A delightful antique silver Christening present, a child's feeding spoon decorated with a scene from J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, depicting Captain Hook, complete with hook and pistol, running away from the crocodile, with the Jolly Roger pirate ship in the background. The handle, which forms a circle (traditional baby feeding spoon), is also decorated with Peter Pan playing his flute, and 2 scenes with rabbits. The detail is lovely, as can be seen in the photos. The hallmarks are very clear, and include a registration number "Rd No 611912", indicating the design was registered to prevent copying by other firms. Levi & Salaman was established in 1870, and was merged into Barker Brothers in 1921 (Culme, Directory Gold and Silversmiths). They were highly regarded, particularly for good quality souvenir spoons. They made a number of variations of these nursery rhyme spoons, including "this little pig (S 1535) and "hey diddle diddle (S120) featured on our website. They also made a "little miss muffet" version.

A practical and interesting set of Arts & Crafts handmade sterling silver ice tongs, made by Leonore Doskow of New York. The tongs consist of a square silver rod that has been twisted in a circle to create a spring, with two 2 pronged grips, which are curved inwards, with sharp points, very suitable for picking up ice cubes (definitely the most practical ice tongs we have ever used). One arm is hallmarked "LEONORE DOSKOW HANDMADE STERLING", this is well struck and clear. Leonore Doskow (1911-2008) turned a hobby into a career during the Great Depression, a sugar bowl she made was exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1940. Her business grew to employ 75 staff during its peak, mostly producing silver novelties and silver containing monogrammes. She was featured in a Silver Magazine article in 1973.

A rare Dryad Metal Works Arts & Crafts silver jam spoon, made by Collins & Co, the Art metal workers of Dryad Works, Thornton Lane, Leicester, in 1915. The spoon has a stylized Arts & Crafts tree with 7 leaves on a hand hammered background, and also has a rat-tail, the join of stem and bowl is also quite unusual, but has a lovely shape. The spoon is stamped DRYAD with an interesting font (note capital A), alongside the Birmingham hallmarks for 1915 and makers mark for Collins & Co. Dryad, which is a female wood nymph from Greek mythology, was formed in 1906 by Harry Peach and Benjamin Fletcher (head of Leicester School of Arts), it initially produced cane furniture, but branched out to other Arts & Crafts. Dryad Metal Works was established in 1915 when William Pick (of Collins & Co), and a former pupil, joined Harry Peach in partnership. The Collins and Co. mark was used between 1915 and 1919, although it is unlikely much was produced during the Great War of 1914-1918. We believe this spoon is one of the ear...

An interesting Roman reproduction Scottish silver tea strainer, with a stylised dolphin handle. The bowl is circular, with holes in radiating circles, and has a substantial rim. The handle is lovely, the dolphin tail is cleverly curved, to allow it to loop over a finger whilst the thumb holds the tail in place. The dolphin has a large mouth, 3 fins around the head, and the body is decorated with dots. The strainer is very good quality, and is a pleasure to use. The hallmarks are very clear, makers mark B&S in serrated punch, Scottish thistle, Edinburgh castle and date letter U. An additional hallmark is present, a stylised "S" in a diamond punch. Brook and Son were the leading Scottish silversmiths in the early 20th century, they operated between 1891 and 1939 from 87 George Street (Hamilton and Inches today). This strainer is a reproduction of a Roman spoon that was part of the Traprain Law treasure hoard, which was discovered by George Pringle at Traprain Law, East Lothian, in 1919. The hoard dates from 40...

A pair of Irish Georgian silver tablespoons, with bright cut "Dublin Bow" engraving. The oval shield under the star is engraved with original owners initials CFS and AJS, possibly a husband and wife. This engraving was popular in Ireland between 1790 and 1800, the bright cut glitters in candlelight, the Bow pattern is much rarer than the Dublin Star pattern, the Star, Bow and Prince of Wales Feathers (unique to Limerick) are unique to Irish silver. The spoons have extended drops, and the hallmarks are very clear on both spoons. These include date letter X for 1794, Harp Crowned and Hiburnia in rectangular punch (first introduced in 1794), and makers mark I.D in oval punch for John Dalrymple, who worked between 1789 and 1794 (www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk). John Dalrymple is a rare makers mark, he was not featured in the book "Collecting Irish Silver" by Douglas Bennett, who wrote the definitive guides on Irish silver.

A pair of magnificent Bacchanalian pattern fruit serving spoons. This is one of the rarest English silver flatware patterns, it was originally produced by Paul Storr. The spoons shows Bacchus, the Roman God of wine, riding a lion, whilst a topless Diana looks on, with another figure asleep at her feet. The back of the spoons are also beautifully decorated, with a masque over a theatre curtain, and tilted amphora of wine. Bunches of grapes and vine leaves complete the decoration. The spoons are extremely good quality, quite heavy to hold, sturdy enough to use as a serving spoon, and the hallmarks are clear on both spoons. Bacchanalian pattern is shown in "Silver Flatware" by Pickford (pg. 127), where an identical dessert service made by Wakely and Wheeler is depicted. The pattern was originally designed by Thomas Stothard, the famous painter and designer, for Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, the Royal silversmiths, in 1812, the first service was used by King George III. The other rare patterns in the same series in...

