A Belgium antique silver matching tablespoon and table fork in the Fiddle and Thread pattern, made in Brussels circa 1832 by leading silversmith Auguste Bonnevie. Both are a pleasing weight, these are good quality items. The pair have an interesting family or city crest engraved on the back, a shield with 4 small crosses surrounding a larger cross, below Royal crown, above "Bruges". The Cross surrounded by 4 crosslets is the Jerusalem Cross, originally used as the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, but since used for various Crusader states, and now used as the Georgian flag. Above the crest original owners initials OI are also engraved. Both spoon and fork have the same 3 hallmarks, very clear makers mark of B below silversmiths hammer in square punch (makers mark 1921 in the book "Belgische Zilvermerken" by R Stuyck, pages 41 and 185), for Auguste Bonnevie. Bonnevie worked from 1814 to 1869 (a long period so possibly father and son), based in Brussels. The second mark is the Minerva head guarantee ma...
A set of 4 matching Norwegian silver pickle forks (830 grade) in the Dronning pattern, made in Oslo by leading silversmith Jacob Tostrup. Two forks are larger and 2 are smaller, so perfect for serving larger items like cold meats and smaller more delicate items. The forks have 2 curved tines, and the Dronning pattern reminds us of English Fiddle and Shell pattern. All 4 forks are clearly hallmarked with the Tostrup tankard makers mark, and silver standard mark 830S. The forks have no engraving. Tostrup was founded in 1832, and is still one of Norway's leading silversmiths today
A Norwegian silver baptism spoon made by leading Norwegian silversmith David Andersen circa 1900, this is a replica of an original 16th century baptism spoon. the quality and workmanship is excellent, as is usual for these Norwegian and Danish baptism spoons. The spoon features a naked female holding fig leaf and plunging a sword into her bosom, standing on an elaborate plinth, finely decorated with faces and foliage. the tear shaped bowl is finely engraved on the back and the front, the front with Norwegian Madonna and Child, the back features Christ on the cross, overlooked by a bishop under a dove, and inscription "HIELP OS DI HELIGE TREI FOLDIG HED M M D 1511", which translates "Help us your holy Trinity". The spoon is clearly hallmarked with purity 830 and David Andersen makers mark, this mark was used between 1888 and 1925. A similar spoon is shown in the book "Collectable Souvenir Spoons Volume II, page 29, by Wayne Bednersh, and also on his website www.spoonplanet.com under Norwegian and Danish silver...
A beautiful antique French silver 4 piece Hors-Doeuvre serving set, consisting of butter or pate knife, pierced spoon, serving fork and pastry trowel, perfectly preserved in their original box. Both the implements and the handles are 950 grade silver, so higher grade than sterling (925). The matching handles are very ornate in Neoclassical style, the detailed design od architectural elements, scrolls and foliage is raised, so provides extra grip, the detail is superb. Both the spoon and the trowel are finely pierced, and all 4 implements are engraved with scrolls and foliage. All 4 items are hallmarked, both on the blades and the handles, with the French Minerva 1 for 950 grade silver, and diamond makers mark, most of which are poorly struck with only some partially visible, enough is present to see makers mark VH around glaziers diamond (un diamant de vitrier) for Vital Hygonnet, who worked in Paris between 1895 and 1928. Serving sets such as these were very fashionable in France around the turn of the 20th ...
A set of 6 Norwegian silver cake forks in the Lilje (Lily) pattern, made by one of Norway's leading silversmiths, Magnus Aase, circa 1939. The forks are in the 830 silver grade, and their quality is excellent, they are also a pleasing size and weight (25 grammes each), so very suitable for use. The Lily pattern was designed by Trigve Eriksen in 1939, described as a simple yet elegant expression of the Lily, typical of the artistic style of the 1930's. This pattern is still produced today by Arven, described as one of their most popular patterns, they descend from Theodor Olsen, Magnus Aase, Marius Hammer, Jacob Tostrup and the Lohne brothers (www.arven.no). The hallmarks are clear on all 6 forks, and include 830S standard mark, MA makers mark, NM for "Norsk Monster" (patent) and N , possibly a date letter.
A set of 12 antique Norwegian silver tablespoons, made in Bergen, Norway by the Bors family of silversmiths. The spoons are in the Fiddle and Shell pattern, and are single struck. Six spoons were made in November 1854 in 13 Loth grade by T Bors, the other 6 six spoons were made in August 1856 in higher grade 13 & 1/3 grade by Bors. The first set are heavier (average 50 grammes), better quality spoons, these are in excellent condition, the second set are lighter (average 40 grammes) and are in poorer condition. The first set are engraved with owners initials NIM on the front, the second set are prick engraved on the back with inscription and date 1856. Stylistically both sets are very similar, so can be used as a set of 12. The hallmarks on all 12 spoons are excellent, and include (first 6) 54 for 1854, 11/m for November, T.Bors maker, 13LG for 13 loth grade, and seven cannon balls (town mark for Bergen). The second 6 have 56 for 1856, 8/m for August, Bors makers mark, 13 1/3 grade mark, and seven cannon balls...
