An interesting antique silver spoon, used as a prize in a rifle shooting competition in Natal (now Kwazulu Natal), South Africa. The stem has the cast inscription "For Making The Possible", the back of the bowl has an applied plaque, the emblem of the Natal Rifle Association. It contains a seated Boer soldier on a horse, with the motto "Semper Parati" (Always Prepared), and the date 1862, we assume the date the association was formed. The horse and rider are well modelled, as can be seen in the photos. Semper Parati is now the motto of the Boy Scout movement, perhaps Baden Powell encountered it during his time in South Africa during the Boer war. The spoon was made by the highly regarded Levi & Salaman, and has Birmingham hallmarks for 1904. We had a similar spoon, S 1563, now sold, with the same NRA plaque, but motto "For making the Bulls Eye".
An interesting coin silver American single struck Kings shape Thread and Shell pattern teaspoon, made by Samuel Kirk between 1824 and 1827. Whilst we describe this as a teaspoon, it is a large and heavy teaspoon, perfect for eating dessert. Single struck flatware means the pattern is only struck on one side, this only occurred in Scotland in the UK. The spoon has the original owners engraved family crest, a human head with full beard. The spoon has 3 hallmarks, makers mark S.Kirk in serrated rectangular punch for Samuel Kirk, Baltimore Coat of Arms large oval shield mark (quality mark), date letter C for 1824 - 1827, these are all well struck and clear. This dates to a very interesting period in US silver history, Baltimore between 1814 and 1830 was the only place and date where hallmarks were required on silver in the USA. The State Legislature of Maryland passed the Assay Act of 1814, which set the quality standard at 917, the Act was repealed in 1830 due to opposition by the affected silversmiths, includ...
An interesting Cape silver tablespoon, that appears more Continental than Cape in style. It is Fiddle pattern, but without the shoulders seen in English Fiddle pattern, and the drop has a wide oval shape, another Continental silver feature. The spoon has a single hallmark, makers mark DC, well struck but by quite a crude, home made punch, with flaws in both letters. This punch is a different one from the one depicted in Welz (Cape Silver, pg 146, mark 21), but has been noted on other Cape Silver, so we are confident it is by Collinet (no other Cape silversmiths have initial DC). Collinet was born in Liege, Belgium, he worked in the Cape between 1810 and 1825. We assume he made this spoon early in his career, certainly before 1820 when a number of English silversmiths arrived in the Cape and dictated the style of silver.
A very interesting silver gilt cast spoon, with a well modelled gentleman in 18th century period dress, complete with cane and hat. The figure stands on a pedestal on twisted stem which changes texture (almost bark like) as it joins the spoon bowl. The spoon is in it's original box, marked "By Appointment A. Stephen & Co, Manufacturing Jewellers, Calcutta", so this spoon is well travelled. The hallmarks are very clear, and include registration number "RD 179159", showing the design was protected at the patent office. The spoon was probably designed as a Christening present for a wealthy family We welcome opinions on the origin of the figure.
A lovely Edwardian Christening present, made by the specialist spoonmaker Francis Higgins. It is a replica rattail trefid spoon with ribbed rattail, very distinct notches, and very clear hallmarks. The spoon has no engraving, so would be suitable to be engraved. The spoon is excellent quality, and is a joy to hold. Replicas of 17th century silver items were popular during Edwardian times, the replicas are usually very good quality, as is this trefid spoon. Francis Higgins carried a hammer with him in the workshop to destroy any items 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 spoon. This spoon is very similar to one we have already sold (S 1327), which was made 4 years earlier, also by Higgins.
A lovely example of an American souvenir spoon, which were very popular at the turn of the 20th century, and one of the finest we have encountered. The spoon depicts a Canadian Indian, complete with bow and arrows, tomahawk, feather headdress, Canada ribbon, and delightfully detailed moccasins. This is a rare spoon, the Indian here is not depicted in "Collectible Souvenir Spoons", the authority on souvenir spoons, by Wayne Bednersh. The spoon bowl depicts Brandon College, Brandon, Manitoba, and the Indian figure is holding the enamelled Royal Coat of Arms of the UK, with quarters of England, Scotland and Ireland, under the Royal Crown. This was used in Canada prior to the confederation in 1867, so it is a little mysterious why a Canadian spoon from 1900 is still using these arms. Brandon College was founded in 1899 as a Baptist institution, and was completed in 1901, this spoon would have commemorated the opening. Over 200 students of Brandon College fought during WWI, 2 were awarded the Victoria Cross. Brand...
A rare Cape silver salt spoon, in the Fiddle pattern, struck twice with a makers mark not depicted in any of the Cape silver reference books (although Ince is recorded in both Morrison and Welz). The spoon is struck twice with makers mark INCE, which is very distinct. The spoon is quite crudely made, slightly out of shape, it appears hand made in primitive conditions, it has a strong Colonial feel. The makers mark INCE is recorded by Turner as unascribed Scottish Provincial (Directory of Scottish Provincial Silversmiths, pg 84). It was also recorded as "unascribed Scottish" by Jackson (2nd edition, pg 557, on a tablespoon circa 1770, owned by The Marquess of Breadalbane) - this had been corrected by the third edition. We believe that the possible Scottish attribution is incorrect, and should be corrected to Cape. A number of other Cape silver items made by Joseph Ince are known, including 3 items in the Mullne collection, now in a museum in Pretoria, all struck twice with INCE. In addition, a South Africa...
