A pair of antique silver whisky noggins, also called Chota Pegs. The noggins are the traditional conical shape, with cut glass star base, glass handle and silver pouring collar and lid with thumb piece. The hallmarks are clear on both the rim and the lid of both noggins. Whisky noggins were popular in Edwardian times, they contain a 1 gill (30 ml) measure, so a generous double tot, and were made to be taken to bed. They were also popular amongst British expats in India during the Raj period, where they were called "Chota Peg", or little drink, also "go to bed" drink. Joshua and John Maxfield, founded in 1855 in Sheffield, were celebrated at the Jewellers Exhibition of 1913 for "the extent and variety of novelties which they have placed on the market" Culme, Gold & Silversmiths pg 319. They had a showroom in London's Regent Street so must have been a prestigious firm.

A lovely set of 12 rat-tail trefid silver teaspoons and matching sugartongs, also with rat-tail, well preserved in original box. This set is antique, being over 100 years old, but was made as a replica of an earlier style (circa 1680). In late Victorian and Edwardian times good quality replicas of earlier styles were popular, this set is also very good quality, and is suitable for use. The hallmarks on all 13 pieces are excellent. James Dixon & Sons is a well known firm, first established in 1806 and still in business today.They employed over 600 people during Victorian times (Culme, Directory of Gold & Silversmiths).

A Danish silver Skonvirke (Arts & Crafts) cream ladle, made by the respected Danish silversmith Evald Nielsen in 1924. The ladle is the No 4 pattern, which has organic flowing scrolls in relief, so quite pleasing to hold. The ladle is hand hammered, with the planish marks visible in the bowl and the stem. The ladle has a flat circular bowl with a narrow lip, about 0.7 cm deep. The ladle is 830 grade silver, as is usual for Danish silver. The well struck hallmarks include "Evald Nielsen" in an attractive script, with "No 4" indicating pattern, date letter "ANNO 1924", the letter "S" surrounded by dots in shaped punch for silver, and "830" in oval punch surrounded by dots for grade of silver. Evald Nielsen worked between 1905 and 1958 from Copenhagen, he designed all his own designs (as opposed to his contemporary Georg Jensen). He won numerous awards internationally, and his silver can be seen in numerous museums, including the Metropolitan in New York, V&A in London, and Kunstmuseum in Denmark. Nielsen produ...

A Brittannia 958 standard silver miniature fish eagle, complete with fish in it's talons. The eagle is realistically modelled, with lovely texture and detail. It is hallmarked 958, indicating Brittania standard grade, so purer than sterling. It stands freely without a base. Stylistically it is quite similar to those produced by Patrick Mavros, so perhaps done by one of his apprentices, almost certainly from Zimbabwe or South Africa where fish eagles are located.

A rare antique silver desk stamp case shaped as an envelope, what makes this case interesting is that it is mounted on a base, for use on a desk. The stamp case envelope is the usual form, with hinged flap with pin for closure, it is mounted at an angle on the circular baluster base, which is weighted with the addition of plaster of paris in the base (we assume it would have originally had a felt base which is now missing). The base is fully hallmarked, the date letter and makers mark "A&LLd" is worn but still legible enough to be certain of the maker. The envelope lid is also hallmarked, with a clear date letter i for 1908. Silver envelope shaped stamp cases must have been popular as many varied examples have survived, but this is the only example we have seen of one mounted on a desk stand. Adie & Lovekin was founded in 1879, they produced a wide variety of silver novelties.

An interesting set of 6 cast silver Scottish Provincial silver coffee spoons, made in Inverness in 1961 by John Fraser, but hallmarked in Edinburgh as required by regulations. The spoons have a Viking longboat finial, a Celtic knot at the top and bottom of the stem, which is textured on the front. The spoon bowls are quite flat, and the back of the spoons show how these spoons were cast in a mold rather than hammered or stamped in a press. All 6 spoons are clearly hallmarked for Edinburgh 1961, along with makers mark JF and INS for Inverness. The spoons are in excellent condition, and come in a box without a name which feels to large for them, so probably not the original box. John Fraser traded as Silvercraft from Castle Street, Inverness, he registered his mark with the Edinburgh Assay office in 1960, and worked until 1982. He apprenticed with Medlock & Craik in the 1930's, which was probably interrupted by WW11. He is primarily remembered for silver clan badges, kilt pins and Celtic inspired jewellery, spo...

A Boer War antique silver sweetheart brooch, that reads "S Africa 1900-2". The brooch has a realistically modelled Lee Enfield rifle with hanging strap, with applied circular pierced badge, which also features the English rose, Welsh leek and Scottish thistle. The brooch has a pin clasp (note pin has an old repair where it has been re-soldered onto the rifle), it also has a detachable chain with hanger shaped safety pin, to prevent the brooch being lost. The back of the rifle is clearly hallmarked for Birmingham 1901/2, with makers mark WL, in 2 shields, for William Light who worked between 1895 and 1912.

