An Arts & Crafts Britannia silver tumbler cup, with hand hammered (planished) sides, and rounded heavy base, made by the little known silversmith Denis Lacy-Hulbert for his brother. The cup is beautifully proportioned, ideal for use, and is a lovely quality item. The cup is engraved "Cyril Lacy-Hulbert, M.A. (HONS) CANTAB, C.ENG, M.I.E.E., M.I. Mech E.", well positioned beneath the hallmarks, which also add to the decorative effect. The reverse of the tumbler has the Lacy-Hulbert family crest, with motto "Pro Aris Et Focis", translated "For Hearth and Home". The hallmarks are excellent, all clearly struck, including Britannia which indicates this silver is higher grade 950 standard (sterling is lower grade 925). Tumbler cups were originally made in the 17th and 18th century, designed with a heavy rounded base that rights itself to prevent spillage when traveling (think stagecoach or boat). Denis (Ben) Lacy-Hulbert (1911-2005) was Managing Director of a family steel tube/ cylinder manufacturing business, silve...

An interesting and rare early vinaigrette, the grille of the vinaigrette does not have a hinge, but fits as a snug cap which can be completely removed. The vinaigrette is oval in shape, the grille is plain with irregular punch holes with no pattern, the grille and interior of the vinaigrette are gilded. The grille has a small thumbpiece on one side, this fits into concave opening in the side of the vinaigrette base. Close examination of the vinaigrette shows no sign of hinge removal, we are confident it was originally made to be a removable grille without hinge. The gilding is a lemon colour, with some scratches and imperfections. The original sponge is present. The hallmarks on the lid are very clear, and include date letter X for 1795, lion passant and makers mark T.W in oval punch. The hallmarks on the base include a very clear maker mark, good anchor town mark and partial duty mark. Thomas Willmore was the patriarch of the Willmore Genealogy, one of the leading families of Birmingham toy makers, known fo...

A "New Nautilus" novelty silver sugar sifter, complete with patent and registration number. The bowl of the sifter is a nautilus shell, the top edge of the shell has 28 pierced leaf shaped sifter holes, the shell is realistically modeled. The handle is joined to the shell at right angles, to allow ease of use during sifting. The handle has an interesting unknown pattern, not found in the book " Silver Flatware" by Pickford, it appears to be a variant of Albert pattern, and is single struck. The hallmarks are clear, the handle also has a registration number indicating the design was registered. The shell has a patent number, PAT 17124, so this design was patented as well, quite unusual for silver flatware. The nautilus is a living fossil, dating back 500 million years, it is a cephalopod named after Sailor in Greek. Nautilus shell cups decorated in silver and gold became popular in the 16th century, the nautilus became popular again in Victorian times, first as spoon warmers, this sifter design is late Victori...

A rare pair of Cape silver mustard spoons, in the Fiddle pattern with gilded bowls, with pseudo English hallmarks. The hallmarks include makers mark JT in damaged punch (Welz mark 123), and 4 pseudo marks (Georgian duty, date letter a, leopards head and date letter J, Welz mark 122, page 153). One spoon has excellent hallmarks, the second has good hallmarks, some slight wear. Heller does record Cape made salt and mustard spoons, and depicts 6 salt spoons in his book "History of Cape Silver" (pg 202, plate 67). Cape mustard spoons appear to be be much rarer than salt spoons, none are known in any of the Cape silver reference books. We have sold a similar Cape mustard spoon by Townsend, (but slighty longer and different combination of pseudo marks), see S 1818.

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 and rare silver wine label, in Art Nouveau style. The label is rectangular with canted corners, and has been pierced WHISKEY in Art Nouveau style, in a font that closely resembles the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Glasgow school. Whiskey spelt with an E indicates Irish whiskey, Scottish whisky is spelt without the E. The hallmarks are struck on the front of the label, and are very clear, including the W&H in flag punch, they worked between 1884 and 1960, when they were incorporated into Mappin & Webb. British Art Nouveau silver wine labels are rare, the book "Wine Labels 1730-2003" by John Salter, states that "perhaps surprisingly, there seems to have been no record of British Art Nouveau labels", further noting the "only Art Nouveau labels known are American and Continental". Note: we have a matching label for BRANDY S1849.

An interesting and rare silver wine label, in Art Nouveau style. The label is rectangular with canted corners, and has been pierced BRANDY in Art Nouveau style, in a font that closely resembles the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Glasgow school. The hallmarks are struck on the front of the label, and are very clear, including the W&H in flag punch, they worked between 1884 and 1960, when they were incorporated into Mappin & Webb. British Art Nouveau silver wine labels are rare, the book "Wine Labels 1730-2003" by John Salter, states that "perhaps surprisingly, there seems to have been no record of British Art Nouveau labels", further noting the "only Art Nouveau labels known are American and Continental". Note: we have a matching label for WHISKEY S1850.

