A lovely Queen Anne replica teapot, itself antique as over 100 years old, a faithful copy of the earliest known English silver teapots. The teapot is small, due to the rarity of tea during the period, it would be termed bachelor size today. The teapot is pear shaped, with a domed lid topped by urn finial, stand-away hinge, raised circular foot, and octagonal curved spout. The wooden handle is the traditional shape, with thumb piece for easy pouring. The weight and quality are excellent, this teapot is a pleasure to use. An original teapot, dated 1715 and valued at over GBP 12000, is depicted in the book "Price Guide to Antique Silver, Peter Waldron, page 269, this replica is an almost exact copy. The hallmarks are clear, including makers mark JA for James Aitchison of Princes Street, Edinburgh, Goldsmith to the Queen (Victoria), Prince of Wales and Duke of Edinburgh. Aitchison worked between 1877 and 1910, he was a town councillor, and was involved in the building of Usher Hall. His home in Edinburgh is now t...

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 Royal Navy & Merchant Services gold and pearl nautical crown sweetheart brooch, with 14 pearls set in 18 Carat gold, the detail of the crown is exquisite, this is a top quality brooch. Both the crown and supporting bar are 18 carat gold, both are clearly hallmarked "18CT". The 18 carat gold is a deep yellow colour, the pin has a reddish tinge, so could be 9 carat (pin is unmarked). The pearls are different sizes, with the largest in the centre of the crown. These sweetheart brooches were popular during both WW1 and WW11, we have tentatively dated it to WW11 (1939-1945) given the style of the box. The brooch is perfectly preserved in it's original box, which reads "Royal Appointment, Gieves Ltd, 21 Old Bond Street, London W1". Gieves (now Gieves & Hawkes) is a prestigious Savile Row Tailor, established in 1771, the hold numerous Royal Warrants, including the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales. They have long served the British Army, Royal Navy and the Royal family, clients include Lord Nelson, the...

Two Victorian silver vinaigrettes, both very similar in shape and design, reflecting the style of the time. Both are oval in shape with a wavy rim, concave sides, both have engine turned engraving, and both have vacant cartouche (for initials or family crest). Both also have an ornate floral grille, and both are gilded. Both also have clear hallmarks on both base and lid, the grille on the Smith example is also hallmarked. The first, by Edward Smith 1845, has an attractive snake shaped thumb piece, the base design is distinctly different from the cover design. The second still has its original sponge. Edward Smith was a specialist boxmaker, he worked between 1827 and 1865. James Cronin and Sarah & George Wheeler worked between 1846 and 1852 from St Pauls Square, Birmingham.

A fabulous Arts & Crafts silver child's spoon, with a hedgehog finial, made by Francis Cooper, son of the famous John Paul Cooper, who was one of the leaders of the Arts and Crafts movement. Silver by Francis Cooper is quite rare, and is seldom seen (see www.antiquesilverspoons.co.uk for a beautiful tea strainer by Francis Cooper). The spoon has a well modeled hedgehog finial, mounted on a disc with 6 supports, one support is part of the spoon stem detail. The bowl is hand hammered at the back but smooth in front, with the drop and rat-tail part of the bowl. The spoon is exceptionally well made, and given it's superb gauge is a delight to hold (if you have small hands!). The hallmarks are very clear, and include gothic script FC makers mark and the Queens head Silver Jubilee mark for 1977. Francis Cooper (1906-1980, so this spoon was one of the last he produced) worked for his father as a metalworker from 1924 until his death in 1933. John Paul Cooper was an architect turned metalworker, who headed up metal...

A pair of Victorian silver grape scissors, once an essential implement in an upmarket Victorian drawing room, used to cut the stems of a bunch of grapes. This is the rarer type, with traditional scissor blades, as opposed to the more usual 2 wide flat faced blades with a 90 degree angle on one blade, sometimes called grape shears. This set is long and elegant, with a beaded border, and engraved leaf decoration on the back and front, and 2 vacant cartouche's for family crest or initials. The handles are oval rings, and the original steel hinge pin has an attractive circular silver cap with a floral design. The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark CB on both arms, with date letter C for 1878, London town mark, sterling lion and Victoria duty mark. Charles Boyton & Sons was founded in 1809, and survived until 1933. They were manufacturing silversmiths, they supplied many prestigious retailers locally and internationally. A very similar example is depicted in the book "Millers Silver Buying Guide by Danie...

An Arts & Crafts planished (hand hammered) cream jug, with reeded handle that branches out into 6 cast wheat sheaves, with a cast silver mouse on top looking in. The pouring lip is broad, and the jug sits on a circular foot. The hallmarks are excellent. Sarah Jones is one of the 50 leading silversmiths profiled in the book "Designer British Silver, 1930-1985", by Andrew & Styles, a book which we highly recommend. "Her work is quirky and amusing, she is a superb modeller who produces charming animal studies. Her work is in the Royal Collection, a flower study is on Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's dresser table (pages 266-271). Note: A similar beaker, made by Sarah Jones in 1984 with applied cast silver mouse on wheatsheaf, can be seen on the Styles silver website www.styles-silver.co.uk.

