A beautifully modelled solid silver Kudu antelope, with impressive horns, this is very realistic. The kudu is a good size and weight, 2 silver pins on the feet connect it solidly to the wooden base, which has a felt base, this is heavy enough to be a desk paperweight. The kudu is clearly hallmarked, triangle antelope head mark (Zimbabwe), crescent moon makers mark and 865 standard mark, so slightly lower than sterling grade. Realistic animal sculptures by Patrick Mavros of Zimbabwe are held in high esteem, given the quality of the modelling perhaps this silversmith was trained by Mavros. Note - We have now identified the maker as Silver Creations of Harare, Zimbabwe circa 1987, from a similar set accompanied with Certificate of Assay by D Ewing. The owner has also established that Silver Creations has no links with Patrick Mavros. We would like to thank the owner of the set for sharing this information with us. Note 2 - Another owner of an identical piece has now contacted us, his is numbered 958 so perhaps ...

A British Bulldog Club antique sterling silver trophy spoon, which is in excellent condition. The spoon features a well modelled bulldog head, above legend "THE BRITISH BULLDOG CLUB". The spoon 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 spoon trophies!). The hallmarks are clear, this spoon was made in Birmingham in 1906 by J A Restall & Co, who worked between 1881 and 1934.

A Danish modernist silver strawberry serving spoon, in Georg Jensen style. The spoon is beautiful, and is a good weight and quality. The spoon has a large circular bowl, with a pierced strawberry leaf design, to allow the juices to be drained before serving. The handle is cast, and has 2 well designed strawberries amongst foliage, these are embossed so provide a nice grip for the handle. This spoon is a useful size, suitable for serving other items besides strawberries. The spoon has 4 hallmarks, all of which are well struck and clear. The Danish 3 tower mark and date letter 33 for 1933 indicates purity of 826/1000, the SJ assay master mark (Stadtsguardein) for Johannes Siggaard (worked between 1932 and 1960). The 3rd mark is "Haandarbejde" indicating this item was made by hand, and the 4th mark is the script F surrounded by oval dots, the assay master mark for Frederik Fabritius, who worked between 1787 and 1823. The presence of this older assay masters mark is a mystery, it has also been observed on other D...

A lovely Art Deco Norwegian silver spoon, made to commemorate the unveiling of the Mor Og Barn (Mother and Child) statue in Sandefjord. The spoon has an embossed copy of the statue, a naked mother holding her baby in front of her, standing on a plinth. The rounded bowl has a stunning embossed view of Sandefjord, the detail is exquisite, complete with boats in the harbour, church steeples, houses and trees, with "SANDEFJORD" underneath. The Art Deco look and feel of the spoon is completed with the 8 pillars at the top of the handle. The hallmarks include silver mark 830S (830 grade silver) and makers mark of a goblet in an oval punch for Thorvald Marthinsen of Tonsberg. The original bronze statue is by Norwegian sculptor Arne Durban (1912-1994), who was known for his naturalistic work, his work is featured in over 30 Norwegian towns. It was unveiled on 17 May 1950 (Norwegian Constitution Day), which celebrates Norway becoming an independent kingdom in 1814. This spoon has been described by the website www.spoo...

An Arts and Crafts silver wine label engraved WHISKEY, made by hand by the Guild of Handicraft, the Harts of Chipping Campden. The label is planished (hand hammered), is rectangular with rounded corners, and has an attractive hand engraved border of scrolls and dots. The Whiskey has been engraved by hand as well, the individual hammer strokes visible. The label has 2 eyelets on top, also hand made, and silver chain. The hallmarks are clear, including G of H makers mark.

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 larger (and rarer) version, suitable for use as a serving spoon. Thorvald Marthinsen Solvvarefabrikk was based in Tonsberg. Note - we also have the smaller version of this spoon, S11410.

A rare arts and crafts silver spoon, possibly a jam spoon, made for the iconic Liberty's department store in London. The spoon is very unusual, with a design and decoration we have not seen before. The spoon is hand made, and has a very heavy gauge, this is a lovely spoon to hold and use. The spoon has a "knob" on the stem, which adds to the attractiveness but which also has a practical use in increasing the grip. The engraved decoration is very simple floral design, the circles have been punched in. The small circles, both on the handle and in the bowl, were used to simulate rivets. The hallmarks are very clear, the L&Co makers mark in diamond punch is clear but slightly worn. The spoon also has it's own unique design number, 2339, perhaps some-one with access to the Liberty archives will be able to do further research. It is also interesting to note that this spoon was made early on during the First World War, before production was diverted to the war effort. Liberty used his shop to showcase the work of le...

A beautiful pair of Salters Company silver spoons, with the Salters Company coat of arms, and motto "Sal Sapit Omnia" (salt savours all) on a banner wrapped around the stem. The gilded bowls have a traditional shell design, these are very attractive spoons. The spoons are very good quality, are a good weight, and are perfectly preserved in their original box. The box also has the Salters Company coat of arms and motto on the lid, this is also a good quality box. The Salters Company is one of the 12 great livery companies of London, ranked 9th in order of precedence. Their origins were in the salt trade of medieval London, now they are a charitable organisation, focusing on chemistry. The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company was established in 1880 at 112 Regent Street, they amalgamated with Garrards in 1952. As can be seen from the box, they carried the Royal warrant, "By appointment to H.M. the King". The hallmarks on both spoons are very clear.

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 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!

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...

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 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).

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 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.