A set of 6 Georgian silver dessert forks in the Old English pattern, made by the delightfully named Samuel Godbehere, with his partner Edward Wigan. The forks are good quality and a pleasing weight. The forks have a beautifully engraved family crest of a sun in splendour, very intricate with about 50 sunbursts, this is quality engraving. The sun in splendour crest was used by a number of families, all assistance welcome. All 6 forks have clear hallmarks, including makers mark SG/EW which was used between 1787 and 1800.

An interesting set of 3 antique sterling silver serving implements, in the rare Venetian/Italian pattern. They consist of a fabulous quality stilton cheese scoop (81 grammes), and matching pickle fork and butter spreader, all beautifully preserved in original felt and silk lined case. The pattern is very intricate, and is repeated on both sides, at first glance it is similar to Elizabethan pattern, both are Renaissance and Baroque in style. Unlike Elizabethan this pattern has a circular cartouche, repeated on both sides, this has not been engraved. Venetian/Italian pattern was registered in 1868, most pieces are by Martin Hall&Co, this is a scarce pattern (Pickford, Silver Flatware, page 94). Pickford aslo describes a subtle difference between Venetian and Italian (this is difficult to see without a photo of both). The box reads "Mappin & Webb, Manufacturing Goldsmiths & Silversmiths, London, Sheffield & Johannesburg". The hallmarks are clear on all 3 items. We love this set, a delight to hold and use.

A rare and possibly unique Chinese Export Silver Pickle Fork and matching spoon, with extremely long handles. The pair are in the Fiddle, Thread and Shell pattern, and have no engraving or monograms. Both items are just over 27 cm long, the spoon has a teaspoon sized bowl, and the fork has 4 long tines. Both are double struck (pattern on both sides), and interesting to note the spoon end turns down, while the fork turns up. The fork has the "Chevron seam found in Fiddle, Thread and Shell pattern flatware" (Forbes, Chinese Export Silver page 65), this is not visible on the spoon. The hallmarks on both items are clear, and include pseudo duty mark, makers mark KHC, pseudo crowned leopards head town mark, and pseudo lion passant. Khecheong was one of the most prolific Chinese Export silversmiths, he worked from Club Street, Honam Island, Canton between 1840 and 1870. He has been described as a "good silversmith" Forbes, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1885, page 255 - a book we highly recommend. A very similar long ...

A Boer War silver Gentleman in Khaki (originally Kharki) sugar tongs, made in 1899 to support fundraising for the 2nd Anglo Boer War. The tongs have the cast image on both arms, the "Gentleman in Khaki beneath crown, with "JUSTITIA" above and "Souvenir" below. The tongs are not engraved. The hallmarks for London 1899 are clear, with makers mark GJ over DF for George Jackson and David Fullerton of Josiah Williams & Co of Bristol, one of the leading flatware manufacturers of the period. The Gentleman in Khaki, wounded but defiant, stands stalwart against the foe, with his head bandaged, this image by Richard Caton Woodville became associated with Kipling's Absent Minded Beggar poem, written for the Daily Mail to raise funds for the war fund (described as unprecedently successful, raising over GBP 250000).

An interesting 17th century style silver notched 2 pronged fork, a replica of the earliest known English table fork. The fork has 3 notches at the top of the stem, a rare feature seen occasionally on puritan spoons. The hallmarks are beautiful, large and well struck, they form part of the decoration. The original, made in 1632, is known as the Manners Fork, and is in the V&A museum in London. The original belonged to the Rutland family of Haddon Hall, and has the crest of John Manners, 8th Earl of Rutland. This fork is a good gauge, very pleasing to use, we tested it on cold meats and olives! The hallmarks are excellent, and include makers mark FH for Francis Howard, the firm worked between 1900 and 1986. The fork comes in it's original box, with pickle fork explanatory card, and expalnation of the hallmarks. A real talking point for your dinner table. This fork is identical to S 1568 which we have already sold, and S1808.

A rare early Cape Silver three pronged fork, in the Hanoverian pattern. The fork is a lovely shape, long and elegant, with long tines. The fork has makers mark DHS, with some wear but clearly visible, along with a bunch of grapes with vine leaves in a circular punch (mark 109 in Cape Silver by Welz). This fork also has a small Dutch ZII hallmark, for 835 purity, indicating the spoon was imported into the Netherlands at some stage. The fork also has a small owners cross hatch scratch mark next to the makers mark. Three pronged forks were common in the early 18th century, they were gradually replaced by 4 prongs after 1760, perhaps a little later in the colonies, but we believe this dates to the early part of Schmidt's career. Schmidt arrived in the Cape from Strelitz, Germany, as a soldier in 1768. He worked as a sword cutler for the Dutch East India Company, and became a burgher and silversmith in 1779. He died in 1811 (Cape Silver by Welz, pg 139). He is described by David Heller (in his book History of Cape...