Rectangular, plain but elegant teapot on 4 ball feet, characteristic of the style between 1805 and 1810. Wooden handle and ivory finial. Beautiful tree stump crest, excellent hallmarks, including lid.

An interesting solid silver figure of a musician playing a trumpet, decorated with coloured cabochon "jewels" in red, blue and green. The figure is beautifully modelled, the detail is astounding, clearly the work of a master craftsman. A total of 21 cabochons are present, we assume they are paste of glass, to simulate rubies, sapphires and emeralds, the cabochon in the hat is larger than the others. The texturing of the hat, hair and stockings is all done by hand. Their are traces of gilding on the figure, at end of trumpet and under coat. The figure only has one hallmark, a clear 13 in shield, quite a stylised 3, this is for 13 Loth silver, or 812 standard, used in Germany prior to 1888, hence our dating of the figure as circa 1880. Whilst no makers mark is present, we are confident it originates in Hanau, Germany, where a number of similar bejewelled figures were made, including a number of musicians. A number can be seen on the Pushkin Antiques website, www.pushkinantiques.com, in the archive/ sold section...

An interesting set of 12 silver ice cream spoons, complete with matching larger ice cream serving spoon, of identical shape. The spoons have a circular flat bowl, with a raised lip on the right hand side to prevent ice cream sliding off. the spoons have a thread border, and pointed terminal, quite an attractive pattern. The back of each spoon is engraved with attractive interlocking initials BS (or SB?) in Gothic style, the B is shaded, the S is not. It is unusual to see initials on the back of spoons from this period, also the initials are 180 degrees from what is usually encountered (these face towards you), so designed to be read when laid on the table face down. The 12 smaller spoons each have 2 marks, the small sword used for small items (between 1906 and 1953) and makers mark V.K followed by a device. the large spoon is fully hallmarked with clear marks, these include makers mark V.K under crescent moon, lion passant over 2 for 833 grade silver, Minerva head duty mark with town letter on helmet (C for T...

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".)

Lovely Nathaniel Mills cigar case with a beautifully engraved hunting scene, a dog chasing two grouse. The entire case is engraved with scrolls, and the cartouche is engraved "Carole". Hallmarks on the lid and base are very clear.

An interesting Hanau silver circular box, the lid an exact copy of a famous silver Dutch medallion of 1653 by Wouter Muller commemorating the death of Admiral Maarten Tromp. The lid has rich detail, a naval engagement with two Man-of War ships at close range, with an English ship sinking in the foreground, other ships in the background, all in high relief. The inscription around the edge reads :Waarom doet Muller Tromp door kunst van gout en silverleeven: om dat hy'd yzer eew door krygsdeugd heeft verdreven, obyt den. 10 aug: 1653", translated "Why does the art of Muller make Tromp live in gold and silver? Because his valour has removed from us the age of iron. Died 10 August 1653". The circular edge of the box is decorated with putti playing musical instruments, with birds (peacocks and owls), interspersed with blank oval cartouches. The interior is gilded, so it was possibly a snuff box, but could be used on a desk or dressing table for small items (ideal for cufflinks). The base is clearly hallmarked with ...

A lovely pair of Irish Georgian silver tablespoons in the Old English pattern, with an engraved family crest for the Newton family of Dunleckney, County Carlow, featuring a Ducal coronet. The spoons are a pleasing quality, and are in excellent condition, the engraving is also crisp and clear. The crest features a boars head above Ducal coronet (with strawberry leaves), with 2 ostrich feathers above the coronet. The spoons are also engraved with owners initials N/GG on the drop. The hallmarks are clear on both spoons, the makers mark JB has wear to one of the J's. John Bayly worked between 1787 and 1804 (Bennett mark 204). These spoons would have been made for Colonel Philip Newton (1770-1833) and his wife Sarah when they inherited the Dunleckney estate in 1802. Note - we have a matching spoon S 11389.

A Dutch silver Hanoverian pattern tablespoon and fork, both made in Middelburg in 1771, but by different makers. Both are clearly hallmarked with the Dutch town mark for Middelburg, a double headed crowned eagle, and date letter H FOR 1771, and both have clearly struck makers marks. Both are first grade silver (87.5 %). The tablespoon is by Johannes d'Hoy, and is the traditional Hanoverian shape, with central frontal rib, turn up end, and a long drop. It is a good quality spoon, well made, with some wear from use, and no engraving. It is bottom marked with 3 hallmarks, the town mark and makers mark are clear, the third mark is worn. The makers mark is ID below a theepot (teapot), d'Hoy worked between 1766 and 1786, he was clearly a talented silversmith, examples of his work can be seen in the Rijksmuseum, as well as Museum Boijmans and Utrecht museum. The fork also has a central front rib with turn up end, 4 tines, and also has no engraving. The makers mark of IW above upside down flower could be one of 2 sil...

