A Dutch antique silver pipe lighter (Zilver Pijpenkomfoor), made by Jacob van Nieuwcasteel in Utrecht in 1797. The silver frame is circular, beautifully decorated with pierced flowers and a reeded design, on 3 legs. It is fitted with a copper dish, which is fastened to a wooden mahogany base with 3 feet, by an iron screw with 2 leather circular nuts. The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark IVN, Utrecht town mark struck twice (grote keur), and date letter Z for 1797. A very similar pijpenkomfoor, made by Jacob van Nieucasteel in 1816, is present in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, described as follows "Pijpenkomfoor van zilver op blad van mahoniehout en met binnenbak van rood koper. Gewelfd en aan beide zijkanten iets oplopend. Vier gebogen poten, Jacob van Nieuwcasteel, 1816". Van Nieucasteel worked between 1790 and 1818, his work is preserved in numerous museums. These items are also found in the Cape made by Dutch silversmiths, referred to as "Tessies".

An exceptionally large Danish silver serving spoon, in the Old Danish pattern (Dobbelt riflet), wih matching large bowl. The spoon is double struck (pattern on both sides), the pattern has a reeded edge, and the handle is fluted. The weight and quality is very pleasing, heavier and with a larger bowl than other examples we have seen. This type of extremely large serving spoon is unique to Denmark, very suitable for serving a generous portion. The hallmarks include the Danish 3 towers mark with date letter 36 for 1936, assay masters mark JS for Johannes Siggaard (who worked between 1932 and 1960), and makers mark HS in script for Horsens Solvvarefabriek which was established in 1904. We have sold a similar spoon S1293, and have a similar example S 11024.

A rare early Cape Silver three pronged fork, in the Hanoverian pattern. The fork is a lovely shape, long and elegant, with long tines. The fork has makers mark DHS, with some wear but clearly visible, along with a bunch of grapes with vine leaves in a circular punch (mark 109 in Cape Silver by Welz). The fork also has a small owners cross hatch scratch mark next to the makers mark. Three pronged forks were common in the early 18th century, they were gradually replaced by 4 prongs after 1760, perhaps a little later in the colonies, but we believe this dates to the early part of Schmidt's career. Schmidt arrived in the Cape from Strelitz, Germany, as a soldier in 1768. He worked as a sword cutler for the Dutch East India Company, and became a burgher and silversmith in 1779. He died in 1811 (Cape Silver by Welz, pg 139). He is described by David Heller (in his book History of Cape Silver) as the "greatest Cape silversmith". Heller goes so far to describe Schmidt as a "master craftsman, whose work can be compare...

A set of 6 Irish Georgian silver Celtic Point teaspoons, with bright cut "Dublin Star" engraving. The oval shield under the star is vacant, this was originally intended for a family crest or owners initials. This engraving was popular in Ireland between 1790 and 1800, the bright cut glitters in candlelight, the Star pattern is unique to Irish silver. The 6 spoons were made by 4 different makers, and have very slight differences, but the hand engraving was done by the same hand, so we believe the set was assembled by the engraver. All 6 spoons are hallmarked with the Dublin Hibernia and Harp Crowned, no date letters are present (as is usual with Irish teaspoons of this period). 4 Makers marks can be identified, 2 J.S for John Shiels (1762-1790), one AM for Arthur Murphy, and one JB for John Bayly, the fifth mark is ?D, the last is not legible. Slight differences includethe shapes of the drops, and the bowl shapes, some move oval than others (very slight differences).

A very rare Victorian silver Straight Tudor pattern flatware set, made by Chawner & Co, the leading flatware maker of Victorian England. The spoons and forks are fabulous quality, and are in excellent condition. The Straight Tudor pattern is a Gothic Revival pattern, it omits 2 small scroll circular projections on each side of the stem, this differentiates it from the "Tudor" pattern. All 48 pieces are clearly hallmarked, they also carry the British Registry design number and date chart diamond, which rarely occurs on silver flatware - class I for metal, date letter v for 1850, and R 14 indicating 14 August. The presence of the design mark indicates that Chawner registered the design to protect it from being copied. Straight Tudor is described by Pickford (Silver Flatware page 149) as "a rare 19th century Chawner & Co design which appears in their pattern book (page 219), registered August 14th 1850, along with Tudor. Services and pieces are rare, building a service would be extremely difficult". The Tudor ...

A pair of Georgian Silver Hanoverian Tableforks, dated 1806, with the Douglas family crest, and motto "Jamais Arriere", translated "Never Behind". The crest is beautifully engraved, on the back of the forks in 18th century style, and is described as "on a chapeau, a green salamander surrounded by fire", with the motto above the crest (which is only done in Scotland). The crest is under an Earl's coronet, so these forks probably belonged to the 9th or 10th Earl Hamilton. The hallmarks on both forks are clear, the makers mark is worn but visible.