An interesting set of 6 Fancy back or Picture back sterling silver teaspoons, these are replicas or Georgian silver originals circa 1750 to 1770. Each spoon has a different die stamped bowl decoration, these 6 spoons are replicas of some of the rarest designs. They include: 1.Three masted Galleon at full sail, in wavy sea, thought to represent a British Naval engagement. 2. Milkmaid in period garb, with yoke and 2 pails. 3.Bird on a branch with leaves . 4. Shell with scrolling foliage and flower. 5. Birdcage with bird on top under "I LOVE LIBERTY", commemorating the release of John Wilkes from unjust imprisonment. 6. Basket of flowers, with a basket filled with flowers. All 6 pictures are well struck in perfect condition, with no wear. All 6 spoons are also clearly hallmarked with Sheffield marks for 1959, and makers mark CJV Ld for CJ Vander. 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 masterpi...

A rare and interesting Dutch silver matchbox holder (or cover), a memento of the destruction of the Ypres Cloth Hall (Lakenhal) during the Great War (World War I), imported and retailed by Harrod's of London. The box is embossed with a detailed image of the Great Cloth Hall in Ypres, before it's destruction during the war. The box reads "YPRES LES HALLES 1914". The gauge of silver is quite thin, and the box has been well used and damaged, 3 of the connecting arms have been repaired. The box is Dutch, and has clear Dutch hallmarks G for 1916, and makers mark VS for Vos & Co of Haarlem, Hertogenbosch. The box also has clear London import marks for 1916, and importers mark RB for Richard Burbridge, who was Managing Director of Harrods from 1911 to 1917. The Cloth Hall was first built in 1304, site of the Les Halles Market, and centre to the town of Ypres (Ieper). It was the site of many major battles during the War, first sustaining damage in 1914 but being completely destroyed by 1918. It was rebuilt between 19...

A set of six silver teaspoons with enamel finials, 3 with a swimmer and 3 with a motorcyclist. The teaspoons have an attractive stem, and all 6 are fully hallmarked on the back of the bowl, and all are stamped "England". The enamels were hand painted, as the details on each differ slightly. We can only guess as to their origin, perhaps a special commission for a family involved in both sports.

Unusual set of 6 Arts and Crafts coffee spoons, made by Liberty, each set with different semi precious stones - malachite, amethyst, sodalite, turquoise, garnet and a green stone we cannot identify. The spoons are still in their original box, showing they were retailed by Mappin and Webb, Regent St, London. The spoons were made the year after Liberty closed their Cymric business (1901 - 1926), which was a partnership with William Haseler. The hallmarks are very clear on all spoons.

A delightful antique silver swing handled basket with pierced sides, notable for it's very small size, hence our description as miniature. The basket is rectangular, with the 2 long sides curved, so the ends of the basket are higher than the centre. The 4 sides are beautifully pierced and engraved, with scrolls, foliage and flowers, this is a very decorative basket. The swing handle is also decorated, with 7 pierced ovals across the top. The basket is clearly hallmarked, with hallmarks hidden in the decoration, the makers mark is partially blurred, but the heart shaped punch with faint WB over clear Ld is sufficient to confirm the maker as Williams Ltd, who worked between 1902 and 1929. The handle is also hallmarked, and the base is stamped with a registration mark Rd 528841, which shows the design was protected. This basket is too large to be a true toy miniature, but is smaller than a bon - bon basket, it would be suitable for jewelry on a dressing table, or for small sweets.

An interesting set of 3 Witwatersrand Agricultural Society Rand Easter Show Sterling Silver Medallions, all presented to J.B. (Barry) Orpen, of Bar Circle Brahmans, in 1961, 1962 and 1964. The first 2 were awarded to "J.D.H. Lady Jake Manso for Champion Brahman Cow/ Heifer", the 1964 was awarded to "Bar Circle 3/61 for Reserve Champion Brahman Cow/ Heifer". All 3 are well preserved in their original boxes, all marked W.A.S. on the lid, one with RMP on interior, the others with SAM interior (Royal Mint Pretoria became South African Mint in 1941, so possibly a replacement box). This medallion is described by Laidlaw as number 0144c (www.southafricanmedals.com, a site we highly recommend)he describes "Obverse: Horse, cow and calf, sheep and pig in a field flanked by sheaths of corn, behind on right, vintage car and steam engine, in the distance mine head works and chimney, radiant sun on the horizon. Legend on a ribbon above: "WITWATERSRAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY" with two small crosses at the top on each side. At...

A set of six sterling silver teaspoons, made in 1952 and carrying the coronation hallmark used to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, The spoons are an unusual pattern, with Fiddle pattern style shoulders, notched finial (2 corners cut away), and 4 engraved bands between notches, overall an attractive pattern. The hallmarks are clear on all 6 spoons.

