A practical and interesting set of Arts & Crafts handmade sterling silver ice tongs, made by Leonore Doskow of New York. The tongs consist of a square silver rod that has been twisted in a circle to create a spring, with two 2 pronged grips, which are curved inwards, with sharp points, very suitable for picking up ice cubes (definitely the most practical ice tongs we have ever used). One arm is hallmarked "LEONORE DOSKOW HANDMADE STERLING", this is well struck and clear. Leonore Doskow (1911-2008) turned a hobby into a career during the Great Depression, a sugar bowl she made was exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1940. Her business grew to employ 75 staff during its peak, mostly producing silver novelties and silver containing monogrammes. She was featured in a Silver Magazine article in 1973.

A rare Dryad Metal Works Arts & Crafts silver jam spoon, made by Collins & Co, the Art metal workers of Dryad Works, Thornton Lane, Leicester, in 1915. The spoon has a stylized Arts & Crafts tree with 7 leaves on a hand hammered background, and also has a rat-tail, the join of stem and bowl is also quite unusual, but has a lovely shape. The spoon is stamped DRYAD with an interesting font (note capital A), alongside the Birmingham hallmarks for 1915 and makers mark for Collins & Co. Dryad, which is a female wood nymph from Greek mythology, was formed in 1906 by Harry Peach and Benjamin Fletcher (head of Leicester School of Arts), it initially produced cane furniture, but branched out to other Arts & Crafts. Dryad Metal Works was established in 1915 when William Pick (of Collins & Co), and a former pupil, joined Harry Peach in partnership. The Collins and Co. mark was used between 1915 and 1919, although it is unlikely much was produced during the Great War of 1914-1918. We believe this spoon is one of the ear...

An interesting Roman reproduction Scottish silver tea strainer, with a stylised dolphin handle. The bowl is circular, with holes in radiating circles, and has a substantial rim. The handle is lovely, the dolphin tail is cleverly curved, to allow it to loop over a finger whilst the thumb holds the tail in place. The dolphin has a large mouth, 3 fins around the head, and the body is decorated with dots. The strainer is very good quality, and is a pleasure to use. The hallmarks are very clear, makers mark B&S in serrated punch, Scottish thistle, Edinburgh castle and date letter U. An additional hallmark is present, a stylised "S" in a diamond punch. 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). This strainer is a reproduction of a Roman spoon that was part of the Traprain Law treasure hoard, which was discovered by George Pringle at Traprain Law, East Lothian, in 1919. The hoard dates from 40...

A sterling silver spoon made to celebrate the bicentennial (200 year anniversary) of the USA in 1976 by leading international silversmith Georg Jensen. The spoon has a large 200 engraved on the front, whilst the back is engraved "1776 United States of America 1976". The spoon itself is an unusual shape, circular spherical bowl with long flat handle, similar to a measuring spoon with flat top, we love this design, very different to a usual spoon shape. The hallmarks are clear, Georg Jensen in dotted oval above "Sterling Denmark".

An interesting antique silver Scottish Regimental or clan badge, in the form of a brooch. The badge has a crowned phoenix rising out of the flames, over Saltire cross (St. Andrew's cross of Scotland), surrounded by circular motto in latin, "Bon Fin" above, translated "Good End", and "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" below, translated "No one harasses me with impunity", alternatively "No one can harm me unpunished". The badge has a hinged brooch pin, in full working order. The badge is also clearly hallmarked for Birmingham 1905, with makers mark B&P for Bent & Parker, who were military ornament makers, working between 1869 and 1909. The motto "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" is the motto of the Royal Stuart dynasty of Scotland, and is used by numerous organisations, regiments and clans. These include The Order of the Thistle, Scottish Regiments The Royals, Scots Guards and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. It has also been used by The Greys, Highland Fusiliers and Black Watch, along with the Royal Company of Archers. It has also...

A South African sterling silver military caddy spoon, with an applied badge of the SAPPERS, the South African Engineers Corps. The badge is a flaming grenade (inherited from the British), the button below reads "South Africa Suid Afrika" , so both English and Afrikaans, the bage is a coppery gold colour, we are not sure of it's composition. The caddy spoon has a rounded bowl, with wide flat handle with a series of indents, this pattern (and others with slight variations) was designed by RMP (Royal Mint Pretoria), which became the SAM (South African Mint) in 1941. The spoon is good quality, and has a pleasing weight. Similar designed caddy spoons, by both RMP AND SAM, can be seen elsewhere on Leopard Antiques (S1362, S1652, and S1762). The spoon is hallmarked "STER SIL", clearly struck, no other hallmarks are present. We have tentatively dated this spoon to the World War II period, when the SA Engineers saw distinguished service in Italy, but it could be earlier (1923-1939).

