A pair of Cape silver dessert forks in the Fiddle pattern, with very clear Cape silver pseudo marks. The forks are engraved with original owners initials JIB. The hallmarks are very clear, makers mark FW and the "Cape Stub", 4 pseudo - English hallmarks (lion passant, date letter, duty mark and leopard's head) struck mechanically in a fly press (see article on Cape Stub in "The Finial, 2007, and in the articles tab above). Fredik Waldek was also a chronometer, clock maker and jeweller. Heller (History of Cape Silver) commended Waldek for "excellent workmanship". Note - We have a matching spoon and fork S 11620.

An Art Deco silver caddy spoon made to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary in 1935, made by Robert Edgar (RE) Stone, one of the finest silversmiths of the period. The spoon has a Royal crown handle, the crown in typical Art Deco form with lots of angles, the rounded bowl is planished (spot hammered) on both sides, overall the quality is excellent, it is a pleasure to use. The spoon was retailed by Asprey, London's leading retailer of luxury goods. The spoon is clearly hallmarked in the bowl with makers mark RES, London hallmarks for 1935 and the optional Silver Jubilee mark used in 1935/1936. The back of the spoon is clearly engraved "ASPREY LONDON". RE Stone (1903-1990) is one of the top 50 Leading designer silversmiths featured in the book "Designer British Silver 1930-1985" by Andrew & Styles (pages 446-457), he is described as "one of the country's finest craftsmen", and was also regarded as an excellent teacher. His work is well represented in museums and the Royal collection, ...

An early Georgian silver flat chased escutcheon shaped wine label, engraved for claret, by Louis Hamon, one of the notable early makers of escutcheons (source Wine Labels 1730-2003, page 48, a book we highly recommend). The label is the standard escutcheon shape, with curves, horns on the top and an ogee shape to the base. It is flat chased by hand, with a pattern of vine leaves, grapes and tendrils, with CLARET engraved in large letters. The original chain has a hook at one end, an early feature which allowed the chain to be undone for hooking around a decanter. The label is struck with 2 hallmarks, as is correct for the period, both hallmarks are well struck and extremely clear. They include Lion Passant with indents to base and side (this lion used 1739-1750) and makers mark of 2 Gothic letters in a bifoil punch, these are believed to be LH for Louis Hamon, this is Grimwade mark 3720 (he is also called Lewis Hamon). Louis Hamon was a Hugeunot plateworker who was freed in 1736, Grimwade describes his work a...

A pair of Celtic Revival silver sauce ladles, made in Sheffield in 1947 but exported to Ireland in 1948. The ladles are single struck, with a beautiful and intricate Celtic design in the front, the handles have a S shaped design which makes them easy to hold when scooping sauce or gravy. The back of the bowls are clearly hallmarked for Sheffield 1947 for Cooper Brothers & Sons, alongside a design registration number "Rd No 829775" above "ENGLAND". The handles have 3 additional hallmarks, struck with very small punches, these are Irish import marks that were struck on foreign silver. These marks include the Dublin assay office Boujet mark, .925 sterling standard mark, and Dublin date letter G for 1948, meaning these ladles were exported to Ireland as soon as they were made. The Boujet mark is a stylized representation of a medieval vessel for carrying water in the form of two leather pouches appended to a cross-bar or yoke, in an elliptical shield for silver (gold is rectangular), it was used between 1906 and ...

An interesting pair of early Canadian silver tableforks in the Fiddle pattern, made by George Savage of Montreal, between 1818 and 1829. Both forks have a clearly engraved family crest of a bird (stork or heron?) holding an anchor, this is engraved on the back of the forks, when forks were placed on the table with tines pointing down. Both forks are clearly hallmarked with makers mark "SAVAGE", and are also clearly struck with 2 pseudo English hallmarks, a skinny lion passant and a Georgian duty mark with indented punch at the top, these are very clear. George Savage was an interesting character, he was born Huddersfield, England in 1767 and served in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He was a skilled watch and clockmaker, and in 1808 registered a patent for a new method of regulatiing watch springs, the patent was enthusiastically adopted by the top end of the watch making trade. Unfortunately in 1816 he was arrested for debt and declared bankrupt in 1817, which led to his emigration to Canada in 1818. He became a ...

