophies are bowls, similar in shape to rosebowls, but smaller. They both have a half fluted design. Both are engraved, the first reads "Manchester Old Golf Club, Atherton Silver Medal, 1900, Edwin Oliver, 98-15-83", the second "Old Manchester Golf Club, Silver Challenge Bowl, 1903, E. Oliver". The hallmarks on both are clear, one makers mark is rubbed but still visible.

Beautiful Italian silver polo trophy, in the shape of a bowl. The bowl is a very good weight, and has an interesting pierced scrolling rim, and cast leaf - capped cabriole legs. It is engraved with a crest of crossed polo sticks and "Roma Polo Club". The hallmarks are clear, being 800 standard, dancing horse, makers mark and the Republican period and province mark (280 MI). The bowl has an interesting provenance, being purchased from the estate of the late Countessa Alessandra Brenciaglia. The trophy was won by Conte Carlo Brenciaglia (father of Alessandra) circa 1935, a champion polo player. The Brenciaglia family castle is La Rocca in Capodimonte, and the family history shows the Brenciaglia's related to Napoleon Bonaparte (thanks to Sandi Brenciaglia for information).

Inkstand of superb quality, by reknowned maker George Fox. Both the inkwells and borders are pierced with an attractive design, and are adorned with 8 classical lion faces, 4 on each corner and 4 (with rings in mouth) around the inkwells. The stand also has a beaded border and bun feet. The lids, which are both individually hallmarked, have rose finials. The glass inkwells fit snugly into their holders.

Typical early Georgian small octagonal caster by a well known maker. Thomas Bamford was a specialist caster maker, whose apprentices included Samuel Wood, who also became a prolific specialist caster maker. Bamford's address was the interestingly named Gutter Lane. The caster is clearly hallmarked, both on the base and on the sleeve of the lid.

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).

Magnificent shooting trophy, with chased design of soldiers in uniform shooting across a field at a target, with trees in the background. The trophy is engraved "1866, Won by No 1 Company, John Rothwell Captain Commanding". The interior is gilt.

Plain half pint mug with a tapered body that has been raised and hammered by hand, with the hammermarks visible as you rotate the mug in the light (truly beautiful!). Smooth scrolled handle with small thumb grip. Hallmarks are very clear, and original owners initials AW are scratch engraved on the base.

Pear shaped baluster caster with spreading base made by the Daniel's, who specialised in casters. Initials ELN are scratch engraved on the base. Both pieces are clearly hallmarked.

Beautiful Arts and Crafts low tazza, with celtic design rim and 8 celtic buttons of two different sizes arranged around the rim. It is a pleasing size and weight, perfect for use as a fruit bowl. This is a truly stunning piece, by highly regarded makers. Halmarks are very clear

Plain inkstand with an interesting historical inscription. The glass ink bottles are square cut, and the stand has scrolling borders and knurled feet. The inscription, in both English and Afrikaans, reads: To General Botha in commemoration of the opening by him of the Volksrust-Bethal Railway at Wakkerstroom on his Birthday 27th September 1916". Botha, who was Commandant in charge of the Boer forces in the Anglo Boer War of 1900-1902, became the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa in 1910. He remained Prime Minister until his death in 1919.

Elegant, plain, oval shaped boat shaped salts with beaded rim, on an oval pedestal. Interiors are gilt. Very clear hallmarks. These are good quality salts by a well regarded maker.

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, JE Merton, 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 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.

Small Liberty cymric bowl set with turquoises, probably designed by Archibald Knox. Knox was renowned for his use of semi precious stones with silver.

Swedish Art Nouveau bowl with superb bearded iris design repeated on 4 sides of the bowl, by a well known Swedish maker. The lip of the bowl is wavy, in keeping with the style. Hallmarks are clear, being CG HALLBERG, triple crown Swedish national mark, St Erik's head for Stockholm, and Y6 datestamp for 1901. (Note: please forgive our previous incorrect attribution of this bowl to Copenhagen).

Art Deco octagonal sweet dish with Ivory handles, with very clear hallmarks. This dish could also be used for teabags, and would fit very nicely with the Deco tea service (item S179).

Early provincial waiter of good gauge and in outstanding condition. The waiter has a shell and scroll rim, lion paw feet and an interesting Stag crest. The hallmarks are exceptionally clear, even the castle windows are clear in the town mark! The base is also scratch engraved with the weight, being 7.2 oz pnt.

