Leopard Antiques Sterling Silver Dragon Mustard Pots (Pair) - C.J. Vander, James Barclay Hennell

Sterling Silver Dragon Mustard Pots (Pair) - C.J. Vander, James Barclay Hennell

Reference: S1835 Period: Elizabeth II Year: 1996 Silversmith: C.J. Vander, designed by James Barclay Hennell Place: London Price: $ 1 650.00 Weight: 708 grams (excluding glass liners) grams Dimensions: 7.3 cm height, 4.7 cm diameter Condition: Excellent, hinges also excellent, these are perfect condition. Glass liners also perfect. Description: 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 favorite of both royalty and nobility alike throughout Europe." - MS Rau, www.rauantiques.com. They amalgamated many leading silversmiths, including Eley, Fearn, Chawner, Eaton, Higgins, Elkington, Mappin & Webb, and Walker & Hall. Vander silver is always the finest quality, these dragon mustard pots are no exception. The firm closed in 2007, a great pity. Note 1 - A single identical dragon mustard pot, also by Vander 1996, sold at Woolley & Wallis in April 2022, lot 327, for GBP 750. Note 2 - We have discovered that these dragon mustard pots are replicas of the original produced in 1878 by J.B. Hennell, as photographed and described in the article "The Victorian Vogue for Table Toys" by Judith Banister, Antiques Collecting magazine, page 117, figure 19, December 1977. She describes the pot as "Silver in the half macabre, half comic style of the latter part of the 19th century". James Barclay Hennell took over the famous firm of Hennell & Sons in 1877, until his retirement in 1887 when the firm was sold to Holland, Aldwinckle & Slater. He is remembered for his novelty items, including Punch & Judy items, a Disraeli mustard pot (political satire), and a range of amusing animal stirrup cups, table lighters and cruets. Hennell's novelty wares are known for the quality of the modelling, it is believed J.B. Hennell did the modelling himself from the 1860's. Many of their items were retailed by Hancocks & Co, a testament to their quality.


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Sterling silver dragon mustard pots - c j vander


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cast sterling silver dragon 1


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cast sterling silver dragon 2


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Vander silver mustard pots, glass liners


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Vander cast silver dragon mustard pot - open


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Dragon mustard pots, silver - side view


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Vander mustard pots, cast silver, london hallmarks


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CJ Vander - london hallmarks


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Sterling silver dragon mustard pots - c j vander - scale

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