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 Ilias Lalaounis "Greek Gold" Arts & Crafts silver beaker, in 900 silver and gilded with a deep golden colour, with hand hammered planished surface. The beaker is a delight to hold, it is bulbous in shape, with flat bottomed base. This beaker (or small vase) is part of Lalaounis's Archaeological collection, where he made replicas of ancient Greek art, this piece dates to the Cycladic period, 3000B.C. The beaker is clearly hallmarked with Lalaounis makers mark and 900 silver standard mark. The beaker is also accompanied with it's original guarantee certificate, where it is described as a "silver gold plated cigarette vase of Cycladic Period 3000 B.C." This certificate shows a number of Lalaounis outlets, Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes and Corfu in Greece, but also Geneva, Zurich, Liberty's in London Regent Street, France, Vienna and Brussels - showing how successful Lalaounis was. Lalaounis opened a store in New York in 1979, so we know this certificate predates 1979. Wikipedia records that Lalaounis was internatio...
An early Georg Jensen silver spoon in the Continental pattern, also called Antik pattern, made in 1927, The spoon is a lovely size and shape, and is is hand hammered, both on the back and front of the spoon bowl and the front of the handle. This is technically a "gumbo" spoon, a large spoon for Louisiana Gumbo, but is more suitable as a small serving spoon. The hallmarks are very clear, including the GJ over 830S makers and standard mark used between 1915-1930, and assay masters mark for Christian Heise (1904-1932). The third mark is the Danish three towers mark above 27 for 1927. The pattern is well described on the Scandinavian design website Fjorn (www.fjorn.com), as "Designed in 1906 by Georg Jensen, the Continental cutlery pattern was the first major cutlery range to emerge from the fledgling silversmithy that was established two years earlier in 1904. In designing Continental, Georg Jensen was inspired by the forms of traditional and centuries-old Nordic tools and implements. The lightly hammered surfac...
An interesting open salt in triangular form, with central circular salt, and 3 cast hoof feet. The salt is decorated with 3 male busts, with high collars and long flowing hair, completed with hanging swags, which are repeated in the hand chased pierced border, which is very intricate with gadrooning and balls. The triangles on top have a floral design. Three hallmarks are present, small crown, large Fleur De Lys, and small device (possibly flower in pot?). We are not able to positively identify these hallmarks, one possibility in Neisse on the Polish border, but all assistance welcome, thank you. We have found similar examples of this triangular formed salt in the V&A museum, hence our tentative attribution to 17th century Germany, they are described as "Small triangular salt cellars mounted on three feet were common pieces of tableware in affluent homes in late 16th-century Germany. The cities of southern Germany dominated the goldsmiths craft there from the 15th to the early 19th centuries. Their goldsmiths...
A wonderful collection of 10 silver and enamel continental souvenir spoons, 8 of which are gilded. 6 spoons have enamelled bowls, all 10 have enamelled finials. Eight of the spoons commemorate German towns, while one is Romanian and one is Danish. The spoons include Leipzig Altes Rathaus, Berlin Reichstagsgebaude, Nurnberg Bratwurstglocklein, Chemnitz Rathaus, Augsberg, Rheinfall, Tirol Kitzbuhel, Nuppertal, Kobenhavn and Bucuresti Managtireacurteadearges. All ten spoons are clearly hallmarked with grade and makers mark, eight spoons are 800 grade, 1 is 930 (Copenhagen) and one is 935 (Tirol).
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".
A beautiful sterling silver and blue enamel dish, with a stylised viking ship complete with vikings, spears, shields and a fish. The dish is sterling silver with engraved rim, which reads "AIR VICE MARSHAL L.O. BROWN, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.C., A.F.C. DEC. 1943 - NOV. 1944, FROM NORWEGIAN PERSONNEL OF No. 132 (N) WING". The enamelling is fabulous quality, different tones of blue with different, intricate patterns, the pattern is also raised. The base is clearly hallmarked "DAVID-ANDERSEN NORWAY STERLING". Air Vice Marshal Leslie Brown was a South African who served with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in both World Wars, he was born in 1893 and died in 1978. He commanded 84 Group during the Allied advance across Noth West Europe. 132 Wing consisted of 2 Norwegian Squadrons (331 and 332) flying fighter spitfires, formed by exiled Norwegian pilots, they fought with distinction first with Fighter Command in the Battle of Britain and later with D-Day, the liberation of Holland and crossing the Rhine, as part of 84 Group und...