An interesting WWI military silver vesta case, engraved "Northern Command Bombing School August 1916". The vesta case is the traditional curved rectangle shape, with a striker on the base, and a ring on the side for attachment to a fob chain. The vesta is clearly hallmarked for Chester 1915, with makers mark S.I.L.d for Stokes & Ireland, who worked between 1891 and 1932 in Birmingham, they also used the Chester assay office. The vesta is also stamped "Pearce & Sons Leeds", Pearces Jewellers still exists today, after being founded in 1838. Northern Command was a British Army Home Command, based in York during World War I, the bombing school was a Grenade School (not RFC as has been incorrectly described in the internet), with a focus on using grenades to attack and clear trench systems. Those that successfully completed the training wore a red grenade proficiency badge on their upper right arm. We have seen other examples of Northern Command Bombing School silver vesta cases, that also have an engraved grenade...

Three sterling silver napkin rings, shooting trophies for the Natal Rifle Association. The first is engraved "The Emma Thresh Trophy, 1929", the second "Murray-Smith Memorial, 1925, 2st Team", and the third "Royston Memorial 1st Team 1928", all three have an applied cast shield "Natal Rifle Association, Semper Paratus, 1862". The hallmarks are clear on all 3 napkin rings, makers mark F.H.A.& Co, for FH Adam and company of Birmingham, this mark was used 1919-1935. The Emma Thresh Trophy itself 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. Lieutenant-Colonel William Murray-Smith of the Natal Mounted Rifles saw distinguished service in both the Boer War and Great war, he was awarded the Companion of the Distinguished Order and Croix de Guerre. He was an excellent shot, and won the Clark Kennedy Challenge Cup at Bisley during Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, he als...

A beautiful set of 6 Australian Arts & Crafts hand made sterling silver teaspoons, with Geraldton Wax indigenous floral finials, made by of of Perth's leading family of silversmiths, Linton Silver. The spoons have hand hammered (planished) bowls, rat tail drops and cast silver floral finials, the detail and quality is very pleasing. The spoon bowls are almost triangular in shape, we have called them teaspoons but given their small size are very suitable for coffee. All 6 spoons are clearly hallmarked, a gum nut symbol in square punch, "ST.SILVER" standard mark and makers mark JAL for Linton Silver, who traded between 1938 and 1978. JAL refers to Jamie Linton, who joined his father's studio in 1920, he remained active until 1980. He trained in Perth, Paris and London, where he studied Central School for Arts & Crafts. He designed the range of Australian indigenous wildflower spoons, which are still produced today by Bethamy Linton, who retails each spoon at $295. Note - We have a matching jam spoon S 11536.

An interesting set of 6 Fancy back or Picture back sterling silver teaspoons, these are replicas or Georgian silver originals circa 1750 to 1770. Each spoon has a different die stamped bowl decoration, these 6 spoons are replicas of some of the rarest designs. They include: 1. Fleur de Lys, a stylized French lily used in heraldry. 2. Milkmaid in period garb, with yoke and 2 pails. 3. Galleon under full sail, with flags flying. 4. Basket of flowers. 5. Birdcage with bird on top under "I LOVE LIBERTY", commemorating the release of John Wilkes from unjust imprisonment. 6. Urn of flowers, with a Georgian garden urn filled with flowers. All 6 pictures are well struck in perfect condition, with no wear. All 6 spoons are also clearly hallmarked. Note - We have a similar set, also by Francis Howard but with 2 different pictures, see S 1710.

An interesting 9 carat gold bar brooch, featuring a well modelled monkey sitting on bamboo, holding a stack of gold coins in his hand. The detail is lovely, the monkey's tail wraps around the bamboo. The brooch also has a gold safety chain with coat hanger hook, to prevent the brooch being lost. The brooch is clearly hallmarked "9Ct" for nine carat gold. This is a well made brooch with fine detail, the addition of the gold safety chain reminds us of gold brooches made in London in the first half of the 20th century. A monkey holding gold coins is considered by some as a lucky monkey, a symbol of prosperity and wealth.

An interesting Indian Colonial silver menu holder, awarded as a military trophy by the Viceroy of India. The trophy reads "Viceroy's Shield 1926". The holder is in the form of a shield, with a mounted soldier in the centre, surrounded by a highly ornate design of foliage, flowers, bamboo and scrolls. The shield has an attached clip at the back, to hold a menu or nametag at a dinner table, and it stands on a secure rectangular silver base with rounded front. It is engraved on the rear with the recipients details, "B" Right L/Cpl. A.H. Greatrex". The shield is hallmarked "JB&Co, Silver". the mark is legible but not clearly struck. We believe this to be the mark of J. Boseck & Company, which was established in Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1922, and still exists today. J. Boseck & Company are known as manufacturers and retailers of high end gold and silver products in India, in fact they supplied the watch presented to Sir Edmund Hilary after he successfully climbed Mt Everest in 1953. They started as an Anglo Indian fi...