A pair of Arts and Crafts sterling silver condiment spoons, made by the little known silversmith Denis Lacy-Hulbert. The spoons have oval shallow bowls, and flat rectangular stems which are planished (hand hammered), very similar in style to Puritan spoons. The hallmarks form part of the decoration, proudly struck on the front of the stems, evenly spaced, these are very clear, and include makers mark D L-H. Note - we have a very similar pair, just larger in size, S 11273. Denis (Ben) Lacy-Hulbert (1911-2005) was Managing Director of a family steel tube/ cylinder manufacturing business, silversmithing was a hobby, very few items are recorded by him. Denis also made antique replica items in 18 carat gold, notably a strawberry dish and tumber cups. Denis Lacy-Hulbert registered his mark in 1953, but most surviving work appears to be between 1972 and 1983, he was based in Chesterfield, Darbyshire. The business Lacy-Hulbert & Co was founded by Denis and Cyril's father Charles in 1903, they were pneumatic enginee...

An Arts and Crafts sterling silver butter knife, made by the little known silversmith Denis Lacy-Hulbert. The knife has the traditionally shaped blade, for spreading, not cutting, and a flat rectangular stem which is planished (hand hammered, the blade is also planished), very similar in style to Puritan spoons. The hallmarks form part of the decoration, proudly struck on the front of the stems, evenly spaced, these are very clear, and include makers mark D L-H and the optional Silver Jubilee mark used in 1977 to celebrate 25 years on the throne for Queen Elizabeth II. Denis (Ben) Lacy-Hulbert (1911-2005) was Managing Director of a family steel tube/ cylinder manufacturing business, silversmithing was a hobby, very few items are recorded by him. Denis also made antique replica items in 18 carat gold, notably a strawberry dish and tumber cups. Denis Lacy-Hulbert registered his mark in 1953, but most surviving work appears to be between 1972 and 1983, he was based in Chesterfield, Darbyshire. The business Lac...

An Arts and Crafts sterling silver bangle, made by the little known silversmith Denis Lacy-Hulbert in 1953, an early piece of his work. The bangle is decorated with flowers and foliage, the original solder join still clearly visible. The hallmarks are hidden in the decoration but still clearly visible, they include the optional coronation mark used to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952. We assume this piece was made for a member of his family, and not intended for sale. Denis (Ben) Lacy-Hulbert (1911-2005) was Managing Director of a family steel tube/ cylinder manufacturing business, silversmithing was a hobby, very few items are recorded by him. Denis also made antique replica items in 18 carat gold, notably a strawberry dish and tumber cups. Denis Lacy-Hulbert registered his mark in 1953, but most surviving work appears to be between 1972 and 1983, he was based in Chesterfield, Darbyshire. The business Lacy-Hulbert & Co was founded by Denis and Cyril's father Charles in 1903, they were ...

An Arts & Crafts Britannia silver tumbler cup, with hand hammered (planished) sides, and rounded heavy base, made by the little known silversmith Denis Lacy-Hulbert for his brother. The cup is beautifully proportioned, ideal for use, and is a lovely quality item. The cup is engraved "Cyril Lacy-Hulbert, M.A. (HONS) CANTAB, C.ENG, M.I.E.E., M.I. Mech E.", well positioned beneath the hallmarks, which also add to the decorative effect. The reverse of the tumbler has the Lacy-Hulbert family crest, with motto "Pro Aris Et Focis", translated "For Hearth and Home". The hallmarks are excellent, all clearly struck, including Britannia which indicates this silver is higher grade 950 standard (sterling is lower grade 925). Tumbler cups were originally made in the 17th and 18th century, designed with a heavy rounded base that rights itself to prevent spillage when traveling (think stagecoach or boat). Denis (Ben) Lacy-Hulbert (1911-2005) was Managing Director of a family steel tube/ cylinder manufacturing business, silve...

A pair of Arts and Crafts sterling silver condiment spoons, made by the little known silversmith Denis Lacy-Hulbert. The spoons have oval shallow bowls, and flat rectangular stems which are planished (hand hammered), very similar in style to Puritan spoons. The hallmarks form part of the decoration, proudly struck on the front of the stems, evenly spaced, these are very clear, and include makers mark D L-H and the optional Silver Jubilee mark used in 1977 to celebrate 25 years on the throne for Queen Elizabeth II. Note - we have a very similar pair, just smaller in size, S 11274. Denis (Ben) Lacy-Hulbert (1911-2005) was Managing Director of a family steel tube/ cylinder manufacturing business, silversmithing was a hobby, very few items are recorded by him. Denis also made antique replica items in 18 carat gold, notably a strawberry dish and tumber cups. Denis Lacy-Hulbert registered his mark in 1953, but most surviving work appears to be between 1972 and 1983, he was based in Chesterfield, Darbyshire. The b...

