A rare and beautiful Arts & Crafts cast silver caddy spoon by Bernard Instone, featuring 2 Great Crested Grebes in a courting ritual. The caddy spoon has a circular planished (hand hammered) bowl, the handle is pierced and engraved to produce the birds embracing along their beaks. This caddy spoon has been previously described as depicting 2 stylized storks, but we are confident it represents the elaborate mating ritual of the Greater Crested Grebe, as confirmed by the KSIA (Keswick School of Industrial Arts) website. The spoon has excellent hallmarks, including makers mark B.I in oval punch for Bernard Instone. Instone (1891-1987) registered his mark in 1922, he studied under Arthur Gaskin and worked for John Paul Cooper. He established Langstone Silver Works in Digbeth, Birmingham in 1919, after 4 years service in the Great War. He was subcontracted to produce silver for Sibyl Dunlop (with her SD makers mark), and also produced silver for Liberty's (source Simon Moore Artists Spoons, page 411). Bernard Inst...

A delightful sterling silver Christening plate, the rim decorated with the "Three Bears" of Goldilocks fame walking past engraved trees. The plate is fabulous quality, very heavy, the bears (4 sets of 3) are cast and applied, the detail is lovely. The plate is engraved "Mappin & Webb Ltd, London & Sheffield", and all the hallmarks are excellent. 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. The was produced just after the end of World War II, silver was very cheap, items from this period are often heavy and superb quality. One of the nicest Christening present a baby could hope to receive. Note - we have 2 matching items, a mug and bowl, S 1982 and S1983.

A beautifully modelled Victorian cast silver novelty pepper (or pepperette) of a running dog, with pull off pierced head. The dog is a delight to hold and use, the texture gives a pleasing feel, this is a fine quality item. The dog rests firmly on a table, no wobbles. Both the body and the head are clearly hallmarked, including makers mark FE in shaped punch for Thomas Johnson (Dyer's buildings), which was established in 1850, and was transferred to Sampson Mordan in 1898. Frederick Edmonds (FE makers mark used 1892-1898) joined the business in 1878, he took over full control in 1892 until his death in 1898, when his widow transferred the business to Sampson Mordan & Co. Thomas Johnson specialised in small novelty silver items, they supplied many top retailers, including Walter Thornhill, both locally and internationally.

A lovely sterling silver and enamel cigarette case, with an oval enamel plaque depicting racing dogs (we assume greyhounds). The picture has 3 dogs, white, black and brown, with leather muzzles and a red bib. The case is excellent quality, and a pleasing weight, quite heavy in the hand, the interior is gilded. The hallmarks are clear on both lid and base.

An interesting antique silver trophy, the Douglas Trophy, made by the highly regarded firm of Mappin & Webb, presented for Light Weight Hill Climbing. The trophy has an applied medallion of an antique Douglas motorcycle with rider in flat cap, this medallion has a registration number (526485), so the design was protected. The trophy lid features a cast finial, a wheel with 2 feathered wings, very similar to the Bicycle playing cards emblem, this is attached with a silver nut (both finial and nut are hallmarked as well). The trophy has 2 attractive handles, and is engraved "Douglas Trophy, Presented by the Agents, Light Weight Hill Climbing CPT, won by J. van Reenen 25.7.14, F.A.R. Zurcher 5.4.19 and again 28.2.20". As can be seen, the race was interrupted by the Great War of 1914-1918. The trophy is clearly hallmarked (Mappin & Webb, Sheffield 1913), the lid, finial and nut are also hallmarked. Fritz Zurcher was an interesting character, he won the DJ Run in 1920 (the Durban to Johannesburg motorcycle race,...

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...

A Military Victorian silver presentation snuff box, with an erotic engraving of an amorous couple hidden away from view on the base. This is a pleasing quality, substantial in size and weight, more of a table snuff box intended for a desk than the portable versions intended for a pocket. The box is rectangular, with raised lid and base, and is casket shaped with engine turned sides. It also has applied cast foliate rims (base, lid and around the presentation panel), these have exquisite detail, overall a very attractive box. The engraved inscription reads "PRESENTED TO GEORGE BOYD ESQr. by the 20th R.R.V. 1863", and is supported by scrolls (note engraving is 18 years later than box was made). The base is engraved with a erotic scene, very finely engraved with loads of detail, this is protected by the base rim, so perfectly preserved. The interior is gilded with a beautiful lemon gold original gilding, it does not appear this box has seen much use. The hallmarks on both lid and base are very clear, maker mark ...

