A sterling silver stirrup cup with cast foxes head, on bell shaped cup. The fox has good detail and texture, the cup is a pleasing quality and weight. The cup is designed to stand both ways, so can stand upright on a tray when filled. This is a modern version, with clear hallmarks for Sheffield 1979, and is in excellent condition. Stirrup cups originated in the late 18th century, they are drinking vessels which were presented to riders on horseback prior to leaving or arriving home from a hunt, this happened whilst their feet remained in their stirrups. Most stirrup cups were crafted in shapes that were relevant to the hunt, such as a hound or fox head, as is represented here. Francis Howard was established in 1900 and still trades today from Sheffield.

An interesting set of 3 antique sterling silver serving implements, in the rare Venetian/Italian pattern. They consist of a fabulous quality stilton cheese scoop (81 grammes), and matching pickle fork and butter spreader, all beautifully preserved in original felt and silk lined case. The pattern is very intricate, and is repeated on both sides, at first glance it is similar to Elizabethan pattern, both are Renaissance and Baroque in style. Unlike Elizabethan this pattern has a circular cartouche, repeated on both sides, this has not been engraved. Venetian/Italian pattern was registered in 1868, most pieces are by Martin Hall&Co, this is a scarce pattern (Pickford, Silver Flatware, page 94). Pickford aslo describes a subtle difference between Venetian and Italian (this is difficult to see without a photo of both). The box reads "Mappin & Webb, Manufacturing Goldsmiths & Silversmiths, London, Sheffield & Johannesburg". The hallmarks are clear on all 3 items. We love this set, a delight to hold and use.

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

A lovely Victorian silver and enamel vesta case, featuring a seated pug on a red chair, with sky and trees in the background. The enamel is oval, with a twisted rope border, the vesta is rectangular with rounded corners, and a safety ring for connection to a chain. This is a substantial vesta case, larger than the traditional size, and quite heavy in the hand. The striker plate on the base is stamped "SIRUS PATENT", which we have observed on other vesta cases by Horton & Allday, it is a nice size and oval in shape, so easy to use. The rim is clearly hallmarked, including makers mark H&A for Horton & Allday, who worked between 1888 and 1933, they seem to have specialised in vesta cases and boxes.

A lovely set of 6 Royal commemorative silver spoons, made to celebrate 60 years on the throne for Queen Victoria. The spoons have twisted stems, with a crowned finial above VR for "Victoria Reigns", above silver ball. The bowls have an applied bust of the Queen, with engraved dates 1837 -1897, both the finials and spoon bowls are gilded. The quality is good, these would have been expensive spoons when new. The spoons are perfectly preserved in their original box, the retailer was George Edward & Sons of 92 Buchanan Street, Glasgow. All 6 spoons have clear hallmarks on the back of the bowls, including makers mark J.M.B. for John Millward Banks, which operated from 1863 to 1926, they specialised in souvenir spoons and other small items.

A rare World War I 9 carat gold and enamel sweetheart brooch for the South African Heavy Artillery, who served with distinction at Delville Wood. The badge consists of a springbok head above 2 crossed artillery guns, with "South African Heavy Artillery" below in gold letters with blue enamel (note slight loss to enamel between H AF and small chip before H in heavy). The brooch is cast, the quality is good, 2 different tones of gold have been used (yellow with red gold accents). The clasp connector and catch are also gold, but the pin is not. The hallmarks are clear, Birmingham 1917 with 9 and .375 marks for 9 carat gold, along with makers mark E.A.P&Co (not much is known about this firm, they worked in 1916 and 1917). The South African Heavy Artillery Brigade was part of the volunteer South African Overseas Expeditionary Force, who served during World War I between 1916 and 1918, in East Africa, Egypt, Palestine and the Western Front (Somme, Ypres, Passchendaele and Cambrai, notably Delville Wood).

An interesting set of 6 Fancy back or Picture back sterling silver teaspoons, these are replicas or Georgian silver originals circa 1750 to 1770. Each spoon has a different die stamped bowl decoration, these 6 spoons are replicas of some of the rarest designs. They include: 1.Three masted Galleon at full sail, in wavy sea, thought to represent a British Naval engagement. 2. Milkmaid in period garb, with yoke and 2 pails. 3.Bird on a branch with leaves . 4. Shell with scrolling foliage and flower. 5. Birdcage with bird on top under "I LOVE LIBERTY", commemorating the release of John Wilkes from unjust imprisonment. 6. Basket of flowers, with a basket filled with flowers. All 6 pictures are well struck in perfect condition, with no wear. All 6 spoons are also clearly hallmarked with Sheffield marks for 1959, and makers mark CJV Ld for CJ Vander. C.J. Vander was established in 1886 by Cornelius Joshua VanderPump, the firm became "the last of England's preeminent silver firms, creating exceptional silver masterpi...

