A pair of Cape silver dessert forks in the Kings pattern, by Fredrik Waldek. The forks are very good quality and gauge, but a little shorter than usual. The forks are double struck (pattern on both sides), and have the diamond heel, as is usual with Cape silver Kings pattern. Cape silver in Kings pattern is quite rare, it was only produced by 2 silversmiths, Twentyman and Waldek, who took over Twentyman's business. The hallmarks are very clear on both forks, and include pseudo Georgian duty, date letter a and crowned leopard's head, along with makers mark FW, which is slightly worn. The forks have no monograms or engraving, and none has been removed. Waldek had a long career as a Cape silversmith, chronometer, clockmaker and jeweller, he worked between 1830 and 1877. He took over Twentyman's shop and partnership on Heerengracht in 1836. The forks have shorter stems than other examples, see S 1866 for a comparative example.
A set of 6 sterling silver grapefruit spoons, with pointed bowls for easy access to the fruit. The spoons have a threaded border pattern with pointed terminals, sometimes referred to as French pattern. The spoons are very pleasing quality and weight, they have a solid feel in the hand, as is often the case with pre-war silver. All 6 spoons are clearly hallmarked with Sheffield hallmarks for 1939 and makers mark EV for Viners Limited, started by Adolphe Viner in 1901, the E refers to his son Emile. Viners was a leading 20th century British cutlery brand, known for good quality, they were acquired by Oneida in 2005. These spoons also have an additional set of 3 hallmarks, smaller but clearly struck, 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 X for 1939, meaning these spoons were exported to Ireland as soon as they were made. The Boujet mark is a stylized representation of a medieval...
A lovely set of 5 18th century Dutch silver Hanoverian pattern 3 pronged forks, with a matching 6th fork made slightly later by another maker, we assume to replace a loss shortly after they were made. The forks are quite plain and elegant, with turn down ends, and a prominent drop and pip, the "Amsterdam Lofje", characteristic of spoons and forks from Amsterdam. The forks have no engraving or monograms. All the forks have makers mark HK in script for Hendrik Kamerlingh II, who worked between 1730 and 1776, and Amsterdam town mark (crown above 3 crosses). The 6th fork has makers mark HO for Hendrik Overhulsman, who worked between 1790 and 1811, also with Amsterdam town mark. All 6 makers and town marks are slightly squashed, this is usual on 18th century bottom marked flatware as the spoon maker would have re-hammered the stems after return from the assay office, as the stem would bulge when the marks were struck. All 6 forks have an additional hallmark, V in shield under a crown, this is a Dutch tax mark used...
A set of 4 Irish Georgian silver tablespoons in the Fiddle pattern, made by Samuel Neville of Dublin. The spoons have no initials or engraving, and no signs of removal. The hallmarks on all 4 spoons are excellent, all individually struck. They include makers mark SN, Hibernia, Crowned Harp and date letter I for 1805. Samuel Neville worked between 1795 and 1851, he was a respected member of the community, he was Warden between 1804 and 1807 and was also elected to the Dublin City Council in 1807. He was Master in 1807 and 1827.
An interesting 17th century style silver notched 2 pronged fork, a replica of the earliest known English table fork. The fork has 3 notches at the top of the stem, a rare feature seen occasionally on puritan spoons. The original, made in 1632, is known as the Manners Fork, and is in the V&A museum in London. The original belonged to the Rutland family of Haddon Hall, and has the crest of John Manners, 8th Earl of Rutland. This fork is a good gauge, very pleasing to use, we tested it on cold meats and olives! The hallmarks are excellent, and include makers mark FH for Francis Howard, the firm worked between 1900 and 1986. The fork comes in it's original box, with label "V.K. Chapman, Jeweller & Silversmith, 104 South St, St. Andrews", A real talking point for your dinner table. This fork is identical to S 1568 which we have already sold, made 2 years later.
A set of 8 Cape Silver tablespoons and table forks (4 of each) in the Old English pattern, all with original owners engraved initials JM in script. The forks are lovely, long and elegant, and in great condition, the spoons have seen more use, with wear to the bowls. The spoons have wide circular drops, more continental in style. Six pieces (4 spoons and 2 forks) have additional initials AFDT engraved on the back of the stems, we assume an earlier owner, the AFDT showing signs of wear. Seven items have excellent hallmarks (makers mark IC and crude anchor, Welz mark 25), one fork has different marks, makers mark IC struck with a worn punch (Welz mark 29) and what appears to be crowned leopards head (clearly struck but worn punch, outline clear but no detail). Combrink had a long career, and this IC mark with worn punch is well known, it is assumed the punch became worn over time. The crowned leopard town mark is more of a mystery, this punch was used by Twentyman and Waldek (Welz 135 and 163), and is unknown by...