A sterling silver seal top spoon, a replica of The Leicester Spoon, the original of which dates from circa 1620, and is in the Leicester Museum. The spoon has the traditional fig shaped bowl, tapered stem and a baluster seal top, the quality is pleasing. The spoon is smaller than original seal tops, it would be suitable for use as a jam spoon. The spoon is well preserved in its original grey box, with gold lion passant on the lid. the interior silk and velvet lined box has retailers mark "George Tarrant Ltd. Leicester". The spoon has it's original explanatory card, which reads "The Leicester Spoon, Stuart Period, In hallmarked silver, from the original in The Museum, Leicester, Made by a Leicester Silversmith circa 1620, George Tarrant Ltd., Silversmiths Leicester England". The spoon is clearly hallmarked with makers mark C.J.V.Ld. for C. J Vander, with London hallmarks for 1978, note no hallmarks in the bowl. C.J. Vander was established in 1886 by Cornelius Joshua VanderPump, the firm became "the last of En...

A pair of Indian Colonial salt spoons, made by Hamilton & Co, the "Garrards of India". The spoons are in the Fiddle, Thread and Shell pattern with gilded bowls, and are double struck, and are pleasing quality, and in good condition. The hallmarks are clear on both spoons, makers mark H&Co, Elephant, date letter A and tally marks 2 semi circles, these marks were used 1860-1914 (source www.ascasonline.org, History and Marks of Hamilton & Co). Note the unusual & in the makers mark (quite fat), different makers marks were used by Hamilton over the years, this should assist more precise dating, further research is required. Note: We have matching sifter spoon and sauce ladles.

A set of 4 matching Norwegian silver pickle forks (830 grade) in the Dronning pattern, made in Oslo by leading silversmith Jacob Tostrup. Two forks are larger and 2 are smaller, so perfect for serving larger items like cold meats and smaller more delicate items. The forks have 2 curved tines, and the Dronning pattern reminds us of English Fiddle and Shell pattern. All 4 forks are clearly hallmarked with the Tostrup tankard makers mark, and silver standard mark 830S. The forks have no engraving. Tostrup was founded in 1832, and is still one of Norway's leading silversmiths today

An interesting antique silver Scottish Regimental or clan badge, in the form of a brooch. The badge has a crowned phoenix rising out of the flames, over Saltire cross (St. Andrew's cross of Scotland), surrounded by circular motto in latin, "Bon Fin" above, translated "Good End", and "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" below, translated "No one harasses me with impunity", alternatively "No one can harm me unpunished". The badge has a hinged brooch pin, in full working order. The badge is also clearly hallmarked for Birmingham 1905, with makers mark B&P for Bent & Parker, who were military ornament makers, working between 1869 and 1909. The motto "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" is the motto of the Royal Stuart dynasty of Scotland, and is used by numerous organisations, regiments and clans. These include The Order of the Thistle, Scottish Regiments The Royals, Scots Guards and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. It has also been used by The Greys, Highland Fusiliers and Black Watch, along with the Royal Company of Archers. It has also...

A mixed set of antique American sterling silver, comprising of an olive spoon and olive fork. The spoon is Towle Empire pattern, patent 1894, with gold wash pierced bowl, this is a beautiful spoon. It was designed by George P Tilton, and has no monogramme. The fork is by Clark & Biddle, made between 1866 and 1870, it has a twisted stem, 3 tines with barbs, and intricate engraving. The fork has engraved owners initial P in fancy script, and is also engraved on the back "Thanksgiving 02", we assume 1902. Both items are clearly hallmarked.

A South African sterling silver military caddy spoon, with an applied badge of the SAPPERS, the South African Engineers Corps. The badge is a flaming grenade (inherited from the British), the button below reads "South Africa Suid Afrika" , so both English and Afrikaans, the bage is a coppery gold colour, we are not sure of it's composition. The caddy spoon has a rounded bowl, with wide flat handle with a series of indents, this pattern (and others with slight variations) was designed by RMP (Royal Mint Pretoria), which became the SAM (South African Mint) in 1941. The spoon is good quality, and has a pleasing weight. Similar designed caddy spoons, by both RMP AND SAM, can be seen elsewhere on Leopard Antiques (S1362, S1652, and S1762). The spoon is hallmarked "STER SIL", clearly struck, no other hallmarks are present. We have tentatively dated this spoon to the World War II period, when the SA Engineers saw distinguished service in Italy, but it could be earlier (1923-1939).