A rare Sampson Mordan silver hatching chick spoon, it has previously been described as a baby feeding spoon, but could also be a castor sugar spoon. The hatching chick will be familiar to Sampson Mordan collectors, it is often seen as a pincushion. The detail and quality are excellent, the chick has open mouth and open eyes, and a gilded interior. The chick has an Albany pattern handle, which was a popular pattern at the turn of the 20th century (also called Queen Anne pattern by Francis Higgins). We believe this is a rare item, we have not seen it described before in the literature. We have noted another similar example that appeared on auction, this one had greenstone eyes, and was described as a baby feeding spoon - but given the gilded interior, it could have been designed for spreading castor sugar - all thoughts welcome. The spoon has clear SM&Co makers mark (this mark used between 1903-1914 by Mordan), and worn but legible hallmarks for Chester 1906 (date letter clear). The spoon also has a clear desig...

A magnificent 950 grade French silver coffee spoon in the Renaissance pattern, that carries the mark of one of France's greatest silversmiths - Cardeilhac. The spoon has a pierced trilobe finial, with a smiling cherub's head in the centre, surrounded by very ornate scrolls. the centre of the stem is decorated with a reverse baluster design, and the stem is rectangular, with 90 degree angles. The bowl is connected to the stem with an ornate rat-tail. Needless to say, the quality and feel of this spoon is fabulous, and it is made of the higher grade 950 silver (as opposed to Sterling which is 925). The Renaissance pattern honours the Renaissance period, and has been described as one of Cardeilhac's most prestigious models. It was created in the Nineteenth century in the Neo-Gothic style. The spoon has 2 hallmarks, both very clear - the first is the Cardeilhac makers mark (crowned medal of Honour cross above crescent, in shaped punch, with initials JC for Jacques Cardeilhac, who worked 1945-1951). The second i...

An interesting pair of Scottish sterling silver miniature triangular bowls, intended as salt cellars, reproductions from the Traprain Treasure. The bowls have a large beaded rim, and rest on a circular foot, these are miniatures of the set we have (S 1099). They are quite heavy and well made. The hallmarks are very clear, Scottish thistle, Edinburgh castle and date letter X for 1928, along with "Brook & Son, Edinburgh. The bowls also have an additional hallmark, stylised S in diamond punch, this mysterious S in diamond punch is also present on other Traprain treasure reproductions, so we assume it was used by Brook on the Traprain reproductions. Brook and Son were the leading Scottish silversmiths in the early 20th century, they operated between 1891 and 1939 from 87 George Street, they had a Royal Warrant from King George V (Hamilton and Inches today). The bowls are reproductions of a Roman bowl that was part of the Traprain Law treasure hoard, which was discovered by George Pringle at Traprain Law, East Lot...

A beautiful pair of miniature antique silver pastry servers, perfectly preserved in their original box. The servers are in the Kings Husk pattern, single struck, this is a variant of the Kings pattern without the central honeysuckle decoration, and a husk shell. Both servers are a similar size and shape, one had a flat spade shape blade and the other has a serrated prong front, so quite versatile. The hallmarks on both are very clear. The box reads "By Appointment to his Excellency The Governor of Cape Colony, Morris Bros, Jewellers & Silversmiths, Kimberley & Johannesburg". We have not been able to trace any information about Morris Brothers, all assistance welcome. Note - We have now traced a 1905 advert for John Round & Son, they claim to be "The largest spoon and fork makers in the world".

A rare Regency rose pattern punch ladle, this is a beautiful ladle. The ladle is gilded, and has an engraved rams head family crest on the back. The ladle is the shape of a soup ladle, but is noticeably smaller, hence our description as a punch ladle (bowl is 7.0 cm by 5.5 cm). The pattern is double struck, and has good detail, with trailing roses, and Anthemion heel (Pickford, Silver Flatware, pg 131). The hallmarks are clear, the makers mark is slightly obscured, but the Script H used by Hayne is identifiable. Jonathan Hayne was freed in 1804, he had a flourishing business, and was Prime Warden in 1843, he died in 1848. Pickford describes the Rose pattern as rare, and he notes 2 different types (different heels). Close examination shows that these spoons have a slightly different design from the one depicted in Pickfords Flatware book (pg 131), with more leaves, so different dies must have been made.