A pair of early Georgian Hanoverian tableforks with 3 tines or prongs, made by the leading Huguenot spoonmaker of his day. The forks are a pleasing quality, and are in excellent condition, with no engraving, we really like these forks. The forks are bottom marked, as is usual for this period, as a result the hallmarks are slightly squashed, some are clear and some partially visible. The first fork has very clear PH under acorn makers mark (this could not be better), with worn lion passant and crowned leopards head town mark, and a partially visible K for 1725, good enough to be certain of the date. The second fork also has partially worn lion passant and crowned leopards head town mark, and a partially visible K for 1725, but makers mark is not visible. 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 mark in 1716, he was "Fre...

A lovely little campana shaped silver caster, probably intended as a pepperette. The caster is the traditional campana shape (inverted bell shape, copied from a Greek krater), with gadrooning around the rim and lower portion, the lid is pierced with scrolls and dots, and has a ball finial. The interior is gilded (lid as well), to prevent corrosion, the gilding has a lemon colour. The hallmarks on caster are worn and partially visible, the hallmarks on the lid very clear. Eley and Fearn worked between 1798 and 1824, so this caster was made at the end of their partnership. They are known as prolific spoon makers, but made other items as well. The campana shape is usually associated with vases and wine coolers. the Warwick vase, perhaps the most famous of all English silver vases, copied from a Greek marble vase, is campana shaped.

A collection of 3 18th century miniature toy or snuff spoons, all 3 with rattails dating circa 1720. The first is by David Clayton, this spoon is 5.9 cm long and weighs 1 gramme, makers mark only (gothic script DC, Grimwade 452). This spoon is dainty with long elegant handle, and has character, it is well used, scratches, kinks to handle and bowl, but no repairs. The second is possibly William Scarlett, with clear lion passant and partial marks mark ? /S, this spoon is 8.2 cm, weighs 4 grammes, slight kinks to bowl but otherwise good condition. The third spoon has no hallmarks, it has an old repair halfway down the handle, with inserted silver bar joining the 2 halves, this spoon is 8.8 cm and weighs 4 grammes. Even without hallmarks and with an old repair, we really like this spoon. David Clayton is perhaps the most famous English silversmith who specialized in miniatures, and to quote from Wikimedia - "David Clayton was a renowned English silversmith from London active from around 1697. His work is exhibite...

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.

A cast silver reproduction of the Lady in Crinoline caddy spoon, originally made by John Figg in 1844. The spoon depicts a lady in a crinoline dress carrying a parasol, the bowl is a matt chased rocaille shell. Being cast, this is an extremely heavy caddy spoon at 42 grammes, it is superb quality. The original is a highly important and extremely rare caddy spoon, it is depicted in John Norie's Caddy spoon book (plate 10) and also in the book "Investing in Silver" by Eric Delieb, pg 31, where it is pictured and described as "the superb little lady in the crinoline of the chinoiserie revival period". A similar spoon was part of the John Norie collection of caddy spoons, sold as lot 99, part 1 (Woolley & Wallis, April 2004). The hallmarks are clear. Note - The Society of Caddy Spoon Collectors (http://www.caddyspoonsociety.org) has just published a very interesting article about this caddy spoon in it's October 2020 bulletin, entitled "Lady in a Crinoline". It states that in "1967 a rogue silversmith chanced his...

A set of 4 Queens (also called Rosette) pattern egg spoons, 2 made by William Chawner in 1825 and the other 2 by George Adams in 1870 (of Chawner & Co.). The 4 spoons match perfectly, double struck with honeysuckle heel. All four spoons have the same engraved family crest, a leopard with whiskers above a a coronet, so belonged to the same family, but the crests were engraved at different times (so we assume the 1870 spoons were added to the earlier set). The spoons are fabulous quality, just over 30 grammes each, a pleasure to hold and use. The egg spoons have the traditional shovel shaped bowls with distinct shoulders, where they meet the stem, so quite different to teaspoons. The bowls are gilded, as is usual for egg spoons, to prevent corrosion from salt associated with egg. The hallmarks are clear on all 4 spoons. Queen's pattern is similar but heavier to Kings pattern, the shell at top front is convex (Pickford, Silver Flatware, page 124).

