A rare 18th century Birmingham silver caddy spoon by leading maker Joseph Taylor. The spoon is a naturalistic veined leaf, very finely decorated on the back and the front, the handle a coiled tendril, simply formed from silver wire rolled into a circle, with a tail, flattened to form the connection with the bowl, it works remarkably well. The hallmarks have been individually very carefully struck, as a result all 5 hallmarks are fully intact and clearly visible, which is not often the case with finely decorated silver. They include Birmingham anchor, date letter b for 1799, cusped duty mark, lion passant and makers mark IT for Joseph Taylor. 3 very similar caddy spoons are depicted in the book "Caddy Spoons" by John Norie (a book we highly recommend), figure 59g, by Joseph Taylor dated 1798, and also 2 by Elizabeth Morley (dated 1802 and 1815), figure 22a and c. The same book says "all 18th century Birmingham caddy spoons must be considered comparatively rare and desirable, the facts are that very few were ma...

An interesting antique Ecclesiastical silver straining ladle, made in 1819 in Lemberg, then part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, but now known as Lviv, the largest city in Western Ukraine. The ladle has a round bowl, pierced with straining (or sifting) holes, arranged in the shape of a 6 petalled flower, the holes have different sizes, but all quite small - so we think it is more likely for straining than sifting. The plain handle is at 45 degrees from the bowl, the ladle overall is a good weight and very pleasing quality. The ladle has 3 clearly struck hallmarks on the back of the end of the handle. The first is the Austro-Hungarian standard mark used between 1807 and 1866, with 13 in circle for 13 loth (812 fineness), date 1819 around circle, and town mark D above the circle, with D identifying Lemberg / Lwow. The second mark TF co-joined in oval punch under D is the tax free mark (taxfreistempel) used from 1810 to denote "ecclesiastical silver not subject to delivery to the authority", so we assume the lad...

A lovely Georgian silver basting (or serving spoon) by Hester Bateman, the most famous 18th century female silversmith, she has also been described as the "Queen of British Silversmiths". The spoon is Old English pattern, and is engraved with a family crest of a crowned lion breathing fire, this is very clearly engraved. The hallmarks are very clear, they could not be better, and include makers mark HB in script, this mark was used from 1778 to 1790. All the hallmarks have very clear detail, you can see the hair and collar on the duty mark, fringes on the lion passant legs and mane.

A pair of beautiful Norwegian 830 silver caviar spoons in the Russian style, made by Jacob Tostrup, one of Norway's leading silversmiths, goldsmiths and jewellers. The quality and the decoration of the spoons is superb, Tostrup has used a combination of selective gilding of parts of the handles to accentuate the spoons design and high quality engraving. The spoons have circular bowls and a typically Russian design, dating back to a period when Russian influence was greater in Norway than it is today. The intricate engraving has clearly been done by a master craftsman. The backs of the bowls are engraved with original owners initials P & T B in script. The spoons have been perfectly preserved in their original silk and felt lined wooden box, which reads "J. Tostrup Juwelier Kristiana". Both spoons are clearly hallmarked "830 TOSTRUP 1879". Jacob Tostrup was founded in 1832, Jacob died in 1890 but the business was continued by family members until 1962. "Jacob Tostrup received the title royal court jeweler, a...

A Belgium antique silver matching tablespoon and table fork in the Fiddle and Thread pattern, made in Brussels circa 1832 by leading silversmith Auguste Bonnevie. Both are a pleasing weight, these are good quality items. The pair have an interesting family or city crest engraved on the back, a shield with 4 small crosses surrounding a larger cross, below Royal crown, above "Bruges". The Cross surrounded by 4 crosslets is the Jerusalem Cross, originally used as the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, but since used for various Crusader states, and now used as the Georgian flag. Above the crest original owners initials OI are also engraved. Both spoon and fork have the same 3 hallmarks, very clear makers mark of B below silversmiths hammer in square punch (makers mark 1921 in the book "Belgische Zilvermerken" by R Stuyck, pages 41 and 185), for Auguste Bonnevie. Bonnevie worked from 1814 to 1869 (a long period so possibly father and son), based in Brussels. The second mark is the Minerva head guarantee ma...