An antique silver cigarette case, presented to Captain and Adjutant W.P.E. Newbigging of the 1st Manchester Regiment in 1894. The case is rectangular, with a gilded interior, with a very good quality spring loaded clasp, which is still in perfect working order. The case is engraved "W.P.E. Newbigging, 1st Manchester Regiment" on the exterior, and is also engraved in script on the interior "Biggins, from T.T., 1894", we assume Biggins was his nickname. The hallmarks are very clear on both lid and base. Zimmermans (Arthur & John) worked from 1889 until their liquidation in 1929. William Patrick Eric Newbigging was an interesting character, born in Bengal, India in 1871, son of Lt. Colonel William Newbigging of the Manchester Regiment, so he followed his father's footsteps. He co-authored a book entitled "Rough Diary of the Doings of the 1st Battn. Manchester Regt. During the South African War 1899-1902", with Major Marden. He was severely wounded at Elandslaagte, leading the charge of the Manchesters, for whi...

A Boer War silver Gentleman in Khaki (originally Kharki) sugar tongs, made in 1899 to support fundraising for the 2nd Anglo Boer War. The tongs have the cast image on both arms, the "Gentleman in Khaki beneath crown, with "JUSTITIA" above and "Souvenir" below. The tongs are not engraved. The hallmarks for London 1899 are clear, with makers mark GJ over DF for George Jackson and David Fullerton of Josiah Williams & Co of Bristol, one of the leading flatware manufacturers of the period. The Gentleman in Khaki, wounded but defiant, stands stalwart against the foe, with his head bandaged, this image by Richard Caton Woodville became associated with Kipling's Absent Minded Beggar poem, written for the Daily Mail to raise funds for the war fund (described as unprecedently successful, raising over GBP 250000).

An interesting silver spoon, made by the Leeds College of Art in 1953, to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The spoon is teaspoon size, has a curvilinear handle and is struck with a large coronation mark as key decoration on the front of the spoon, this was an optional hallmark. The spoon is clearly hand made, the bowl and drop a little wonky, so perhaps made by an apprentice. The hallmarks are clear, including makers mark LCA for Leeds College of Art. Leeds College of Art, which still exists today, had a good reputation for silver in the 1950's and early 1960's (Source Designer British Silver, Andrew & Styles, page 372). Silver by Leeds College of Arts is scarce, occasional pieces assayed at Sheffield with the LCA sponsors mark appear on the secondary market (we have seen a few examples on the internet, spoons, beakers and a gravy boat). In addition to being a rare Leeds College of Art piece of silver, the use of the large optional coronation hallmark as decoration is also unusual. Du...

An interesting 17th century style silver notched 2 pronged fork, a replica of the earliest known English table fork. The fork has 3 notches at the top of the stem, a rare feature seen occasionally on puritan spoons. The hallmarks are beautiful, large and well struck, they form part of the decoration. The original, made in 1632, is known as the Manners Fork, and is in the V&A museum in London. The original belonged to the Rutland family of Haddon Hall, and has the crest of John Manners, 8th Earl of Rutland. This fork is a good gauge, very pleasing to use, we tested it on cold meats and olives! The hallmarks are excellent, and include makers mark FH for Francis Howard, the firm worked between 1900 and 1986. The fork comes in it's original box, with pickle fork explanatory card, and expalnation of the hallmarks. A real talking point for your dinner table. This fork is identical to S 1568 which we have already sold, and S1808.

A fabulous set of six antique sterling silver goblets, perfectly preserved in their original box. The goblets are very pleasing quality, over 30 grammes each, and are quite small, so we imagine used for sherry or liqueur. The shape is lovely, a traditional goblet shape, with spreading foot and baluster stem. The goblets are perfectly preserved in their original wooden box, with blue velvet and silk interior, also in remarkable condition, with hinges and clasp in full working order. All 6 goblets are clearly hallmarked for Birmingham 1911, and makers mark W&F.R, for Walter Hayes and Frank Rabone, who worked between 1911 and 1916, with the partnership dissolved in 1918, we assume sadly interrupted by World War 1.

A rare pair of Prince of Wales' feathers picture back teaspoons, in the Hanoverian pattern, with Prince of Wales' feathers to the reverse of the bowl. The crown is well struck and clear, the feathers less well struck with some wear, but still clearly visible. As is typical for a teaspoon of the period, these Hanoverian pattern spoons are struck with two marks - lion passant and maker's mark. All the marks are squashed, the maker's mark could be W*L or possibly I*M, depending on which way you read the marks (all assistance welcome), with mullet between the letters. The spoons have no engraving, and are in great condition with just minor wear to the picture back. The motif on the back of the bowl probably commemorates the life of Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales (1707-1751) and heir apparent to the English throne. He was the eldest and estranged son of King George II, but he pre-deceased his father and so the crown passed instead to his eldest son who became George III. John Luddington, in his book "Startin...