An interesting sterling silver pill box, with an applied cast gold antelope head mounted on the lid. The box is the usual rectagular shape, with engine turned decoration, a thumb piece for easy opening, and a gilded interior. The quality is pleasing, the hinge does not protrude, and the box opens and closes with a satisfying click. The lid is mounted with a cast gold animal trophy head, we think this is a Kudu, given the shape of the horns and ears. The head is securely mounted on the lid with 3 pins, no hallmarks are visible on the head but it has tested for 9 carat gold. The box itself is clearly hallmarked for Birmingham 1972, with makers mark SGW which we have not identified. The total weight is 27 grams, we estimate the gold head is 5 grams and the silver box 22 grams.

A rare set of 6 Victorian silver dessert forks, in a pattern of an unknown name that is not recoded in the book Silver Flatware by Ian Pickford (a book we highly recommend). The pattern is derived from Kings pattern, but with a small shell at the top, and has a series of scrolls around an architectural feature, and a very intricate heel where the handle joins the tines. It is similar in style to both the Albert and Victoria patterns. It is also similar to another "Pattern of Unknown Name", recorded by Pickford on page 151, Figure 239, which Pickford describes as "French inspired mid-nineteenth century pattern, the design registered in 1852, many features similar to the Albert Pattern", this pattern is also by Hayne & Cater. The forks are double struck, no engraving is present, and the quality and condition is very pleasing. All 6 forks are clearly hallmarked, with some wear to some of the makers marks. All 6 forks are also stamped with the British Registry design number and date chart diamond, which rarely oc...

An interesting Georgian silver wine label, engraved for Madeira, with counterfeit hallmarks for London 1814, made by Thomas Robinson, who was convicted for selling counterfeit items in 1822 and transported to Australia in 1823, never to return. The label is rounded rectangular form, with a hob-nail cut border, a domed surmount which is engraved with a leaf and scrolls, incised for MADEIRA. The label has 4 hallmarks, a very blurred duty mark, a slightly blurred lion passant, a very clear date letter T and a partial makers mark TR in oval punch, the T is clear but only the top of the R is visible. Two very similar labels, but engraved for Noyeau and Shrub, are depicted in the article "Mr Robinson's conviction for counterfeit marks", by Bruce Jones, Silver Society Journal 23, 2008, pages 107-110. This fascinating article shows 4 wine labels by Robinson, and compares genuine hallmarks of the period with those used by Robinson, leaving no doubt they are counterfeit. The article shows the same counterfeit date lett...

A rare matching spoon and fork in the Old English Military Bead & Shell pattern, a pattern that is not recorded by Ian Pickford in his book "Silver Flatware". They are dessert size, so probably made for a child, as a Christening present. The base pattern is large bead (used in 19th century, fine bead was 18th century), but has been supplemented with the Shell pattern (concave on one side and convex on the other). This combination of bead and shell pattern is not recorded by Pickford and is not shown in the Chawner pattern book of 1875 (Pickford, Silver Flatware, pages 217-220), so must be described as rare. What adds to the rarity of this pair are the 2 small scrolls instead of shoulders, hence the Military designation, which has been recorded with Husk, Thread and Shell patterns, but not with Bead (Pickford page 230). The pair are double struck, and have engraved owners initials MH is script. Both are clearly hallmarked, including makers mark GA for Chawner & Co, who were the leading manufactures of silver ...

A pair of Irish Georgian silver Bright Cut Celtic Point pattern serving spoons, with the traditional Dublin Star above the cartouche with engraved owners initials JT. The engraved stars have 6 points, and were clearly engraved by hand, as you can see differences between the engraving on the 2 spoons. The hallmarks are clear on both spoons, including makers mark J.K for John Keene I, who worked between 1784 and 1807. He was clearly a respected silversmith, he was elected Warden 1797-1799, Master 1801-1802, and was also on the Dublin City Council 1798-1801.