A pair of Georg Jensen Parallel or Relief pattern salad or vegetable servers, in the Parallel pattern, also called Relief # 25 pattern. They are a lovely classic Art Deco shape, with rectangular handles with serrated edge design, and the rare additional of 2 circular "wings" midway up the handle. Both have clear hallmarks, the GJ in rectangle makers mark (used between 1933 and 1944) above "Sterling Denmark". The fork also has additional London import marks for 1936, and the G.J Ld makers mark used by the London Jensen shop. The parallel pattern is interesting most of the smaller items have no "wings", a few of the larger serving items have scroll "wings" , the circular "wings" present here appear to be the rarest addition to the pattern. The pattern was designed in 1931 by Oscar Gundlach-Pedersen, a famous Danish architect who designed a number of important buildings. He was born in 1886, he served as Georg Jensen's last apprentice in 1911, he later returned to the Georg Jensen firm as Manager and Artistic D...

A set of 6 sterling silver Arts & Crafts teaspoons, made by Kurt Jobst circa 1950. The spoons have spiral design finials, which were described by Nadine Gordimer as "chamelon tail spoons", source the book "Kurst Jobst, Goldsmith, Silversmith, Art Metal Worker", 1979, page 46, a book we highly recommend. The spoons also have round bowls and hand hammered "square" handles, they are a pleasure to hold and use. They are great quality, each individually made by hand by a master craftsman. The same book depicts these spoons in 3 different sizes (page 40), the smallest probably for salt, the medium teaspoons and the largest probably for condiments (these spoons are the medium size). All 6 spoons have clear hallmarks, and include his trademark "unicorn" KJ mark, along with "Jobst, Sterling and .925" marks. Jobst was born in Austria in 1905, he served his apprenticeship in Hanau, Germany, his influence was the Bauhaus movement. He emigrated with his family in 1936 from Austria to South Africa to escape Hitler, and be...

An interesting Zambian Arts and Crafts sterling silver and malachite milk jug, sugarbowl and sugar spoon, made by the most prestigious jewellery company in Zambia. The milk jug is in the form of a brandy saucepan (perhaps it is!), with straight sides and a sparrow beak spout, and polished malachite handle. The sugar bowl is spherical, with 4 malachite cabochons as decoration, and 3 curved feet and planished body, very similar in style to Liberty Cymric Archibald Knox pieces (he used turquoise). Both are hand hammered, with planished surface, clearly made by hand, the bowl more noticeable than the jug. The spoon is also lovely, with a malachite pearl in dragons foot finial, rounded handle with a knob for grip, also clearly made by hand. All 3 pieces are hallmarked, firstly with S925 standard mark, and secondly with makers mark KR in Zambian country outline. Klaus Rygaard is a Danish Jeweller and watchmaker, he emigrated to Lusaka, Zambia in 1965, took over a jewellery store, he later established his own goldsm...

A rare Iona silver letter opener, in the form of a sword, in the Celtic Arts and Crafts style, made by Alexander Ritchie of Iona. The letter opener is a substantial size and weight, a quality item, and is a pleasure to use. The sword is decorated with Celtic knotwork on the handle and blade. The hallmarks are very clear, "A.R." incuse makers mark, "IONA", and Glasgow hallmarks for 1929. Alex Ritchie's work was inspired by the ancient Celtic and Viking carvings on Iona. He is regarded as one of the most respected and sought after Scottish silver jewellers of the 20th century. (All information courtesy of Alexander Ritchie website, see link on our links page. An identical letter opener is shown on the website, http://www.alexander-ritchie.co.uk/other, it is described as "substantial, the design similar to one used on his much smaller sword brooches".)

A Chinese Export silver gravy straining spoon in the Fiddle pattern, also called a dividing spoon, with no engraving. The spoon, which is large serving spoon size, has a vertical divider with vertical slits in the bowl, this is fixed (some versions have removable dividers). The spoon is excellent quality, easily comparable with a top class English Georgian spoon. The hallmarks are excellent, and include pseudo duty mark, pseudo crowned leopards head (London town mark pre 1821), pseudo date letter P with cut corners, pseudo lion passant and makers mark WE WE WC. This is an imitation of the makers mark for William Eley, William Fearn and William Chawner. The style of the lettering in the makers mark is quite distinctive, the font is a little crude, distinctly different from the real Eley, Fearn & Chawner mark. The Chinese Export silver collectors guide (4th edition, pg 763-767) says this maker remains unidentified, but was responsible "for an astounding production of silver items, almost all in the European ne...