A beautiful Gorham sterling silver Louis XIV pattern gilded sugar sifter spoon and matching ladle, retailed by Starr & Marcus of New York. The pattern is striking, described as "17 th Century Magnificence", named after King Louis Quatorze of France, who "made his reign famous for it's splendour". The sifter spoon bowl is intricately pierced, clearly done by a master craftsman, one of the best we have seen. The design has 12 panels around the outside, each with a pierced starburst and V shaped flower, the centre has more starbursts and a pierced branch design, completed with pierced circles. The ladle (we assume for gravy) has a plain bowl, but with deep gold gilding (described as goldwash in the USA), both have original owners engraved initials Gothic S. The hallmarks are clear on both items, "Patent 1870, Sterling, and the Gorham lion, anchor and gothic G, along with retailers mark "Starr & Marcus". Gorham Corporation, which still exists today, was founded in 1831, they dominated the solid silver flatware m...

A magnificent Arts and Crafts silver Apostle spoon, one of the finest we have seen. The spoon has a well cast Apostle complete with Nimbus in flowing robe, with one hand raised in blessing. The detail is lovely, including the full beard and flowing hair. He stands on an attractive pedestal with scrolls and foliage. The stem is very unusual, with an open pear shaped loop at the base and central groove (front and back), it is hand hammered and is wrapped in an applied entwined scroll. The bowl is also hand hammered, circular but tapered as it joins the stem, with a fascinating drop (or join), the tapered bowl splits into two strands which are curled into rolls, held in place by 2 silver balls - we have never encountered this before in a spoon. The hallmarks are clear, including makers mark F.C in quatrefoil punch for Frederick Courthope. Courthope took over the business of respected George Angell in 1884. he started trading in his own name in 1889, he worked until 1912. He was a master silversmith, who hand mad...

A fabulous Belle Epoque French silver 950 standard sugar sifter in the Empire pattern, made by renowned Parisian silversmith Emile Puiforcat. The quality is very pleasing, as you would expect from Puiforcat, with an intricate pierced design and gilded bowl, and double struck Empire pattern handle, with swan finial, foliage and wreathes. The cartouche has not been engraved. Two hallmarks are present in the bowl, both clearly struck, makers mark EP in diamond lozenge, with penknife (un canif) between the letters, and French Minerve 1st Standard mark, with 1 next to forehead, indicating 950 purity (so higher purity than sterling 925). An additional partial mark can be seen on the bowl exterior, this is a French Bigorne insect countermark, struck opposite the guarantee mark, to prevent fraud. Emile Puiforcat established his business in 1857 at 18 Rue Chapon, it still exists today and is known as one of the leading French silver producers.

An interesting antique Indian silver spoon, beautifully decorated with highly intricate designs, hence our attribution tp the Kutch region. The spoon is a pleasure to hold, soup spoon in size but could also be used as a small serving spoon. The handle is hollow, the dome shaped finial, with pierced sides, was made as a separate piece. The repousse decoration is very fine, clearly made by a master craftsman, it features scrolls, pillars and leaves, the finail has gadrooning as well. The bowl is also lovely, scrolls linking to handle, and a triangle and circle design around the rim. Of particular interest is that this spoon is hallmarked with maker mark DAC, on the front of the bowl rim, and another indistinguishable mark in the same place on the other side of the bowl, very easy to miss amongst the decoration. We would welcome assistance with the identification of this maker.

An interesting coin silver American Fiddle pattern tablespoon, made by Samuel Kirk in 1822. The spoon has original owners script initials JMC. The spoon has 4 hallmarks, makers mark S.Kirk in script in rectangular punch for Samuel Kirk, Baltimore Coat of Arms shield mark in clipped corner rectangle (quality mark), date letter F for 1822 and Head of Liberty mark. 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, including Kirk, who petitioned for its repeal. Thomas Warner was the Baltimore Assayer between 1814 and 1823, so he would have struck these marks. Samuel Kirk began working as a silversmith 1815, he founded the very successful firm of S. Kirk & Sons in 1846, it became the oldest surviving silversmithing ...

