An Edwardian silver and enamel novelty vesta case, of circular form with hinged flip top lid and striker built into the base. The vesta has an applied enamel in silver rope border, featuring a pack of 8 English foxhounds, very attractively modelled with lovely colours. Vesta cases (also called matchsafes) were used to store vestas (early matches before safety matches were invested), they were very popular between 1890 and 1910.

An antique Dutch silver gilt vinaigrette (zilveren lodereindoosje) in the form of an armoire (kabinet). These have also been described as pomanders, scent boxes, and also incorrectly described as snuff boxes and peppermint boxes. The box has a curved shaped front, and the back panel has the impressed words "HE. DAT IS LIEF", translated He that is love", so probably presented as a love token. The armoire has frontal doors with floral decoration, and 3 drawers below, the back and side panels also have floral decoration. The lid has an oval panel with seated figure of justice holding sword and scales, surrounded by a wreath. The base is engraved with original owners initials T:V:V, the base also has a clear makers mark of AK under flower (Adrianus Kuijlenburg of Schoonhoven, 1812 -1816, see Nederlands Responsibility Marks since 1797 no 897). The lid has a Minerva head office mark (duty mark), and the box interior rim has the Lion Passant 2nd purity for 833 grade silver and date letter G for 1816. Loderein comes...

An Edwardian silver pocket stamp case, with a spring loaded interior for holding stamps in place. The case is rectangular, with an engine turned design with vacant circular cartouche for initials or family crest, and ring attachment for attachment to an Albert chain. The interior is gilded, the stamp compartment is also engine turned. The case, lid and stamp compartment are all hallmarked. Saunders & Shepherd are a well known firm, first established in 1869 by Cornelius Saunders and Frank Shepherd.

A lovely sterling silver medallion, commemorating the 100 year anniversary of Stellenbosch University in 1966. This is a high quality medallion, with beautiful stylised engraving. The front depicts the "Ou Hoofgebou" (Old Main Building), the oldest building on campus, built in 1886, in Cape classical style, with collonaded veranda and ornamental balcony. This is surrounded with "HOER ONDERWYS OP STELLENBOSCH 1866-1966", translated Higher Education at Stellenbosch. The back has the Stellenbosch University Coat of Arms under "UNIVERSITEIT VAN STELLENBOSCH", this was adopted in 1918, described as "Quarterly: I and IV: Or, three towers gules 2 and 1; II: Azure, the head of the Roman goddess Minerva wearing a winged helmet, argent; III: Azure, three oak twigs each with two leaves below and an acorn above, argent, 2 and 1; Upon an inescutcheon sable, an open book proper, with a red initial letter S in upper dexter, and with two seals, one red and one blue, pendant from the book (source www.andrewcusack.com). The 3 ...

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 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 pair of Victorian silver grape scissors, once an essential implement in an upmarket Victorian drawing room, used to cut the stems of a bunch of grapes. This is the rarer type, with traditional scissor blades, as opposed to the more usual 2 wide flat faced blades with a 90 degree angle on one blade, sometimes called grape shears. This set is long and elegant, with a beaded border, and engraved leaf decoration on the back and front, and 2 vacant cartouche's for family crest or initials. The handles are oval rings, and the original steel hinge pin has an attractive circular silver cap with a floral design. The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark CB on both arms, with date letter C for 1878, London town mark, sterling lion and Victoria duty mark. Charles Boyton & Sons was founded in 1809, and survived until 1933. They were manufacturing silversmiths, they supplied many prestigious retailers locally and internationally. A very similar example is depicted in the book "Millers Silver Buying Guide by Danie...

An interesting and practical silver double stamp case, with a twin stamp compartment that swivels into a rectangular case, for easy access and carrying. The case has an engraved linear design, and ring attachment for attachment to a Albert chain. The interior compartment swivels on a pin, has a pin and hole clasp to hold it shut, and a thumbpiece for easy opening, an ingenious design. The box is clearly hallmarked, but the makers mark J&W is worn. The box is also stamped "PAT APPd FOR 18816", which indicates the makers had applied for a patent to protect their design. One of the most practical stamp cases we have seen, we really like this box.