A fabulous pair of scarce Kings Fiddle Husk tablespoons, of exceptional quality and weight, made by Elizabeth Eaton. These spoons both weigh over 105 grammes each, amongst the heaviest we have encountered. The spoons have the Husk heel, and have no initials or engraving. Kings Husk pattern is a scarce variant of the Kings pattern, the most obvious difference being the omission of the central honeysuckle and a husk shell rather than a concave shell (Pickford, Silver Flatware, pg 136). In addition there is no shell on the back. It was first produced during the Regency, Paul Storr also produced this pattern. The hallmarks are clear on both spoons, including makers mark EE in a bifoil punch, for Elizabeth Eaton. Eaton inherited the firm in 1845 on the death of her husband William, her son John joined the business in 1854, they sold the business to Henry Holland in 1864. (Culme, Directory of Gold and Silversmiths, pg 134). The firm had a good reputation, Elizabeth Eaton exhibited silver spoons and forks at the Gr...

An extremely rare antique 9 carat solid gold spoon, probably made as a special commission. The spoon has a cast Griffin head above a Marquess coronet finial, the detail is lovely. The handle is twisted, and the bowl has scalloped edges, and is engraved with the original owners initials WDB. The quality is excellent, this would have been an expensive item when made. The spoon is made of 9 carat rose gold, and has been gilded in 18 carat yellow gold to enhance it's appearance. The rose and yellow gold accents accenuate the Griffin, the back of the bowl is rose gold, and the engraved initials show the rose gold coming through. We are informed by a leading London dealer that plating in 18 carat gold did occur during the period on high end goods. The hallmarks are excellent, and include makers mark BHJ, 9 and 375 for 9 carat gold, Birmingham city mark and date letter r for 1891. Additional 9 carat marks are present on the bowl. B.H. (Barnet Henry) Joseph & Co. were founded in 1865, by 1889 they were "one of the la...

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 lovely set of 12 rat-tail trefid silver teaspoons and matching sugartongs, also with rat-tail, well preserved in original box. This set is antique, being over 100 years old, but was made as a replica of an earlier style (circa 1680). In late Victorian and Edwardian times good quality replicas of earlier styles were popular, this set is also very good quality, and is suitable for use. The hallmarks on all 13 pieces are excellent. James Dixon & Sons is a well known firm, first established in 1806 and still in business today.They employed over 600 people during Victorian times (Culme, Directory of Gold & Silversmiths).

A nine carat gold fishing rod and reel brooch, with a cast silver and enamel rainbow trout jumping over the rod. The fish has lovely detail, and the colours are realistic, the enamel work perfect, with no damage. The rod is segmented, overall this is a lovely brooch. The rod is hallmarked 9CT for 9 carat gold in 2 places, and also makers mark A&W, the fish is stamped SILVER. The box is also good quality, leather and silk, and reads "Terry & Co, Goldsmiths & Silversmiths, Corner of Cross St & King St, Manchester. We have traced an advert of theirs to 1967.

An interesting gold miner or prospectors gold brooch, consisting of a gold spade, pick and rope, with 3 real 24 carat gold nuggets - the largest central on the handles, with smaller nuggets on the spade and pick end. The spade blade has stamped "rivets", the gold safety chain and safety pin is attached to the spade blaed. The brooch pin is also gold, but a redder colour compared to the bright gold nuggets, spade and pick. The brooch has no hallmarks, we believe the spade, pick and rope to be 18 carat, the nuggets pure 24 carat and possibly the pin is 9 carat. These brooches became popular at the turn of the 20th century, worn to advertise success in the goldfields.

A beautiful barley twist perfume bottle with gilt interior. The original glass stopper is in perfect condition. This bottle has a lovely feel in one's hand.

A "New Nautilus" novelty silver sugar sifter, complete with patent and registration number. The bowl of the sifter is a nautilus shell, the top edge of the shell has 28 pierced leaf shaped sifter holes, the shell is realistically modeled. The handle is joined to the shell at right angles, to allow ease of use during sifting. The handle has an interesting unknown pattern, not found in the book " Silver Flatware" by Pickford, it appears to be a variant of Albert pattern, and is single struck. The hallmarks are clear, the handle also has a registration number indicating the design was registered. The shell has a patent number, PAT 17124, so this design was patented as well, quite unusual for silver flatware. The nautilus is a living fossil, dating back 500 million years, it is a cephalopod named after Sailor in Greek. Nautilus shell cups decorated in silver and gold became popular in the 16th century, the nautilus became popular again in Victorian times, first as spoon warmers, this sifter design is late Victori...

An Art Nouveau antique silver mustard pot, complete with original green glass liner. The pot is oval in shape, and has traditional Art Nouveau stylised flowers on the 4 corners, repeated on the lid thumbpiece. The glass pot sits on a circular support, which is also hallmarked (as is the main body and lid). The hallmarks are clear, and include registration mark RD 436134, meaning Walker and Hall registered this design to prevent copying by competitors.