A Cape silver konfyt fork in the Fiddle pattern, with 3 tines. The tines are different from most konfyt forks, these are quite fat, widely spaced and short (3.3. cm). The fork has original owners initials TFM, the engraving in an unusual script, quite pleasing overall. The fork has makers mark I.B in oval punch, with the I and B co-joined. This is depicted in the book "Cape Silver and Silversmiths" by Stephan Welz as mark 20, page 146, for Johan Anton Bunning, a German soldier who arrived in the Cape in 1758 and died in 1793. He mark is confirmed as he made silver for the Dutch Reformed Church, whose records confirm him as maker, but the Fiddle pattern style of the fork is problematic, as it was only introduced circa 1800, so it is unlikely he made this fork. A number of alternatives exist, it could have been made by a son (Cape silversmiths regularly carried on using punches created by fathers). More likely is that this is the mark of another Cape silversmith, whose mark has not yet been attributed. IB or JB...
A matching pair of nursery rhyme silver baby implements, a spoon and baby pusher, intended as Christening gifts. Both have short handles, the spoon with Jack and Jill picture, the pusher with Little Boy Blue. The detail on both is lovely, as can be seen from the photographs. Both are clearly hallmarked, the spoon was made in 1932, the pusher in 1936, but both by the same maker WH Collins, and both part of their nursery rhyme collection. The pusher has original owners initials MJ, lightly engraved so this could be removed. The pusher also has a registration number, indicating the design was protected.
A fabulous pair of Baltimore silver tablespoons, in the Kings pattern, by Samuel Kirk of Baltimore, and bearing Baltimore assay marks for 1824-1826. The spoons are very good quality and gauge, unlike many American spoons of the period, which were often thinner and lighter than their English counterparts. They are single struck (in Scottish fashion), the back of both spoons is engraved Lyon, we assume the original owner. In addition to makers mark S.Kirk in script in rectangular punch, the spoons have the oval Baltimore Coat of Arms quality mark, in rectangular punch with cut corners, and date letter C, used by Assay Master LeRoy Atkinson between 1824 and 1826 (see www.imperialhalfbushel.com for information on these marks). These date to an interesting period in American silver history, Baltimore between 1814 and 1830 was the only place and date where hallmarks were required on silver in the USA, following the passing of the Assay Act by the State Legislature of Maryland in 1814 (it was unpopular so repealed i...
A magnificent set of 4 Victorian cast silver Cherub salts, replicas of a style introduced by Paul de Lamerie. The salts have a cast vine leaf bowl, supported by a cherub with arm outstretched, and two dolphin feet supporting the bowl. These are fabulous quality, they weigh between 232 and 273 grammes each, averaging at 255 grammes each, 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 salts are all solid, and stand 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. One salt is clearly hallmarked on the vine leaf,...
A Cape silver Fiddle pattern tablespoon, with a set of extremely rare Cape silver hallmarks. The hallmarks include makers mark LT, and pseudo marks that include date letter A, lyre and duty mark. These marks are shown by Welz in his book Cape Silver (mark 144, page 156), they are also shown by David Heller in his book History of Cape Silver (mark MM84, page 156). The makers mark, A and lyre mark are well struck and very clear, the duty mark is worn at the top. The date letter A is quite distinctive, with one arm much thicker than the other.
A Cape silver teaspoon, in the Fiddle pattern, by Johannes Combrink. The spoon has original owners initials HV engraved on the stem, the engraving is most attractive. The teaspoon has an unusual drop with incised curve. The spoon is marked with makers mark IC (Welz mark 30, Cape Silver, pg 147), this is very well struck and clear. Note faint scratch mark JER near hallmark, we presume a previous owner, visible in photo, not really visible normally unless you look close in good light.
A Cape Colony National Rifle Association silver shooting trophy, the Inter Colonial Grand Challenge Shield. The shield is mounted on its original wooden stand, with brass hinge, it also has an additional silver plaque on the back that is engraved "The Grand Challenge Shield 1945". The shield has lovely detail, 6 flags divided by Kings crown, above a ribbon that reads "CAPE COLONY NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION". Below that, the Cape Colony coat of arms with female herald supporters, blowing trumpets. To the right and left Zulu shields and spears above crossed rifles, all above a shooting range scene, with seated adjudicator and spectator with binoculars, surrounded by laurel wreath. The base has a cartouche which reads "INTER COLONIAL GRAND CHALLENGE SHIELD". This shield is also found in white metal and copper, this is a sterling silver version, with a full set of clear hallmarks. It is listed in Laidlaw (Commemorative Medals of South Africa, 1017), it was first produced by Mappin & Webb between 1902 and 1910. Ev...