A lovely and unusual set of 6 silver teaspoons, with an embossed stylised Fleur-de-Lis on the front, and picture back Fleur-de-Lis surrounded by a branch on the back of the bowl. They have a slight "Fiddle" at the base of the stem. The spoons are a good gauge, and a pleasure to use. Given they were made in 1918 at the end of WW1, perhaps they were intended to celebrate France returning to peace. John Yeomans Cowlishaw was highly regarded for his fruit and dessert knives, the firm existed from 1862 to 1950. Cowlishaw unfortunately committed suicide in 1895, the business was carried on by his son. The hallmarks are clear on all 6 spoons.

A pair of Arts & Crafts Danish silver tablespoons, in a modernist Georg Jensen style Martele pattern, with matching cheese knife. The pattern is planished, or hand hammered, (Martele is French for hammer, Gorham uses the Martele brand for its hand hammered range), this creates an uneven surface which reflects the light, so a very pleasing pattern. The pattern also has balls and scrolls. The spoons are hand hammered on the front side of the handle only, but the bowls are planished on both sides. The spoons have original owners initials CC engraved on the back, the knife has no engraving. All 3 items have 2 clear hallmarks, the Danish 3 tower silver guarantee mark for 826/1000 grade, with date letters (the spoons are 1925 and the knife is 1927). They also have assay masters mark CFH for Christian F. Heise, who worked between 1904 and 1932.

An interesting antique military silver trophy spoon, awarded by the NRA (National Rifle Association) of Britain as a shooting trophy. The spoon has a NRA medallion set into it, with a scroll engraved "NRA" above the English Coat of Arms, complete with motto's "Dieu et Mon Droit" and "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense" above an enamelled badge with 2 running antelope. The spoon is substantial and very good quality, with scrolls surrounding the coat of arms, and a leaf pattern on the stem. The back of the spoon is engraved "Emma Thresh Trophy 1921". The Emma Thresh Trophy belongs to the Natal Carbineers, South Africa's senior regiment. The trophy itself is 16 kilograms of silver, and was donated in 1903 by Emma Thresh, as the shooting trophy for Colonial Forces. The spoon also has a registration number, RD444590, which appears twice on the spoon.

A pair of Russian silver and enamel teaspoons, with twisted stems and decorated enamel bowls and stems. These spoons are 88 grade silver as opposed to the commoner 84 grade, and were made in Moskow, as indicated by the delta (triangle) next to the Kokoshnik. The makers mark we believe to be that of Ivan Khlebnikov, an important maker who received the Imperial Warrant, and who specialised in enamel. The hallmarks are small but discernable. (Note: - as we are not experts in Russian silver, we cannot vouch for our identification).

The General Smuts Cup, a sterling silver shooting trophy awarded to Captain W. Marks of Belfast in 1950. The trophy is a small circular bon-bon dish, on a raised circular foot, with irregular rim featuring scrolls. The dish has an applied silver badge of the SANRA (South African National Rifle Association), of a jumping springbok below crossed rifles, and above a laurel wreath, surrounded by engraving "Capt. W. Marks Belfast, Genl. Smuts Cup 1950". The rim of the foot is also engraved, this is very small and barely visible, it reads "M. Tiger, Bloemfontein", we assume the trophy was re-awarded at a later date. The dish is clearly hallmarked on the base for Birmingham 1939 by Charles Green & Co, given it is engraved 1950 we assume it's use was delayed by World War II. Belfast is a small town in the North East of South Africa, primarily known for coal mining and trout fishing. Field Marshal Jan Smuts (1870-1950) was the Prime Minister of South Africa during World War II, he had a strong friendship with Winston ...

A very interesting Norwegian silver Liberation spoon, made to commemorate the liberation of Norway from German occupation at the end of the Second World War. The spoon has a stylised well built male in Art Deco style with arms aloft holding a circular shield, with the Norwegian crown on a radiating 4 leaf clover, the figure has broken the chains of oppression which connect with the bowl. The circular bowl is embossed "NORGE 1945, BRUTT BLEV LENKER BAND OG TVANG", translated "Broken were chains, ties and constraints", a line taken from Ibsen's Peer Gynt. The back of the spoon is plain, and the hallmarks are clear - makers mark NM, 830.S (830 grade silver), goblet (makers symbol), letter N and MADE IN NORWAY. This particular spoon was made in two different sizes, this is the smaller version, suitable for use as a sugar or jam spoon. Thorvald Marthinsen Solvvarefabrikk was based in Tonsberg. Note: We have sold the larger version of this spoon, S 1721.

An antique sterling silver ceremonial key, presented to the Lord Bishop of Carlisle on the opening of the Grasslot Mission Room, Maryport in 1908. The key is the traditional shape, with 2 shields (one engraved, the reverse blank) surrounded by scrolls, and a ribbed stem. The key is engraved "Presented to the Lord Bishop on opening Grasslot Mission Room 1908". The key is good quality, a pleasing weight, and has been perfectly preserved in it's original box. The box reads "J.W. Johnston & Son Carlisle", the box is also good quality with velvet and silk interior. JW Johnston were leading jewellers and cloackmakers in Carlisle, an advert shows they had been in business over 49 years. John William Diggle was Bishop of Carlisle between 1905 and 1920, so we assume the key was presented to him (Maryport is a short distance from Carlisle and falls within its area). The hallmarks are clear. James Fenton of Birmingham worked between 1854 and 1956. The Grasslot Mission Chapel was built in 1908, and was sold by the Baptis...