An engraved Victorian silver castletop cigarette case, featuring Edinburgh Castle. The case is rectangular, and is clearly hallmarked. The engraving is well done and in excellent condition, with clear details, scottish thistles surround the castle. The case also has original owners initials AP in script.

A lovely pair of Early Georgian Hanoverian dessert or Child's spoons, made by the leading Huguenot spoonmaker of his day. The spoons are nicely proportioned, and have a double drop. The spoons are engraved on the back (as is usual for this period) with an interesting original family armorial, an Eagle wearing crown, clutching a quarter circle (sextant?) in its talon. The spoons are bottom marked, as is usual for this period, as a result the hallmarks are slightly squashed but still clearly legible, including makers mark PH under acorn for Paul Hanet. The date letter K is also clear, in unusual square outline (only K and M, 1725 and 1727, are not in Norman Shield, the only anomalies between 1561 and 1739), the second spoon is 1726, these hallmarks are worn but still discenable. Paul Hanet is described by Grimwade (London Goldsmiths, page 532) "from the evidence of the survival of pieces bearing his mark, Hanet was clearly one of the principal Huguenot spoonmakers of his day". Hanet entered his first London mar...

A set of 6 sterling silver grapefruit spoons in the Kings pattern, double struck, in excellent condition, they appear unused. The spoons are very good quality and weight, over 30 grammes each, and the hallmarks are excellent on all 6 spoons. Cooper Brothers was established in 1866, they were successful manufacturers, eventually being sold in 1983. The original box has a label that reads "Bracher & Sydenham, Queen Victoria Street, Reading, est 1790", the firm has a long and illustrious history, and still operates today after being acquired by Goldsmiths chain in 1974. They received a Royal warrant from King Edward VII, who visited the shop personally. Note - 5 spoons are 1966, one is 1965, so made over the date letter change.

A pair of antique silver serving spoons, with beautiful pierced and engraved handles, in pristine condition. The detail of the piercing is excellent, an architectural feature surrounded by foliage. The spoons are a useful size, ideal for serving. The spoons appear to have never been used, such a pity for such beautiful items. The hallmarks on both spoons are clear, and include makers mark for the Sheffield firm of Hawksworth & Eyre, who worked between 1841 and 1932, when they were taken over by Ellis of Barker Brothers. Charles Hawksworth and John Eyre exhibited a wide variety of goods at the Great Exhibition of 1851, they had showrooms in London Fleet Street and Montreal, Canada. (Culme, Directory of Gold & Silversmiths, page 222).

A boxed set of six sterling silver Hanoverian pattern teapoons, with matching sugar tongs. The spoons all have rat tails, and the tongs have the spoon pattern repeated on the arms. The quality is good, as you would expect from Mappin & Webb. The original box reads "Mappin & Webb Ltd, Regent Street, London W", this would have been an expensive item when new. All 7 items have excellent hallmarks, the 6 spoons are 1919, the tongs 1920. Mappin and Webb was founded in 1859, it still exists today and is one of Britain's most prestigious brands. In addition to Royal Warrants, Mappin and Webb are the Crown Jeweller.

A fabulous sterling silver letter opener, with an impressive cast silver Leopard's head, the detail is superb. The letter blade has well struck large hallmarks along the front, these form part of the decoration. The quality is excellent, it has a lovely feel in the hand, and when you leave it on your desk you cannot resist picking it up. The animal may not be a leopard, my wife suggested Jaguar, please see the photograph's.

A set of 6 Victorian silver trefid teaspoons, with lovely bright cut engraving. The spoons have the traditional trefid shape, with 2 deep notches, and a wide flattened terminal. The spoons are engraved in Victorian style, with scrolls and and leaves, zig zags and hatching, the quality of the engraving is superb, these spoons will sparkle in candlelight. The spoons are in excellent condition, and appear to never have been used, a pity with such lovely spoons. The original box reads " Forsyth & Co, Jewellers, Pietermaritzburg, Natal", the box itself is excellent quality, silk and velvet interior. The hallmarks on a 6 spoons are excellent. Forsyth & Co still exists today, they date back to before 1897, as an advert from 1897 has been found (see photograph). Hilliard & Thomason were manufacturing silversmiths who worked from Spencer Street, Birmingham, between 1847 and 1902. They exhibited at the Great Exhibition on 1851.