An Irish Georgian silver pair of sugartongs, decorated in bright cut engraving, and featuring the rare "Dublin Bow" engraved on both arms. The tongs are lovely quality and a good weight, they have shell grips, concave arms, and are slightly longer and heavier than their English counterparts (See Hodges, Georgian Silver Sugar Tongs, page 197, where he also states that Irish tongs of this period are beautifully made, with distinctive bright cut engraving, commanding prices 2 to 3 times more than English equivalents). The tongs are engraved with original owners initials ER in script. Bright cut engraving was popular in Ireland between 1790 and 1800, the bright cut glitters in candlelight, the Bow pattern is much rarer than the Dublin Star pattern, the Star, Bow and Prince of Wales Feathers (unique to Limerick) are unique to Irish silver. The hallmarks are clear, under the bow, makers mark BT in serrated punch for Taitt who worked between 1784 and 1791, and Irish harp and Hibernia in rounded punch used before 17...

A beautiful sterling silver master butter knife in the Moresque pattern, made by Wendt of Boston and retailed by Starr & Marcus of 5th Avenue, New York. The butter knife has a twist handle (at 90 degrees to the flat handle version), the blade is engraved with bright cut foliage on one side, on the reverse it is engraved "Christmas 02" (for 1902). It also has engraved initial P in fancy script, the original owner. The Moresque pattern was designed by Bernhard Beiderhase for John Wendt, it was patented in 1873 during the "Persian Revival" period (other patterns include Arabesque, Hinostanee and Persian). It has been described as "one of the nicer American exotic patterns, arguably the most complex". John Wendt has been described as "one of the most important American silversmiths of the mid 19th century", his work is highly collectable. He was a German immigrant, he emigrated to the USA in 1848. The hallmarks are clear, "STARR & MARCUS, STERLING, PATENT". Wendt worked as a manufacturer for prestigious retailers...

A beautiful sterling silver antique cheese scoop, in the Indian pattern, made by Whiting of New York and retailed by N. Harding & Co. of Boston (Haverhill). The scoop bowl is gold washed, and has lovely bright cut engraving (flowers with pattern) on the back of the bowl. The scoop has 2 engraved initials on the front, an ornate P and M, and on the back is engraved "Fathers Day 02" (for 1902). This spoon is described as a cheese scoop in the pattern books, but the extreme foldover of the bowl shows it was designed for Stilton cheese. The hallmarks are clear, including Whiting lion makers mark, "PAT 1874 STERLING", retailers mark N Harding & Co (slightly worn but still visible), and additional marks 3 and A near the makers mark. We can date this scoop between 1874 when the pattern was designed by Charles Osborne, and 1889 which is the year Harding & Co closed (operated 1851-1889). We really like this cheese scoop.The Whiting Manufacturing Company was established in 1866, and was a supplier to Tiffany. They wer...

A mixed set of antique American sterling silver, comprising of an olive spoon and olive fork. The spoon is Towle Empire pattern, patent 1894, with gold wash pierced bowl, this is a beautiful spoon. It was designed by George P Tilton, and has no monogramme. The fork is by Clark & Biddle, made between 1866 and 1870, it has a twisted stem, 3 tines with barbs, and intricate engraving. The fork has engraved owners initial P in fancy script, and is also engraved on the back "Thanksgiving 02", we assume 1902. Both items are clearly hallmarked.

A Gorham sterling silver Louis XIV pattern pickle knife, with a pair of matching master salt spoons. The pattern is striking, described as "17 th Century Magnificence", named after King Louis Quatorze of France, who "made his reign famous for it's splendour". The pickle knife (similar to an English butter knife) is bright cut and gilded, with no monogramme, which the 2 saltspoons have goldwash bowls and engraved initials G. The hallmarks are clear on all 3 items, "Patent 1870, Sterling, and the Gorham lion, anchor and gothic G. Gorham Corporation, which still exists today, was founded in 1831, they dominated the solid silver flatware market in the USA for 125 years (Gorham Silver, page 50). Note -We also have a Gorham Louis XIV sifter ladle and suace ladle S 11476.

A Cape silver konfyt fork in the Fiddle pattern, with 3 tines. The fork is quite colonial in character, the tines have slightly different thicknesses, overall a little crude but clearly hand made. The fork has makers mark DBD between 2 five pointed stars (Welz mark 44), this is clearly struck with slight wear along the top. Dominique Baudouin Du Moulin worked between 1818 and 1833, he arrived in the Cape from Brabant (now Belgium) and married the sister of Cape silversmith Johannes Hendricus Beyleveld (Cape Silversmiths by Welz, page 131.). His work is only found occasionally.