A magnificent pair of Victorian silver gilt spoons, with a beautiful figure of a maiden (or Goddess), sculpted with lovely detail. She is full figure, with a long flowing dress with a high slit, with flowers adorning the front. She holds her arms crossed, and has her hair in a bun. The design has a strong Art Nouveau look and feel, these spoons were well ahead of their time when made in 1873. The spoons are very good quality and gauge, very suitable for use as serving spoons for a dessert. The hallmarks are very clear on both spoons. Henry William Curry took over the business of Augustus Piesse in 1868, which he continued until 1889. Of interest is that Curry was in trouble with the Goldsmiths Hall in 1880 in a matter of counterfeiting hallmarks (John Culme, Directory of Gold and Silversmiths, pg 366). Curry has left behind some fabulous silver, top notch quality and beautiful intricate designs, he deserves further study. Henry William Curry's brother Charles John Curry was in partnership with Alexander Crich...

A pair of Jugendstil German silver serving spoons, 800 purity, made by Lazarus Posen of Frankfurt, Germany circa 1900. The spoons have an interesting diamond shaped bowl, the bowls are gilded on both sides, so can be used for serving salty dishes. The handles are single struck in typical Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) style, with a central wreath surrounding engraved initials MJL. Both spoons are clearly hallmarked, makers mark script P in shaped outline, 800 standard mark and German crescent moon and crown hallmarks. Lazarus Posen was founded in Frankfurt in 1869, they specialised in Judaica, they became one of Germany's leading silversmiths, receiving a Royal warrant in 1903. They closed in 1938 due to Kristallnacht.

A set of 4 Scottish silver Hanoverian pattern tablespoons, made in Edinburgh in 1773 by William & John Taylor. The spoons have the Hanoverian central ridge, and have double drops on the back of the bowls. The spoons are engraved with an interesting family crest of a hand holding an Imperial Crown, below motto "Corde et Animo", translated "With heart and soul", this is the crest and motto of the Scottish Clayhills-Henderson family. The engraving is on the back of all 4 spoons, as is usual for the period, when flatware was placed on the table facing down. The engraving has some wear, but still clearly visible on all 4 spoons. All 4 spoons are bottom marked, and have 3 clear hallmarks - Edinburgh castle, Scottish thistle and date letter gothic T for 1773. The spoons also have a poorly struck makers mark, only partially visible on 1 spoon, just enough to see it is WT over JT for William & John Taylor (Jackson page 549). William Taylor worked from 1753, and produced good quality silver, we assume he was joined b...

A lovely Queen Anne Dognose (also called wavy end) spoon in Brittania silver. The Dognose was popular during the Queen Anne period, and the transition between the earlier Trefid and later Hanoverian can clearly be seen. This spoon is clearly engraved "S*B" on the back of the spoon, which is correct as spoons were placed bowl down on the table at this time. The S*B mark of the original owners probably signifies a betrothal. The spoon has a very pronounced rat-tail, and is quite good quality, this spoon has a nice feel. The makers mark Br above fleur de lys in shaped shield is very clear, this is Grimwade mark 209, the mark is clearly struck, with slight wear to the r. The remaining 3 marks are squashed (the stem was shaped after the hallmarks were struck) and partially worn, but still legible enough to see Brittania, Lions head erased and date letter for 1712. John Broake was freed in 1699 and worked until 1712, he was a specialist spoonmaker. A marrow scoop made by John Broake, also in 1712, is depicted in t...

An Irish silver serving spoon in the Fiddle pattern, with Rat-tail bowl, this is a feature only found on Irish spoons of this period. The spoon is engraved with original owners initials WMC in script. The hallmarks are clear, including makers mark TT without pellat, this mark was only used by Townsend in 1816 and 1817. The hallmarks are clear, and include retailers mark LAW for Willaim Law, who operated in Dublin from 1766 - late 1820's, firstly from Cole Alley, Castle street, then Sackville Street, it is known Thomas Townsend was one of his suppliers. This spoon is suitable for use as a serving spoon. Note - The hallmarks appear to have been painted over with a brown substance, possibly varnish, but they are still clearly visible. This spoon also has an additional engraved C on the drop, probably the initial of a different owner.