A Scottish provincial toddy ladle, made by David Gray of Dumfries, but with Edinburgh hallmarks for 1818. The ladle is Fiddle pattern, and has a beautiful crest of a crowned swan, standing with wings outstretched, with motto "Be Mindful". This is the crest and motto of Clan Campbell of Cawdor, headed by Earl Cawdor of Cawdor castle. The hallmarks are very clear, including triple cusp duty mark. The D of the makers mark appears to overstrike a P, but the G is very clear. The ladle also has a small heart shaped journeyman's mark.
A beautiful Tiffany sterling silver Berry spoon, in the Flemish pattern, with notched scroll end finial, and rat-tail. The spoon is a lovely shape, with the bowl at right angles to the stem. The shape of the spoon is also described as a casserole spoon, indeed it is suitable as a serving spoon. It is a good weight and lovely quality, and is still in its original felt bag, marked "Tiffany & Co, Paris, New York, London". The hallmarks are very clear, "Tiffany & Co Sterling PAT 1011M". The M date stamp indicates a date between 1907 and 1947, when John C. Moore II was president. The Flemish pattern was issued in 1911, hence we can date the spoon to between 1911 and 1947.
A set of six silver teaspoons with enamel finials, 3 with a swimmer and 3 with a motorcyclist. The teaspoons have an attractive stem, and all 6 are fully hallmarked on the back of the bowl, and all are stamped "England". The enamels were hand painted, as the details on each differ slightly. We can only guess as to their origin, perhaps a special commission for a family involved in both sports.
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.
Unusual cape shellback tablespoon, this is the only example of a Cape shellback we have seen. Very clear English pseudo hallmarks and makers mark. Twentyman moved to India in 1832, where he continued to trade as a silversmith.
Fine pair of Fiddle pattern Scottish toddy ladles, with engraved initials WG. The makers mark is very clearly RC, possibly Robert Carfrae, who was an Edinburgh unfreeman in the early 1800's (Source Rod Dietert, who wrote Scottish Compendium) - this maker is not recorded in Jacksons. We had originally suggested Robert Clark, this is now proved incorrect as he joined the military and settled in North America circa 1800. Hallmarks very clear. We have now been informed this mark belongs to Robert Chisholm, who worked alone from 1833-1835, when he formed the very successful partnership of Mackay & Chisholm (source Henry Fothringham, Historian to the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the city of Edinburgh, website www.incorporationofgoldsmiths.co.uk).
A Indian Colonial silver tablespoon in the Fiddle pattern, slightly larger and heavier than most tablespoons. Ths spoon has a good feel, nicely weighted when used, and clearly hand made. The spoon has no engraving, or any sign of engraving being removed. The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark P&Co. for Pittar & Co, pseudo lion passant, pseudo date letter A and tally mark number 17 from the book "Indian Colonial Silver" by Wynyard Wilkinson, page 170. Arthur Pittar & Co. worked between 1825 and 1848 in Calcutta, a similar tablespoon, but 2 centimetres shorter, is depicted on page 104. They were primarily diamond and jewel merchants, but clearly made good quality flatware and holloware. They imported a die press for manufacture of Fiddle pattern flatware in 1842, we believe this spoon predates that, given it's unusual size.
A set of six sterling silver teaspoons, made in 1952 and carrying the coronation hallmark used to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, The spoons are an unusual pattern, with Fiddle pattern style shoulders, notched finial (2 corners cut away), and 4 engraved bands between notches, overall an attractive pattern. The hallmarks are clear on all 6 spoons.
A Scottish provincial toddy ladle in the Old English pattern, with circular bowl and a long, elegant, curving handle. The ladle is engraved with script initials AP, which are contemporary. The hallmarks include makers mark DM struck twice, either side of the Dundee town mark, a "Pot of Lilies". The pot of lilies is the arms of the burgh of Dundee (Jackson pg 598), the pot has 2 handles, clearly visible here. The hallmarks are clear, with slight wear to the lilies at the top of the mark. David Manson worked between 1809 and 1818, his work is quite rare.
A set of 6 Art Deco sterling silver coffee spoons, well preserved in original half moon box. The spoons have horseshoe shape bowls, and classic Art Deco finials, the 4 tower shape. All 6 spoons have clear hallmarks. The box is also lovely, half oval fan shape. Both box and spoons are small and dainty, smaller than most spoon boxes.
A lovely set of Art Deco silver grapefruit spoons, with unusual and decorative pierced terminals. The spoons are good quality and a pleasing weight, a pleasure to use on a grapefruit. The piercing is robust, these spoons are very suitable for use. The hallmarks are clear on all 6 spoons. The spoons also have a registration mark, RD 787919, which indicates the design was registered and protected by the patent office. Cooper Brothers worked between 1900 and 1979.
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.
Rare set of 3 Old English tablespoons made in Carlisle, with Newcastle hallmarks, which are very clear. These spoons all have the same engraved initial B as the 4 tablespoons with the incuse duty mark (item S 1184). John Brown worked between 1822 and 1826, he was an ironmonger and jeweller of English Street, Carlisle, who made a variety of small silverware.