An interesting antique silver Past Primo badge, from the Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) branch of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (Buffs). The badge is very ornate, with central Buffalo head, complete with horns and red cabochon eyes (not sure if these are rubies?). The head is surrounded by blue enamel belt buckle, Past - Primo, set on a very ornate and finely engraved background of scrolls and flowers. The badge is suspended from a scroll with Buffalo horn, engraved Rhodesia, with bar at the back for attachment to a ribbon. The badge is quite large and heavy, quite good quality. The back is engraved "Presented to Primo T. Longmore for Valuable Services Rendered 1907". The hallmarks are very clear, including makers mark for Arthur Fenwick, who specialized in medallions, the suspension bar is also hallmarked. The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) was founded in 1822, and still exists today. It is similar to the Freemasons but is open in its practices, which are mostly charitable today. They were...

A rare and unusual silver gilt stirrup cup, a later replica of one of the earliest forms of stirrup cups, prior to the rise in popularity of the better known fox and animal head stirrup cups. It consists of a small banded beaker shaped cup (3.5 cm height), suitable for sherry, on top of a long, tapered silver handle, with wonderful textured patterns for improved grip. The cup is engraved "THE DURBAN STIRRUP CUP - PRESENTED BY THE EARL OF LONSDALE IN COMMEMORATION OF THE KINDNESS RECEIVED FROM ALL DURING HIS VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA". The shield is engraved "REPLICA OF THE EARL OF LONSDALE'S STIRRUP CUP AD 1788" The handle is divided into 4 sections, separated by a protruding ring, the 3 rings are not gilded, which provides a nice contrast. The top section has alternating floral bands, the second barley-twist ribbing, the 3rd is similar to the first but with flowers reversed, the 4th a thicker barley-twist with additional texture to alternating band. The end is capped with a suspension ring, with original hallmar...

A 9 carat gold Natal Cadet Bisley shooting trophy medallion for 1907. The medallion has the emblem of the Natal Carbineers, South Africa's senior regiment, used prior to 1910, with the British Royal Coat of Arms above two running antelope. The Royal arms include mottoes "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense", and "Dieu en Mon Droit" clearly readable. The medallion has clear hallmarks, including E & Co for Elkington, a leading British silversmith, and the numbers 9 and 375 representing 9 carat gold. The original loop is also gold, and is hallmarked with tiny marks. This medallion would be suitable to be worn as a pendant. Bisley is a small English village that since 1890 has been the home of the National Rifle Association championships, hence the name of the shooting medallion. The Bisley revolver has been used for target shooting since 1894.

An interesting British Arts & Crafts medallion, which could be worn as a pendant. The pendant has the Manchester Coat of Arms, complete with sailing ship and globe signifying Manchester's world trade, with bees on the globe signifying the industrial revolution. The supporters include an antelope and lion, and the motto "Concilio et Labore", translated "By Wisdom and Effort". The medallion also has Arts and Crafts symbols, including hammer & anvil, paintboard and brush, and hammer & wheel. The back is engraved "Awarded to Mabel Maynard for Miniature Painting, Manchester April 1901". The hallmarks are clear, and the loop is also hallmarked.

A rare set of spring hinged Georgian silver sugar tongs, in perfect condition, which is quite unusual for these type of tongs. The tongs have a hinge with steel spring built into it, the steel is visible on the rear.The arms are cast, and have a bead and thread edge, the grips have an attractive pattern. The hinge bears the Innes family crest, of a lion holding a palm frond, under the motto "Ornatur Radix Fronde", translated "The root is adorned by the foliage". As is usual for Scottish crests, the motto is above (English crests the motto is below), the Innes family comes from the Moray area of Speyside (so perhaps these tongs should be used for adding ice to whisky rather than sugar to tea!). Both arms are hallmarked with makers mark IB and lion passant, which indicates they were made before 1784 when the duty mark was added. These type of tongs were made between 1765 and 1780 (Georgian Silver Sugar Tongs, Graham Hodges, pg 10, a book we highly recommend), and are rare in undamaged form. John Baker II worked...

An interesting Sampson Mordan antique silver bowl, with a Victorian silver half crown dated 1900 set into the bowl. The bowl is engraved "God Save The Queen, The Last Coinage of the Nineteenth Century". The bowl is good quality, the coin is very fine, protected by the rim on the base. The hallmarks are excellent, including Sampson Mordan makers mark. The bowl is also stamped "copyright" in small letters below the coin. Sampson Mordan are well known for their collectable novelty silver.