A fabulous modernist sterling silver bracelet, made by celebrated Danish silversmith Knut V. Andersen. The bracelet consists of 13 cast silver diamond shaped links, with a textured bark finish, the detail is lovely, both back and front. It is extremely well made, the quality is excellent, even to the screw fasterner which prevents the clasp from opening.. The hallmarks are clear, and include "Denmark S 925S KvA" for Knut Andersen, who worked in Copenhagen 1975-1989. Earlier in his career he worked for the famous firm of Anton Michelsen, he was the last designer employed by the firm. We love this bracelet.
An interesting silver medallion, made to commemorate the World Championship Fly Casting event held in 1968 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. The medallion reads "1968 LENZERHEIDE CHVR SWITZERLAND SCHAFT WELTMEISTER CHAMPION ATVDMOND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CASTING IXII" in an interesting font, the other side has stylised design with a flower. The medallion is marked 900 (silver grade), maker LM Co., designer Gia Pedretti (Guiliano Pedretti, an artist and sculptor, 1924-2012). The event was held by the ICSF (International Casting Sport Federation) , for the World Championship on Water Fly Casting event
A rare early Kay Bojesen Art Nouveau silver server, he would probably have called it a sandwich server. The server is typically Art Nouveau, very similar in style to early Georg Jensen pieces, with a ball finial crowning another ball, with 8 supporting strands in a vase shape, with 2 S shaped wings on the side. The handle is also vase shaped, with rounded corners, so pleasing to hold. The serving bowl is wedge shaped, flat in front with a small bowl, and 2 supporting raised sides to hold items in place. The connection between handle and bowl has 2 scrolls below a pyramid style step. The server is clearly hand made, you can see variations in how the 8 strands connect. The hallmarks are excellent, makers mark KBS, Kay Bojesen device (oval with picture, ships funnel?), and standard mark 830S for 830 grade silver. Kay Bojesen (1886-1958) trained with Georg Jensen 1907-1910, he opened his own workshop in 1913, at first making similar designs to Jensen (we date this piece to early in his career). In 1951 his "Grand...
A Tiffany & Co sterling silver pillbox, modelled as a nut or peach pit. The box is cast silver, and has lovely texture, it is a pleasure to hold. The interior reads "Tiffany & Co, 925, Sterling, Italy" Italy is one of the few locations outside of USA that Tiffany has used to manufacture jewellery and silver items.
A beautiful matching antique Swedish silver souvenir spoon and fork, with exquisite detail, featuring Stockholms Slott. Both are gilded, and have the Swedish Coat of Arms with red and blue enamel, on an ornate pedestal, with gadrooned stem, and rectangular feature at the base, The spoon bowl features "Stockholms Slott", with fabulous detail, palace, equestrian statue, trees, streetlights and pedestrians. Both are clearly hallmarked, C.G. Hallberg, triple crown national mark, Stockholm town mark and date letters T6 and U6 for 1896 and 1897. The original box, in full working order, reads "H.K.H. Kronprinsens Hof Juvelerare, C.G. Hallberg, Stockholm, Goteborg". Without doubt one of the best quality and nicest souvenir sets we have seen.
An exceptionally large Danish silver serving spoon, in the Old Danish pattern (Dobbelt riflet), wih matching large bowl. The spoon is single struck, the pattern has a reeded edge, and the handle is fluted. This type of extremely large serving spoon is unique to Denmark, very suitable for serving a generous portion. The hallmarks include the Danish 3 towers mark (well struck but date letter not visible), makers mark VELTZIN, and an additional mark which reads 13L4G, which we think is a standard mark for 13 loth silver (812 purity). The makers mark Veltzin appears rare, we have not been able to trace this maker, or confirm the meaning of the 13L4G mark, all assistance welcome. We have sold a similar spoon S1293, and have a similar example S 11029. Note - a collector has now shared images of his spoon, very similar to this spoon, also hallmarked Veltzin but alongside makers mark CW - we agree with the collector that Veltzin is probably a retailers mark.
An Art Deco silver and bakelite Globe teapot, made in Germany during the 1930's. The teapot is completely spherical, the spout has a triangular opening in the top for opening. The base is a circular bakelite disk, with silver nut which screws onto teapot, the bakelite handle is ear shaped and the bakelite finial is half moon shaped. The teapot is quite small, single serving size. The teapot has 2 hallmarks, 800 purity mark and makers mark of what looks like interlocking SHF in circle (but could be different sequence?).