A Natal Rifle Asoociation antique silver trophy mug, won by C.J. Fleming in 1908 for winning the 500 yard aggregate. The mug is tapered cylindrical, with a double scroll handle which is still securely fastened with no damage or repairs. The mug is a substantial weight, over 200 grammes, the quality and feel is very pleasing. The mug is beautifully engraved with the NRA badge of mounted rifleman above 1862, with "Natal Rifle Association Semper Paratus" in circular band. The mug is also engraved "For the winner 500 yards aggregate, won by C.J. Fleming 1908". The hallmarks are clear including makers mark J.D&S for James Dixon & Sons, 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 rare Tudor pattern runcible spoon, also called a spork, intended for pickle or chutney, made by Chawner & Co, the leading flatware maker of Victorian England. Runcible spoons were popularised by Edward Lear in "The Owl and the Pussycat - They dined on mince and slices of quince which they ate with a runcible spoon". The runcible spoon is a pleasing quality, and is in excellent condition, it is clearly engraved with a family crest of an armoured arm holding up a spear, with a wreath on the end. The Tudor pattern is a Gothic Revival pattern, it has 2 small scroll circular projections on each side of the stem, this differentiates it from the "Straight Tudor" pattern. The runcible spoon is clearly hallmarked. In addition, it also carries the British Registry design number and date chart diamond, which rarely occurs on silver flatware. The presence of the design mark indicates that Chawner registered the design to protect it being copied. Tudor is described by Pickford (Silver Flatware page 150) as "a rare Chaw...

A pair of Dutch silver Hanoverian pattern tableforks, made in Rotterdam in 1781 by Rudolph Sondag, 'the most famous silversmith in Rotterdam, his work towered above the Rotterdam silver landscape" - source (Schadee, Zilverschatten, Drie Eeuwen Rotterdams Zilver). The forks are clearly hand made, and differ in weight - one is 75 grams, the other 71 grams. The forks have 4 tines, and are bottom marked with 4 clearly struck hallmarks - date letter Y for 1781 with a distinctive dot above one arm, Rotterdam town mark (slight wear at bottom), crowned rampant lion standard mark (934 grade so purer than sterling) and makers mark of sunburst sun in shield punch. Rudolph Sondag's makers mark usually has a face in the sun centre, this is worn on these forks. Sondag worked form 1746 until his death in 1812, he was highly productive and has left behind some magnificent silver, well represented in Rotterdam's Museum Boijmans van Beuningen. Aardewerk notes varied quality in the work he produced, and postulates he guarentee...

A Canadian silver tablespoon in the Fiddle pattern, made by Salomon Marion in Montreal Canada, who has been described as "one of the best silversmiths of his time". The spoon is a very pleasing quality, and is in excellent condition, it is a pleasure to use. The spoon is engraved with a very clear family crest, a bird (stork or heron?) holding an anchor, this is engraved on the front of the spoon. The spoon is clearly hallmarked with makers mark S Marion in script, in an unusually shaped punch, slightly wider over the S and M - this is very clear, and is a better example that the one depicted in the book "Candian Silversmiths 1700-1900 by John Langdon, page 100. This is accompanied by 2 pseudo hallmarks, a skinny lion passant and Georgian duty mark, both are very clear. Salomon Marion (1782-1830) was apprenticed to leading silversmith Pierre Huguet dit Latour, and was freed in 1803. He produced church silver for his former master, and trade silver for a variety of merchants, before establishing his own busine...

An interesting Dutch silver ceremonial axe, presented by the shipyard who built the ship to the new owners, to commemorate the launch of the refrigerated motor ship S.A. Hexrivier in 1966. The axe is the traditional shape, with 835 grade silver axe head and fittings, and a beautiful grained wooden handle, expertly shaped, we love this object!. The axe is engraved "Launching M S "S A Hexrivier", built for South African Marine Corporation Ltd., Cape Town South Africa by Verolme United Shipyards, Rotterdam - Holland", and the date "13-8-1966" is engraved on a shaped plaque on the handle. The axe is clearly hallmarked A.M. in shaped shield for Mesker & Zoon of Schoonhoven, who worked between 1941 and 1976. The axe also has Dutch Lion (2nd grade) for 835 silver, Minerva head and date letter i for 1965. The fittings and plaque are also hallmarked with makers mark and sword also marked 835. The axe is perfectly preserved in its original silk and felt lined box, which is also in good condition. The South African Mari...