A collection of six silver miniature animals, with lovely detail. 5 of the animals are sterling 925 silver, the smallest one is 800 grade (the mouse). The 2 dogs and pair of geese are from Germany, clearly hallmarked 925 and the post 1888 moon and crown German standard mark. The snail is Italian, made by Sorini of Arezzo post 1984, the hallmarks are small but clear. The other 5 animals we believe to be older.

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.

An interesting set of 4 Roman reproduction Scottish silver miniature wine cups, perfectly preserved in original box. The wine cups have a circular spherical bowl, attached to a large flat circular base with a rim, by a baluster stem. They are quite heavy and well made, the quality is excellent. The original box reads "Brook & Son, Goldsmiths to the King, 87 George Street, Edinburgh". The hallmarks are very clear on all 4 wine cups, makers mark "BROOK & SON EDINBURGH", Scottish thistle, Edinburgh castle and date letter W. 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). These wine cups are reproductions of Roman cups that were part of the Traprain Law treasure hoard, which was discovered by George Pringle at Traprain Law, East Lothian, in 1919. The hoard dates from 400 AD, and consisted of 160 pieces, mostly cut up ready for melting. William Brook was the silversmith involved in conserving and...

A rare surviving set of 6 Georgian silver table knives, in the Fiddle Thread and Shell pattern, with silver as opposed to steel blades. The knives are in remarkable condition and are suitable for use. The knives have an engraved family crest, an eagle sable preying on a partridge, under an Earl's crown, with 5 pearls. This is the family crest of the Earls of Onslow, the first Earl George Onslow died in 1814 so we assume these knives were made for Thomas Onslow, when he became the 2nd Earl Onslow. Thomas Onslow was born in 1754, he was Member of Parliament for Rye and Guildford. He was an associate of the Prince of Wales (later King George IV), and guarded the door when the Prince secretly married Mrs Fitzherbert (source Wikipedia). The hallmarks are clear on all 6 knives, both on the silver blades and on the handles, including makers mark MB for Moses Brent. Moses Brent was freed in 1770 as a haft-maker, he worked until 1817. Grimwade, in his book London Goldsmiths 1697-1837, states "Brent had a virtual monop...

A fabulous sterling silver soup ladle in the popular Fiddle, Thread and Shell pattern, with engraved Marais Family coat of arms, which is very clear. The ladle is a substantial size and weight, the quality is excellent. The hallmarks are very clear, including makers mark D&J W, for Daniel & John Wellby, who worked between 1827 and 1974 from Garrick Street, London. The Marais family coat of arms is described as "Azure, a chain sable fesswise, in chief a crescent reversed and a base of two hills vert" - Pama, Heraldry of South African Families, page 53, depicted on Plate 18, no 280, of the Bell Krynauw Collection. It dates back to Charles Marais of the farm Plasir de Merle, who arrived in the Cape in 1688, and was "murdered by a Hottentot on the farm in 1689". Note - we have other matching items with the Marais Family armorial.

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 lovely Georg Jensen sterling silver brooch, pattern number 266. The brooch is rectangular, with a wavy crosshatch bar pattern interspersed with 3 different sizes of silver balls, this has been described as the Jensen "Silver Ball" brooch. The brooch is clearly hallmarked with interesting marks, 6 distinct punch groupings have been used, so quite unusual to have so many hallmarks on such a small piece. They include 1. "Georg Jensen Silversmiths LTD", 2. "Sterling", 3. "Denmark", 4."266", 5. "GJLd" (makers mark), 6. "London post 1906 import mark, .925, N" (London import marks for 1948). The first 4 marks would have been added in Denmark, the last 2 on import into London in 1948.

An interesting set of 6 Fiddle pattern tableforks, made in 1815, the year of the battle of Waterloo. The forks are a pleasing weight, and very good quality, they have a lovely feel. The forks are engraved with an interesting family crest, a leopards head with an arrow in its mouth, this is unusually engraved on the back of the forks. The hallmarks are excellent, including date letter U for 1815 and makers mark WE/WF for William Eley & William Fearn, who were leading makers of flatware. We welcome any assistance with identification of the family crest.

A rare sterling silver cooks measuring spoon, we have not encountered one of these before. The spoon has the traditional measuring spoon shape, with circular spherical bowl and long flat handle. The spoon has an interesting triple rat-tail joining the bowl to the handle. The hallmarks are on the front of the spoon, and are well struck, they could not be better. The detail on the sterling lion passant and London town mark leopards head is fantastic, please see the photographs.