A lovely porringer in the style of Charles II. Spot hammered, embossed with acanthus leaves and scroll handles with dolphin head. This porringer is very good quality, amongst the best we have seen. George Fox was a member of the well known Fox family of silversmiths, who supplied some of the leading silver retailers of the day. They are particularly well known for their fine copies of earlier styles (as is this piece). Britannia silver is higher grade than sterling silver, being 950/1000, as opposed to sterling's 925/1000.

A silver "two-cigar" case, with Boer War inscription "Dr Kellner, from a Grateful "Australian" Patient, Bloemfontein, 1900". The Australian is in inverted comma's. The case is well made, good quality and gauge, and quite solid. The interior is gilded, and the hallmarks are clear on both sides of the case. H. Matthews was a large and well known Birmingham firm. Bloemfontein was the capital of the Orange Free State, and was surrendered to the British on 13 March 1900. Thirty thousand British troops entered Bloemfontein, and thanks to poor sanitation a typhoid epidemic broke out, which caused hundreds if not thousands of deaths. Doctors (who included Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) were in short supply, with 3 doctors per 350 patients (Pakenham, The Boer War, pg 382) - which no doubt led to the generosity of our unnamed "Australian". Today Bloemfontein hospital is on Kellner Street, we are not sure if there is a connection.

A hand hammered silver bowl on upturned base, with silver ball feet and decoration. It is beautifully made, of good gauge, and is engraved "To Ian Desborough Elliot from his Godmother, 1901. In small things liberty, in great things unity, in all things charity". The hallmarks are clear, including the makers mark. The Guild of Handicraft Ltd was formed by Charles Robert Ashbee in 1898, and worked from New Bond Street. It went into liquidation in 1908, amidst complaints that the large London firms plagiarised designs and sold them cheaper. The Guild consisted of 50 craftsmen, and each item was made by hand.

A beautiful and classic Art Deco silver tea service, consisting of teapot, coffeepot, milk jug and sugarbowl. The set is extremely well made, and is a very good weight. The set has ivory handles and finials, and deco engraving. The milk jug and sugarbowl have gilt interiors. All four pieces are fully hallmarked, with clear hallmarks. Viners are well known for their deco silver.

An extremely rare Cape Silver vinaigrette, with attractive engraving, a sunburst surrounding a wreath contained in a rectangle on the lid, the base and sides also decorated with naive but attractive zig-zag and dot engraving, typical of colonial Cape silversmiths. The grille is also decorated by hand, with a crude flower and foliage surrounded by hand punched holes in squares. The interior is gilt. Both the lid and base are struck with 3 poorly struck hallmarks, which appear to be the lion passant between 2 castles. However the grille is struck with a very clear LT makers mark, without doubt that of Lawrence Twentyman. The only other known example of a Cape vinaigrette, by Martinus Lourens Smith, appeared at Sothebys Cape Town in February 2007 (Lot 428). None of the Cape silver reference books (Welz, Heller) mention vinaigrettes.

A lovely octagonal bachelors 4 piece tea and coffee service, consisting of teapot, coffeepot, sugarbowl and milkjug, all of exceptional quality and weight, by a very fine maker. The set are replicas of an early Georgian style circa 1720, with each and every detail faithful to the original style. This includes shape, handles, finials, even the hinges and spouts are correct. All are fully hallmarked with clear hallmarks, including the lids. The coffeepot, sugarbowl and creamer are all 1932, the teapot is 1939, but in exactly the same style by the same maker. Heming & Co, a prestigous firm with premises in Regent Street, London, was amalgamated into William Bruford in 1981.

Rectangular, plain but elegant teapot on 4 ball feet, characteristic of the style between 1805 and 1810. Wooden handle and ivory finial. Beautiful tree stump crest, excellent hallmarks, including lid.

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 beautiful Arts and Craft teapot and sugarbowl, with rosewood handles attached with silver rivets, and a conch shell motif, inspired by an Aztec design. These are from the Spratling First Design Period (1931-1946), and have the WS Print circle hallmark and Sterling mark. Spratling was an American architect who settled in Taxco, Mexico, and revived the art of silversmithing there. A similar teapot (but with a silver handle) is illustrated on page 47 of the book Spratling Silver, Centennial Edition, by Sandraline Cederwall and Hal Riney.

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.

Very fine pair of heavy, embossed rectangular salts on raised base by well known maker. The decoration is embossed scroll, shell and floral with gadrooned rims. The crest is a dove with an olive branch in its beak. These salts are heavy even without the glass liners.