An interesting solid silver napkin ring, awarded as 2nd prize in the Dewar Shield of 1939 by SANRA (South African National Rifle Association). The ring is rectangular in shape, with but with lobed sides, so a pleasing shape, it is quite heavy at 55 grammes, the quality is excellent. The napkin ring has applied crest of the South African National Rifle Association, a jumping springbok under crossed rifles, above a laurel wreath, with SANRA above and SANS below (Afrikaans equivalent). The ring is engraved "The Dewar Shield, 1939, 2nd Prize". The silver hallmarks are clear, including maker mark for Charles Green & Co, who worked between 1904 and 1986.

A delightful antique sterling silver hedgehog pillbox, made in Germany circa 1900 by Gebruder Kuhn of Schwabisch Gmund. The hedgehog is realistically modelled, his quills and textured tummy give a lovely feel to the box. This is a quality item, well modelled, and the hinge and clasp work extremely well, no chance of pills falling out. The tail acts as a thumbpiece, the lid is clearly hallmarked on the interior. Gebruder Kuhn was established in 1860, in 1900 they were awarded a silver medal at the Paris World Fair, in 1911 the received the Grand Prix at the World Expo in Turin, by 1918 they had 300 employees. The Unicorn hallmark is from the Schwabisch Gmund coat of arms.

A Tiffany & Co sterling silver pillbox, modelled as a nut or peach pit. The box is cast silver, and has lovely texture, it is a pleasure to hold. The interior reads "Tiffany & Co, 925, Sterling, Italy" Italy is one of the few locations outside of USA that Tiffany has used to manufacture jewellery and silver items.

A lovely and unusual set of 6 silver teaspoons, with an embossed stylised Fleur-de-Lis on the front, and picture back Fleur-de-Lis surrounded by a branch on the back of the bowl. They have a slight "Fiddle" at the base of the stem. The spoons are a good gauge, and a pleasure to use. Given they were made in 1918 at the end of WW1, perhaps they were intended to celebrate France returning to peace. John Yeomans Cowlishaw was highly regarded for his fruit and dessert knives, the firm existed from 1862 to 1950. Cowlishaw unfortunately committed suicide in 1895, the business was carried on by his son. The hallmarks are clear on all 6 spoons.

An interesting set of 4 Scottish silver dessert spoons in the Old English pattern, made by a highly regarded silversmith, Patrick Robertson. The spoons are bottom marked, and are engraved with a floral device. The hallmarks are excellent, including makers mark "PR" for Patrick Robertson, which is well struck. Robertson had a long and distinguished career, he worked between 1751 and 1790. He was born in 1729, and was apprenticed to Edward Lothian in 1743. He was Deacon in 1755 and 1765, and was a member of the Royal Company of Archers. He was related to the architect Robert Adam ("Silver Made in Scotland", Dalgleish and Fothringham).

An interesting Scottish silver prize medallion, quite large in size, presented by Mr Smeaton's Institution in St Andrews. The front is engraved "Mr Smeaton's Institution St. Andrews July 1856", the back is engraved "To the best Essayist James Annandale". The medallion is circular, with a reeded rim, with a cast silver scroll for attachment to a chain. The medallion only has a makers mark which is clearly struck, M&C in a shaped shield for Mackay & Chisholm of Edinburgh. David James Smeaton ran a large private boarding school for about 80 boys in Abbey Park, St. Andrews, which was also described as an "Academy for young gentlemen". He was born in Fyfe in 1834, and is buried in Edinburgh. He fathered 12 children with his wife Elizabeth, his son Donald Smeaton was elected Liberal M.P. for Stirlingshire in 1906.

A pair of Arts & Crafts Danish silver tablespoons, in a modernist Georg Jensen style Martele pattern, with matching cheese knife. The pattern is planished, or hand hammered, (Martele is French for hammer, Gorham uses the Martele brand for its hand hammered range), this creates an uneven surface which reflects the light, so a very pleasing pattern. The pattern also has balls and scrolls. The spoons are hand hammered on the front side of the handle only, but the bowls are planished on both sides. The spoons have original owners initials CC engraved on the back, the knife has no engraving. All 3 items have 2 clear hallmarks, the Danish 3 tower silver guarantee mark for 826/1000 grade, with date letters (the spoons are 1925 and the knife is 1927). They also have assay masters mark CFH for Christian F. Heise, who worked between 1904 and 1932.

An interesting antique military silver trophy spoon, awarded by the NRA (National Rifle Association) of Britain as a shooting trophy. The spoon has a NRA medallion set into it, with a scroll engraved "NRA" above the English Coat of Arms, complete with motto's "Dieu et Mon Droit" and "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense" above an enamelled badge with 2 running antelope. The spoon is substantial and very good quality, with scrolls surrounding the coat of arms, and a leaf pattern on the stem. The back of the spoon is engraved "Emma Thresh Trophy 1921". The Emma Thresh Trophy belongs to the Natal Carbineers, South Africa's senior regiment. The trophy itself is 16 kilograms of silver, and was donated in 1903 by Emma Thresh, as the shooting trophy for Colonial Forces. The spoon also has a registration number, RD444590, which appears twice on the spoon.