A set of 6 sterling silver menu holders, shaped as a horseshoe, made by the Royal Jewellers Mappin & Webb. The menu holders are on a circular base, with studded semi circular horseshoe on one side, with matching ring on the other side to hold a menu or place card upright. All 6 are clearly hallmarked with makers mark M&W, .925, Sheffield rose town mark, sterling lion passant and date letter a for the year 2000. The menu holders are perfectly preserved in their original Mappin & Webb velvet and silk lined box, with 2 Royal Warrants on the interior, and M&W on the exterior, this is a good quality box and is still in very good condition. 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.

An interesting sterling silver cigarette case, which may have been present at the battle of Delville Wood during World War I. The box is the usual square curved shape, but is is the engraving that makes it interesting. The box is engraved with the badge of the 2nd. South African Infantry Regiment, 2 running Wildebeest above scrolls reading "Natal & O.F.S., 2nd. S. African Inf", above owners name "Lieut. T.H. Symons". The front is also engraved with 2 bands of lotus flowers, which we think indicates the box was engraved in Egypt. The back is engraved "Egypt 1915" and "France 1915-1918". The interior of the box is clearly hallmarked for Chester 1915, with makers mark C&C for Cohen & Charles. The box is still serviceable, with hinge and clasp working, but is covered with numerous small dents, this box has been well used and has seen much action, which we think adds to its appeal. The 2nd. South African Infantry Regiment, part of the South African Overseas Expeditionary Force during the First World War, was rais...

A Dutch silver caddy spoon, made in Amsterdam by Paulus Esink circa 1800. The spoon has a long elongated shell bowl, with a thread pattern handle, with pointed end, the bowl angles up at the tip, overall an elegant spoon. The bowl size is quite big, it will hold a generous amount of tea. The spoon is clearly hallmarked with makers mark PE in serrated punch for Paulus Esink, who worked between 1788 and 1811. The Amsterdam town mark is clear but with slight wear, no date letter is visible. The spoon also has the axe/ hatchet Dutch silver tax mark used between 1853 and 1927, this would have been added later when the spoon re-entered the market. Note - We have a beautiful boxed set of 12 grapefruit spoons by Paulus Esink, S 11592.

An interesting antique silver and enamel vesta case, with a black and yellow enamel maritime flag, engraved SALLY 1907, we assume Sally was a yacht. The back is engraved "Presented by Dr. Lauder to W.H.J. Hirst", the engaving is well done and still very clearly legible, with no wear. The vesta is the traditional rectangular shape, with striker on the base, and has a suspension ring for attachment to a fob chain. The interior still has some gilding visible, and the hinged lid works perfectly. The vesta is clearly hallmarked for Robert Chandler, Birmingham 1906, the lid is also clearly hallmarked. Robert Chandler (1902-1924) appears to have specialised in silver enamel vesta cases.

A Canadian silver tablespoon in the Fiddle pattern, made by Salomon Marion in Montreal Canada, who has been described as "one of the best silversmiths of his time". The spoon is a very pleasing quality, and is in excellent condition, it is a pleasure to use. The spoon is engraved with a very clear family crest, a bird (stork or heron?) holding an anchor, this is engraved on the front of the spoon. The spoon is clearly hallmarked with makers mark S Marion in script, in an unusually shaped punch, slightly wider ofver the S and M - this is very clear, and is a better example that the one depicted in the book "Candian Silversmiths 1700-1900 by John Langdon, page 100. This is accompanied by 2 pseudo hallmarks, a skinny lion passant and Georgian duty mark, both are very clear. Salomon Marion (1782-1830) was apprenticed to leading silversmith Pierre Huguet dit Latour, and was freed in 1803. He produced church silver for his former master, and trade silver for a variety of merchants, before establishing his own busin...