A Southern Transvaal Football Association sterling silver medallion, we assume a football trophy. The medallion features the coat of arms of the original South African Republic (Transvaal), used from 1866. It features a lion, Boer soldier complete with rifle and bandolier, oxwagon symbolising the "Great Trek", with a fouled anchor in the centre. The medallion has not been engraved. The hallmarks include makers mark RMP (Royal Mint Pretoria) and 925 indicating sterling standard. The medallion is in its original box, with RMP on the lid. The medallion has a loop, so can be worn as a pendant.

A lovely gold lady golfer medallion or brooch, with a lady golfer in full swing, above a scroll reading "R D L G C", possibly Royal Durban Ladies Golf Club. The medallion has 2 different colours of gold, a redder colour and also brighter yellow colour, which combined with the texture makes the picture stand out. The back of the medallion is engraved "W.m PAY LOVING CUP, 1935, J HEY", the original winner of the medallion. The medallion has a 14 carat gold pin and clasp on the back, allowing it to be worn as a brooch (this could be easily removed, allowing the medallion to be worn as a pendant). The hallmarks are clear, including makers mark for Marples and Beasley, who were jewellers and medallists, they worked between 1899 and 1994. The other hallmarks include 9 and .375 indicating 9 carat gold, and date letter for 1921, so it was made some time before it was awarded.

A rare 9 carat gold Currie Cup medallion, issued by the South African Football Association, which would have been presented to winners of the South African Provincial Football Tournament (also called the Currie Cup at that time, today the Currie Cup is a rugby trophy). The medallion is lovely and depicts a springbok and a wildebeest, presumably standing on Robben Island with Table Mountain, Cape Town in the background. The front reads "South African Football Association", the back reads "Currie Cup won by", with the space for the name and the year left blank. The medallion has 4 hallmarks, springbok head in U indicating gold of South African origin after 1948, 9ct for 9 carat gold, date letter Z for 1973 and makers mark "SAM" for South African Mint. Note - We have changed our description (previously we thought this was a rugby trophy tentatively dated 1938) and have now dated this medallion 1973 (Roman Z), the Springbok in U was only introduced for South African gold items in 1948. We have also seen a simi...

An Arts & Crafts hand made silver dish, with a green enamel silver "button" with celtic design, surrounded by a rope border. The dish is hand hammered, with each hammer mark visible, this is a lovely little dish. It is embossed "A.E.S., 20th Dec 1913", so possibly made as a Christening present. Ramsden & Carr specialised in unique hand made and individually designed presentation pieces (Judith Miller, Arts & Crafts Collectors Guide, pg 171), this dish is a good example. They have been described as "the most important exponent of the Arts and Crafts movement in English silver" - Art Nouveau &Art Deco Silver, Annelise Krekel-Aalberse, pg 27). The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark Rn&Cr, struck twice on the base of the dish. One mark is very clear, the other is only partially visible.

A rare Victorian silver postal scale, in full working order. The scale is intended for measuring postal items, so that the correct postage could be applied. This scale would have been used in a wealthy household, not a Post Office. The front is engraved "Postal Scale" on top, on the side "Postal Union Rates 2 1/2 d for each 1/2 ounce." To the left is engraved "English Rates" above measuring scale from 1d - 4d in 1/2 increments. To the right are 2 measures, 1 marked "LB" for pounds (scale 0 to 1 LB), to the right "OZ" for ounces measuring from 1-16. The engraving is exquisite, this is a lovely item. The base is rectangular with a Chippendale rim. The scale also has a knob (for adjusting scale) behind the pan, and a silver screw for opening the scale. The side of the scale is fully hallmarked, a registration number RD 308820, is also present. The top pan is also hallmarked, these are worn from polishing. Levi & Salaman were established in 1870, they were known for their high quality silver novelties...

A pair of Royal silver belt buckles, bearing the coat of arms of the House of Bourbon, which produced Kings and Queens for both France and Spain for hundreds of years. The central shield contains 3 Fleur-De-Lys, this was established by King Charles VI of France (who died in 1422) in honour of the Holy Trinity. The shield is topped by the Royal crown, and is surrounded by scrolls. The shield also has a "Golden Fleece" suspended from it, indicating membership of the Order of the Golden Fleece, which was established in 1430 by the Duke of Burgundy. The order still exists today, most European Royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II of Britain and King Juan Carlos of Spain are members. The buckles are stamped, and both have a silver bar for attachment to a belt. The bars are both hallmarked with 2 hallmarks. The first is a cross pattee (Maltese Cross) in circular punch, which has arms that are narrow at the centre and broader at the perimeter. This cross was used by the Knights Templar during the Crusades. The cross...