A boxed set of six sterling silver Hanoverian pattern teapoons, with matching sugar tongs. The spoons all have rat tails, and the tongs have the spoon pattern repeated on the arms. The quality is good, as you would expect from Mappin & Webb. The original box reads "Mappin & Webb Ltd, Regent Street, London W", this would have been an expensive item when new. All 7 items have excellent hallmarks, the 6 spoons are 1919, the tongs 1920. Mappin and Webb was founded in 1859, it still exists today and is one of Britain's most prestigious brands. In addition to Royal Warrants, Mappin and Webb are the Crown Jeweller.

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 set of 24 silver knives, 12 table knives and matching 12 dessert (or bread) knives, in the Louis XIV pattern, made by the leading silversmiths of the period. The knives are very good quality, perfectly suited for regular use. The knives have sterling silver handles and steel blades. The pattern is a Kings pattern variant, with shell and reeded edge, this particular pattern is the Louis XIV pattern. All 24 knives are fully hallmarked, with R&B makers mark for Roberts & Belk, and Sheffield hallmarks (some 1970, some 1971, so the set crossed the date letter change). Roberts & Belk were founded in 1810, in 1960 they were acquired by CJ Vander, the leading silversmiths of the period.

A beautiful pair of miniature antique silver pastry servers, perfectly preserved in their original box. The servers are in the Kings Husk pattern, single struck, this is a variant of the Kings pattern without the central honeysuckle decoration, and a husk shell. Both servers are a similar size and shape, one had a flat spade shape blade and the other has a serrated prong front, so quite versatile. The hallmarks on both are very clear. The box reads "By Appointment to his Excellency The Governor of Cape Colony, Morris Bros, Jewellers & Silversmiths, Kimberley & Johannesburg". We have not been able to trace any information about Morris Brothers, all assistance welcome. Note - We have now traced a 1905 advert for John Round & Son, they claim to be "The largest spoon and fork makers in the world".

A pair of antique Irish silver sugar tongs in the Fiddle pattern, with engraved initials MMG. The tongs are a good weight and in excellent condition. The hallmarks are very clear, they could not be better. Philip Weekes worked between 1816 and 1848, he was apprenticed to Samuel Neville. The makers mark has a dot between the letters, this mark does not appear in Irish Silver by Bennett.

A matching antique sterling silver knife, fork and spoon, made as a Christening present. They are dessert size, and in an unusual scrolling pattern, possibly an Onslow pattern variant. This scrolling pattern reminds us of the Auricular style, a 17th century German Mannerism style, rarely seen today. The knife has a pistol grip, the blade is also hallmarked sterling silver. They are gilded with a rich golden colour, this gilding is original. All 3 items are clearly hallmarked, the knife handle has an additional FH makers mark for Francis Higgins, so the knife handle was outsourced. F.B. Thomas & Co. was a well known firm of retail silversmiths, established in 1759. Francis Boone Thomas joined the firm aged 21 in 1851, he took control in 1871, he died age 71 in 1900. The firm traded until 1941 when it was severely damaged in an air raid during World War II.

A rare Victorian silver Paxton pattern silver sugar tongs, in excellent condition. The tongs have the Paxton pattern on both arms, the pattern has a central flower with trailing foliage and flowers, with a Gothic border, and a very different and unusual foliage pattern on the tong bowls. The tongs have a good gauge, excellent quality, as you would expect from Chawner, the top maker of Victorian silver flatware. The hallmarks are very clear, including makers mark GA for George Adams of Chawner & Co. Ian Pickford, in his book "Silver Flatware", describes the Paxton pattern as "a very rare mid-nineteenth century pattern, named after Joseph Paxton the designer of the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition. It is illustrated in the Chawner pattern book, services are very rare, odd pieces may be found, building a service would be extremely difficult" - page 231, where a fork dated 1868, also by Chawner and currently in the V&A museum, is illustrated - see also pg. 219 for Chawner pattern book. Joseph Paxton was al...

A fabulous pair of antique silver tea knives (or butter knives), made in Sheffield but retailed in Oban, Scotland by R Drummond & Son. The knives have green hardstone handles, beautifully shaped, we guess Scottish green agate. The blades are nicely shaped and engraved, the hallmarks (which are excellent on both knives) are camoflagued in the engraving. The blades are blunt, so made for spreading, not for cutting, in the days everyone had their own knife for tea. The backs of both blades are clearly punched "R Drummond & Son, Oban", so we know they were retailed from their jewellery store in Queens Park, Oban. They also had a store in Stirling which traded between 1865 and 1904. Their advert has survived, and reads "Goldsmiths, Watchmakers and Opticians". Levesley Brothers worked between 1897 and 1916. The set is perfectly preserved in its original box.