An interesting Victorian silver box, with am embossed scene of 4 racing horses pulling a rider, in front of a building. We imagine the rider is riding a chariot, but this is not visible. The rider has a flowing cape, the horses have flowing manes and are kicking up a dust storm, the modelling of the horses is beautiful and very realistic. The box is table snuff box size, it could also fit cigarettes or small cigars, but as it is not gilded or wood lined we assume it is a storage box for small desk items, or perhaps cufflinks on a dressing table. The box is good quality and a pleasing weight. The hallmarks on the base are slightly worn from polishing but still clearly visible, including makers mark G over interlocking L in shield punch for Lambert and Co, who used this mark between 1884 and 1900, based in Coventry Street London. Lambert and Co. was a prestigious firm, originally Lambert and Rawlings, they held a Royal warrant and won a prize medal at the Great Exhibition of 1851. In 1861 George Lambert and his...

A Victorian silver wine bottle stand, with blank central cartouche (suitable for engraving), with embossed shell and scroll decoration, raised edge and 4 very ornate scrolling feet. It is a good weight and is good quality, and suitable for use. The base is engraved "Hunt & Roskell, Late Storr & Mortimer, 8095". The sterling lion, town mark, date letter and duty mark are clear, but the makers mark is very faint and barely visible (although not necessary with the full name engraved on the base). Hunt & Roskell were the most prestigious silversmiths of Victorian England, having descended from Paul Storr, the most famous of English silversmiths. They were silversmiths and jewellers to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and had an important display at the Great Exhibition of 1851. In 1865 it was recorded that they were the largest holders of precious stones in Europe (John Culme, Directory of Gold & Silversmiths, pg 245).

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.

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.

Fabulous matching set of 24 spoons (table and dessert) with griffon crest. The tablespoons are large and heavy enough to use as serving spoons. Very clear hallmarks and crest on all 24 spoons.

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.

An Edwardian silver and enamel novelty vesta case, of circular form with hinged flip top lid and striker built into the base. The vesta has an applied enamel in silver rope border, featuring a pack of 8 English foxhounds, very attractively modelled with lovely colours. Vesta cases (also called matchsafes) were used to store vestas (early matches before safety matches were invested), they were very popular between 1890 and 1910.

A Royal Sussex Regiment 15 carat gold and enamel sweetheart brooch, probably dating from the 1st World War, but possibly earlier (Anglo Boer War). The brooch consists of the Garter Star with Roussillon plume, red enamel cross, blue enamel motto "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense", above blue enamel scroll "The Royal Sussex Rgt". The star and plume are white gold, which contrasts nicely with the yellow gold of the enamel and bar. The badge is mounted on a bar brooch with Y shaped safety clasp, the pin, hinge and clasp are all gold. Both the badge and bar are hallmarked 15CT for 15 carat gold, this standard of gold was discontinued by Britain in 1932, hence we can date this brooch to the Great War. The Royal Sussex Regiment was established in 1881, they saw service in the Anglo Boer War, World War I and World War II. They were amalgamated with other regiments in 1966. The brooch also has a old ring link at the top, so could also be worn as a pendant on a chain.

Beautifully made coffeepot with chased detail, a wooden handle and an ivory finial. Very fine maker, as evidenced by the royal warrant. Very clear hallmarks, (including lid) and "Garrards, Panton Street London" on base. It is interesting to note that even the securing nut that holds the finial in place is hallmarked - true quality!

A fabulous pair of Rat-tail Hanoverian Pattern serving implements, consisting of a basting spoon and 3 pronged serving fork. These are modern reproductions of an 18th century design, but the quality is superb, they are a pleasure to hold and use. No engraving is present on either item. Both are clearly hallmarked with 5 hallmarks, these are large hallmarks and have been carefully placed, to be part of the overall design. The hallmarks include makers mark AHN in inverted heart punch for Anthony Haviland-Nye, he worked between 1968 and 2003, "specialising in high class 18th century reproduction silver" (source William Walter Antiques). The remaining marks include lion passant, London leopards head town mark and 925 sterling standard mark, note the hallmarks have been struck in a different order, and one 925 mark is struck at right angles. The last mark, which shows the bust of Queen Elizabeth wearing a crown looking right, in a dome topped punch, could be mistaken as a duty mark, but is actually the Golden Jubi...

An interesting pair of small circular dishes or pin trays, made by the most famous of all Birmingham silversmiths, Matthew Boulton. The dishes are plain except for a gadrooned border, the quality is excellent, surprisingly heavy for such small dishes. The condition is very pleasing, and there is no engraving. They are similar in shape to larger dinner plates, but with a deeper well, hence our description as dishes, we assume for a small delicacy like bon-bons, a modern version of this dish would be called a pin tray. The hallmarks on both dishes are clear, the MB makers mark has clear indentations to the punch above the M and below the B. One dish has date letter i for 1806, the second has date letter j for 1807, the earlier dish is 9 grams heavier, otherwise they are an identical pair, so we assume they were made by hand just as the date letter was changing. Matthew Boulton (1728-1809) took over his father's silver business at age 21, the first step in a remarkable career as one of the leading entrepreneurs ...

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 large silver lighthouse caster, retailed by James Robinson of Park Avenue, New York. The caster is the traditional lighthouse shape, a design that originated in the late 17th century. This is a replica of an earlier style, but extremely good quality and weight. It has attractive stylised cross and flower piercing, and scrolling cut card decoration on both the base and top (cut card decoration is an extra silver soldered plate, which adds weight and a pleasing decoration, a technique pioneered by the Huguenots circa 1700). The caster has the traditional bayonet locking mechanism, which securely holds the 2 pieces together. Both base and top have a gadrooned rim, which aids grip and also adds a nice decorative touch. The base is circular and spreading, which has preserved the hallmarks underneath. The caster also has a baluster finial, and a rib on the main body which also aids grip. In addition to the London hallmarks for 1959, the caster is stamped "James Robinson INC New York, Made in England". James Robin...