A collection of 10 sterling silver and enamel souvenir spoons, all from Scottish towns. Eight of the spoons have enamel finials, one has additional enamel bowl, two are silver only. The spoons were made in Birmingham, London and Edinburgh, and two were imported from Europe. The dates range from 1900 to 1955. All 10 spoons have clear hallmarks. The 10 include: 1. Kilmarnock, Birmingham 1946, L Bros, Confide Virtute et Industria 2. Glasgow, Birmingham 1955, Barker Brothers 3. Edinburgh, London 1902, Saunders & Shepherd, Nisi Dominus Frustra, imported F mark 4. Glasgow, Birmingham 1926, Levi & Salaman, Let Glasgow Flourish, Cathedral in gilded bowl 5. Edinburgh, Birmingham 1900, Levi & Salaman, Nisi Dominus Frustra 6. Glasgow, Birmingham 1911, Joseph Cook & Sons, Exhibition 1911 7. Girvan, Birmingham 1902, William Henry Leather, Sigillum Burgi de Girvan 8. Dumfries, London circa 1900, imported F mark, Enamel bowl with High Street, Dumfries 9. Edinburgh, Birmingham 1926, Levi & Salaman, Nisi Dominus Fru...
A rare pair of Cape silver tablespoons in the Old English pattern, engraved with the crest of the Cape Regiment. The spoons are engraved "CAPE.REG" above a bugle, suspended from a shamrock shape rope knot. This bugle was used as a crest for English Light regiments, currently still used by the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (lightbobs). As is often the case with regimental silver, these spoons have been well used (and well polished), so the crest is worn, one is better than the other. Both spoons have clear Cape silver hallmarks, anchor, IC, anchor, mark 22 in Cape Silver by Welz, used by Johannes Combrink. The Cape Regiment was formed in 1795, and consisted of Khoisan and Coloured men under white officers, headquartered in Simonstown. In 1817 it was renamed the Cape Corps, it remained in existence until 1926. Major Matthew Richmond, a New Zealand Colonial administrator and politician, served with the Cape Regiment in 1817, so may have used these spoons. (note - we have 2 sets of these spoons)....
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 lovely Georgian silver chamberstick, of good quality and gauge, that is still in excellent condition. The pan is circular but with an octagonal design, the border has alternating devices (one floral, one more rectangular). The candle nozzle is also octagonal, with a column design. The flying scroll handle has a cast thumb-piece with engraved family crest, and slot for holding the companion extinguisher. The chamberstick also has its original detachable conical extinguisher (sometimes called dunce cap extinguisher) with acorn finial, this is also engraved with the same family crest, its attachment has the same floral motif as on the pan. The hallmarks are very clear on both pan and extinguisher, and include Sheffield hallmarks for 1822 and makers mark I&J.S. for John and James Settle, who worked between 1814 and 1824. A number of impressive pieces by these makers have survived, including a pair of impressive wine coolers that can be seen on the Rau website (www.rauantiques.com). The crest , a "demi-lion ram...
A fabulous pair of cast silver mustard pots, realistically modelled as dragons, with the head resting on the lid, and coiled body forming the pot, with barbed tail forming the handle. The back of the dragon's head acts as a thumb piece, the hinged lids open to reveal clear glass liners for holding the mustard (or other condiments). These are substantial items, they weigh over 350 grammes each without the liners, the quality is superb. The bodies were cast in 2 separate sections, the solder join is visible on the interior. The hallmarks are excellent on both pieces, the lids are hallmarked as well. We have not encountered this model before, it is possible they were specially commissioned and as such are unique. C.J. Vander was established in 1886 by Cornelius Joshua VanderPump, the firm became "the last of England's preeminent silver firms, creating exceptional silver masterpieces using the time-honored traditions of the silversmith's art. It was this firm's steadfast commitment to quality that made them the ...
A collection of ten American sterling silver souvenir spoons, 5 of which have decorated bowls and 6 of which have decorated stems, 2 decorated front and back, and 2 are gilded. As is usual for these American souvenir spoons, the details are lovely. The spoons include: 1. California, by Gorham, Golden Gate bowl, Eureka, Sutters Fort and California on front, State Capitol, Mission Dolores and Golden gate on back - a lovely spoon 2. Honolulu, maker R in wing, Surf Rider 3. Boulder Dam 4. Philadelphia, Hamilton & Diesinger, Founding Father 5. Hawaii, 1959, maker EJTC, 50TH State, Aloha Tower, Hawaii front, Admitted to the Union Aug 21 1959, The Aloha State rear 6. Washington, Abram French Co, Tip Top House 1852, Washington 7. Detroit, Mechanics Sterling, Detroit Harbour bowl 8. Detroit, Mechanics Sterling, Belle Isle Bridge bowl 9. Detroit, Mechanics Sterling, Water Works Park bowl 10. Chicago, Whiting, Ft Dearborn bowl.
