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.

Two Georgian silver vinaigrettes, both very small in size, and both by Joseph Willmore. They are very attractive and dainty, less than half the size of most vinaigrettes, we love these boxes. The first (1813) is lozenge shaped, the concave base fits beautifully around the thumb, it is a delight to hold. The cover is engraved with flowers and prick work surrounding initials THC, the base has a different floral engraving. The grille is plain, the interior gilding and hallmarks are excellent. including JW makers mark in circular serrated punch, his first mark used between 1797 and 1834. The second (1821) is rectangular with canted corners, the cover engraved with an attractive wavy pattern around a vacant cartouche, the base with an engraved flower. The grille is also plain, the hallmarks are good, on both lid, base and grille. The corners have some oxidation, but it does not detract. Joseph Willmore, who worked between 1797 and 1843, is described by Eric Delieb as "a superlative silversmith, who produced some o...

A fabulous pair of Canova pattern dessert spoon and fork, which was produced by Chawner & Co. for the Great Exhibition of 1851. They are both fabulous quality and in excellent condition, with some very light wear to the gilding. The set was designed as a tribute to the Italian sculptor Antonio Canova, regarded as one of the greatest Neoclassical sculptors. They feature Canova's "Dancer with Finger on Chin", the original is now in the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., but was originally purchased in 1823 from the artist by Charles Stewart (later Vane), 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, when he was based in Vienna as Ambassador to Austria. On the back of the bowls they feature "Sappho with Lyre", the detail on both is very appealing, supplemented with other features (masks, 2 putti with flowers above the dancer, and bird with fruit in its mouth, and a bearded figure), The Sappho figure is surrounded by architectural features, scrolls, shells and foliage, the detail is amazing. Both spoon and fork are clea...