A pair of Art Deco silver serving spoons, made by the German firm of Lutz & Weiss in Pforzheim, circa 1930. The spoons have the classic Art Deco pyramid pattern design, repeated on both sides, and an unusual but very practical 4 sided bowl, with rounded edges and a pointed front. The hallmarks include 835S indicating silver of 835 purity, makers mark of intertwined LW in a shield, and a Dutch import mark used since 1906 (V in shaped shield with shaded background), indicating the spoons must have been imported into the Netherlands at some stage. Both sets of hallmarks are clear. Lutz & Weiss Silberwarenfabriek was founded in 1882.

A modern reproduction of a very famous silver wine label, the Leopard's Pelt originally made by Paul Storr in 1809. The label, which was made to commemorate the Queen's silver jubilee, has very good detail, and is a faithful reproduction of the original, complete with Leopard's pelt draped over the label, surrounded by vine leaves and bunches of grapes. It is engraved "Brandy", and has clear hallmarks, including the silver jubilee hallmark only used in 1977 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II. The label is die stamped, and has a silver chain. The original is described as "one of the classics of the period, derived from an element of the Warwick Vase" (Wine Labels 1730-2003, pg 164, pg 160 and 161 for images). Also quoting from the Wine Label, book, "The Lion's pelt detail on the Warwick Vase (marble vase discovered at Hadrian's villa in Tivoli in 1770) led to the famous Paul Storr label of this name" (pg 32, and figure 31). It is interesting that the book adds confusion by referring to bot...

Lovely Albert fob chain, of exceptional quality - each and every link in the chain is individually hallmarked with the lion sterling mark. One link has the citymark and datestamp as well. Both bulldog clips at the end of the chains are also hallmarked with the lion and date letter. Albert Cohen and Charles Solomon were highly regarded manufacturing jewellers, based in Holborn Circus, London, who were the sole representatives of the Parisian firm Baudet Freres & Cie in the UK and colonies. The Albert was named after Prince Albert, Consort to Queen Victoria. This particular one is a double, with 2 chain ends, and central attachment for a seal. The bar would fit into a waistcoat buttonhole. Given the length of this Albert, it could be worn as a necklace.

A lovely American Arts & Crafts sterling silver caddy spoon, made by respected silversmith Katherine Pratt. The spoon has an unusual but striking curved shovel shaped bowl with a flat terminated bowl edge, most caddy spoons have rounded bowls. The bowl edges are slightly raised, this is a well made spoon. The handle is long and elegant, and very practical for use. The spoon is stamped "STERLING" and "PRATT". These are in different fonts, the Pratt font is quite distinctive and typically Arts & Crafts. Katherine Pratt (1891-1978) has been described as "America's foremost 20th century woman silversmith" although information on her is sparse and her silver is rarely seen on the market today. She graduated from the Boston Museum School in 1914, and trained under both George Hunt and George Gebelein, both leading Arts and Crafts silversmiths. She worked at the Handicraft Shop, and was recognised by the Boston Society of Arts (Craftsman 1916, Master 1918, and the prestigious Medalist Craftsman in 1931, the only fe...

A rare Oban silver pickle fork with Iona style St. Martin's Cross finial, made by Robert Lindsay in Oban in 1929 and hallmarked in Sheffield. The fork has splayed fat tines, so ideal for pickles or cold meats. The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark RL in 2 circular punches, and "R.LINDSAY, OBAN". Lindsay is only recorded for 2 years between 1927 and 1929, we assume the tourist trade was insufficient to support him, so his silver is rare (as is all Oban silver, see our butter knives by Drummond S 1931). He produced small spoons, knives and forks, all with Iona crosses, alongside napkin rings. We welcome additional information on Robert Lindsay, this is a beautiful fork, he deserved to flourish!

Delightful 8 piece miniature Coffee set including coffeepot, with composition handle, milk jug, sugar basin, 2 cups and saucers, and a two handled tray. The interiors are gilt, and each of the 8 pieces is clearly hallmarked (including the coffee pot lid). Saunders and Sheperd were well known for their miniatures.

A British Bulldog Club sterling silver trophy table fork, which is in good condition. The fork features a well modelled bulldog head, above legend "THE BRITISH BULLDOG CLUB". The fork is based on a single struck Kings pattern, but was specially commissioned by the club who wanted to present a more useful trophy than a medal. The club was established in 1892, and still operates today (although I doubt they still have such beautiful silver trophies!). The hallmarks are clear, this fork was made in Birmingham in 1936 by Fattorini & Sons, who specialized in medals and trophies. Note: We have another example of this Bulldog Club fork, S 11402.