An interesting commemorative silver card tray (or small salver), with the traditional pie crust border of moulded shells and scrolls, made by Elkington. The tray has 3 cast feet, the traditional dragon claw on pearl, with lovely detail. The tray is very good quality, as you would expect of Elkington, quite heavy to hold. The tray is engraved "MEMENTO of ABERYSWYTH LIFEBOAT. ALFRED G.T. SMITH (Volunteer) Member of Crew. GALE of SEPTEMBER 26th 1899. (Unsuccessful Search) 1.20. A.M TO 8.0. A.M." Note incorrect spelling of Aberystwyth, I guess an easy mistake if you are not Welsh. Aberystwyth is a historic Welsh market town, now a University town and tourist destination, but previously an important Atlantic gateway. The Aberystwyth lifeboat station was established in 1861, it still operates today.

A pair of Georgian silver salad servers, made by a rarely encountered silversmith Henry Day, who only worked for a few years prior to being sentenced to death for counterfeiting, after which his sentence was reprieved and changed to "transportation for a period of 7 years". The servers are Fiddle pattern, the spoon has a pear shaped bowl, the fork a more rounded bowl with 5 tines cut into the bowl end. Both are engraved with a family crest of a Lion Rampant, this is finely engraved and very clear. Both are clearly hallmarked for London 1821 with makers mark H.D, (Grimwade 981) both also have a Journeyman's mark (one a cross, one 2 dots). On careful examination of the hallmarks we believe these to be genuine. Henry Day was freed in 1817, he first worked for his father, this mark was registered in 1820. An interesting article by Trevor Downes entitled "An example of the Counterfeiters' Art, The work of Henry Day" was published in the Finial (March 2011, page 6), explains that Day's workshop was raided by the Go...

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...

A magnificent set of early Victorian Elkington silver plate wine coasters, with an attractive cast grape vine design with lovely detail. The coasters have turned wooden bases, with a vacant central silverplate boss. The wooden bases are covered in green felt. Both coasters carry a full set of marks, including makers mark "EP&Co in shield under crown", "E", "M", "&Co", being the makers mark used by Elkington, Mason & Co between 1842 and 1864. Josiah Mason invested in the Elkington firm in 1842, hence the addition of his name to the company name. The makers mark is followed by the date letter "T in lozenge" for 1858. The coasters are also stamped "Elkington & Co" and "R1126", a pattern registration number. Elkington & Co are one of the most important names in English silver. The firm was founded in 1836, in 1838 they patented a new way to electroplate, and in 1851 they exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 (Crystal Palace in Hyde Park) with great success (www.ascasonline.org). The company held Royal warra...

A rare set of 6 Shell End Pistol Grip table knives, made by the Drury Family, the pre-eminent family of haft makers in 18th Century London. The knives have pistol hafts with ornate shell ends, and the sabre or scimitar shaped steel blades are engraved "WARWICK 124 REGENT STREET", we assume the original retailer. They have a pleasing weight and feel in the hand, we really like these knives. Knives with steel blades have rarely survived in good condition, these are an exception. The handles are loaded, as is usual for knives, and each handle is engraved with a double family crest, described as "swans head and neck erased ermine collared gules between two palm branches vert" for Gist and "demi man proper holding in dexter hand chaplet vert and resting his sinister hand on a cross crosslet and belt sable" for Sellick, the engraving is clear on all 6. All 6 knives have 2 hallmarks, makers mark DD in script for Dru Drury II, and sterling lion passant, all the hallmarks are clear. Ian Pickford, in his book Silver ...

An interesting solid gold bar brooch, with a natural gold nugget, set with a round brilliant diamond. The nugget is a beautiful shape and size, approximately 5 grams, with tiny quartz crystals confirming it is natural. The diamond is approximately .20 carats, 0.4 mm diameter, is a round brilliant cut, colour G/H and clarity VS. The bar brooch itself is 15 carat gold, it is hallmarked 15C, and has makers mark CM. This brooch is accompanied by a valuation certificate from The Gem Lab Gemmological Services, confirming replacement value of R 20800, and confirming the diamond and gold details above.

A magnificent Victorian cast silver Cherub salt, a replica of a style introduced by Paul de Lamerie. The salt have a cast vine leaf bowl, supported by a cherub with arm outstretched, and two dolphin feet supporting the bowl. This is fabulous quality, and the condition is excellent. The cherub (also called amorini and putti, but not cupid as no wings present) is naked except for a small loincloth, he is well modelled, note the detail of his hair. The bowl is a cast vine leaf, also well modelled, and the 2 stylised dolphin feet are copies of those used by Lamerie. The salt is solid, and stands well on the table, no wobble at all. Traces of original gilding are still visible, especially on the harder to reach areas on the body of the cherub (we imagine much of the gilding has been polished off over the years. The cherub is hollow, the casting hole visible under his bottom. The salt is clearly hallmarked on the vine leaf, with makers mark WS in distinctive punch for William Stocker, along with Victorian duty mark...