A lovely Queen Anne Dognose (also called wavy end) spoon in Brittania silver. The Dognose was popular during the Queen Anne period, and the transition between the earlier Trefid and later Hanoverian can clearly be seen. This spoon is clearly engraved "S*B" on the back of the spoon, which is correct as spoons were placed bowl down on the table at this time. The S*B mark of the original owners probably signifies a betrothal. The spoon has a very pronounced rat-tail, and is quite good quality, this spoon has a nice feel. The makers mark Br above fleur de lys in shaped shield is very clear, this is Grimwade mark 209, the mark is clearly struck, but given the narrow spoon handle only a portion of the r is cisible. The remaining 3 marks are squashed (the stem was shaped after the hallmarks were struck) and partially worn, but still legible enough to see Brittania, Lions head erased and date letter for 1712. John Broake was freed in 1699 and worked until 1712, he was a specialist spoonmaker. A marrow scoop made by J...

A rare and possibly unique Chinese Export Silver Pickle Fork and matching spoon, with extremely long handles. The pair are in the Fiddle, Thread and Shell pattern, and have no engraving or monograms. Both items are just over 27 cm long, the spoon has a teaspoon sized bowl, and the fork has 4 long tines. Both are double struck (pattern on both sides), and interesting to note the spoon end turns down, while the fork turns up. The fork has the "Chevron seam found in Fiddle, Thread and Shell pattern flatware" (Forbes, Chinese Export Silver page 65), this is not visible on the spoon. The hallmarks on both items are clear, and include pseudo duty mark, makers mark KHC, pseudo crowned leopards head town mark, and pseudo lion passant. Khecheong was one of the most prolific Chinese Export silversmiths, he worked from Club Street, Honam Island, Canton between 1840 and 1870. He has been described as a "good silversmith" Forbes, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1885, page 255 - a book we highly recommend. A very similar long ...

A beautiful Norwegian silver replica of a 17th century figural spoon, which makes an ideal Christening present for a girl. The spoon has a well modelled cast finial of a bust of a female warrior, complete with armour, standing on a pedestal decorated with a feeding bird, masks, flowers and scrolls. The traditionally shaped bowl is gilded, the gilding still well preserved. The quality of this spoon is outstanding, clearly made by a master craftsman, and the condition is excellent. The spoon is hallmarked with makers mark MH and grade 830S, so we can date this spoon to prior to 1920, when Norwegian silversmiths moved to the sterling 925 standard. Marius Hammer (1847-1927) was one of Norway's leading silversmiths, employing 130 staff in 1914, they even supplied the Prince of Wales. In addition to high end souvenirs, they produced replicas of notable Scandinavian silver, including this spoon.

A fabulous Tiffany Sterling silver Indian Chrysanthemum soup ladle, in excellent condition, it does not appear to have seen much use. The pattern is truly beautiful, double struck on both sides, with a vacant cartouche for initials or a family crest (this has never been engraved). The bowl is also fluted and has a scalloped edge. The soup ladle is clearly hallmarked "TIFFANY & Co STERLING PAT.1880.M, the M indicates this is an early piece (the pattern was produced from 1880-1934). This must be one of the most beautiful example of hallmarks, with the design wrapping over and through the hallmarks. The soup ladle weighs over 350 grams, so quite hefty to hold, needless to say the quality is excellent. Indian Chrysanthemum has been described as "one of the most magnificent and celebrated sterling silver designs of the 19th century. Chrysanthemum represents one of the last great designs of the Victorian period" -(www.replacements.com), it was designed by Charles Grosjean. "Master silversmith Charles T. Grosjean jo...

An Exeter silver sifter ladle in the Fiddle pattern, with an engraved family crest featuring a dog or wolf. The sifter is the traditional shape, with beautiful scroll and cross-hatch piercing. The hallmarks are excellent, and include makers mark JAP, Victoria duty mark, lion passant, castle town mark and date letter gothic C for 1839. James Andrew Page worked between 1833 and 1862 in Plymouth, he died in 1898. In 1862 the business became Page, Keen & Page, which survived being destroyed by bombs in 1941, and merged with Bowdens in 1970. Page, Keen & Page produced interesting silver replica spoons complete with early Plymouth hallmarks.