An Arts & Crafts hand made silver dish, with a green enamel silver "button" with celtic design, surrounded by a rope border. The dish is hand hammered, with each hammer mark visible, this is a lovely little dish. It is embossed "A.E.S., 20th Dec 1913", so possibly made as a Christening present. Ramsden & Carr specialised in unique hand made and individually designed presentation pieces (Judith Miller, Arts & Crafts Collectors Guide, pg 171), this dish is a good example. They have been described as "the most important exponent of the Arts and Crafts movement in English silver" - Art Nouveau &Art Deco Silver, Annelise Krekel-Aalberse, pg 27). The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark Rn&Cr, struck twice on the base of the dish. One mark is very clear, the other is only partially visible.

A very fine pair of Georgian silver barrel shaped beakers by the well known Bateman family; Peter, Ann and William. The beakers are patterned as half barrels, complete with individual staves and the hoops to hold them in place. This set is not intended to fit together to form a single barrel, as is sometimes the case with this form, they do not have the push-fit rim, and the crests are both aligned the same way (one crest would have been reversed if intended to fit together). The beakers are very good quality, a satisfying gauge and weight, they have a lovely feel in the hand, suitable for use (with a fine scotch whisky!). Both beakers have an interesting family crest, a dragons head above a Ducal coronet, between feathered wings, the engraving is crisp. This crest can be associated with the Dalton, Draycott and Codrington families. Peter Bateman was Hester Bateman's 2nd son, Ann Bateman was married to his brother Jonathan (who unfortunately died young in 1791), and Willam was the son of Ann and Jonathan. T...

Plain inkstand with an interesting historical inscription. The glass ink bottles are square cut, and the stand has scrolling borders and knurled feet. The inscription, in both English and Afrikaans, reads: To General Botha in commemoration of the opening by him of the Volksrust-Bethal Railway at Wakkerstroom on his Birthday 27th September 1916". Botha, who was Commandant in charge of the Boer forces in the Anglo Boer War of 1900-1902, became the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa in 1910. He remained Prime Minister until his death in 1919.

A rare and interesting silver gaming vinaigrette, with a rotating disk with mounted gold arrow that points at a dial with numbers from 1 to 10. The vinaigrette is circular, with 5 sections between each numeral, the rotating disk is engraved with a radiating pattern, which adds grip to allow the disk to be rotated to the desired number. The base of the vinaigrette has an attractive engraved floral arrangement, the sides are decorated with further engraving and prick work bands. The interior grille is plain, but with a pattern of punched holes, as is common on earlier vinaigrettes. The interior is gilded, the base lemon yellow, the lid and grille a slightly darker gold colour, so possibly re-gilded. The hallmarks are clear, on both the base and the lid, the grille has no hallmarks. The hallmarks include makers mark IC in rectangular punch without dot, we have tentatively ascribed to John Caney (Grimwade 1218), as his mark has no dot and he was a small worker of the period (registered 1800). Unfortunately the ...

A lovely octagonal bachelors 4 piece tea and coffee service, consisting of teapot, coffeepot, sugarbowl and milkjug, all of exceptional quality and weight, by a very fine maker. The set are replicas of an early Georgian style circa 1720, with each and every detail faithful to the original style. This includes shape, handles, finials, even the hinges and spouts are correct. All are fully hallmarked with clear hallmarks, including the lids. The coffeepot, sugarbowl and creamer are all 1932, the teapot is 1939, but in exactly the same style by the same maker. Heming & Co, a prestigous firm with premises in Regent Street, London, was amalgamated into William Bruford in 1981.

Pair of Old English serving spoons of good gauge, with a nice feel.They are perfect for use as heavy duty serving spoons. They have an interesting crest of a tulip in front of 2 crossed crosses, each cross arm bearing another cross. Hallmarks very clear. We have now identified the crest, described as "a white lily, stalked and leaved, surmounted by two crosses, crosslet, fitchedin saltier, the is the crest of Elias Chadwick of Pudleston Court, Leominster, the crest is depicted in the book "Fairbairn's Crests", plate 126a no 15, and described on page 102. The family motto is "In candore decus", translated "the beauty of whiteness". Elias Chadwick was a Lancashire coal baron, he bought Pudleston Court in 1845 and rebuilt the current castle like mansion (it was a hospital in WWII which hosted the vet and author James Herriot). Chadwick was a buisnessman (also involved in the local railways) and generous benefactor, his life took a turn for the worst in 1865 after his wife died and he was accused of "committing a...