A pair of Georgian silver salad servers, made by a rarely encountered silversmith Henry Day, who only worked for a few years prior to being sentenced to death for counterfeiting, after which his sentence was reprieved and changed to "transportation for a period of 7 years". The servers are Fiddle pattern, the spoon has a pear shaped bowl, the fork a more rounded bowl with 5 tines cut into the bowl end. Both are engraved with a family crest of a Lion Rampant, this is finely engraved and very clear. Both are clearly hallmarked for London 1821 with makers mark H.D, (Grimwade 981) both also have a Journeyman's mark (one a cross, one 2 dots). On careful examination of the hallmarks we believe these to be genuine. Henry Day was freed in 1817, he first worked for his father, this mark was registered in 1820. An interesting article by Trevor Downes entitled "An example of the Counterfeiters' Art, The work of Henry Day" was published in the Finial (March 2011, page 6), explains that Day's workshop was raided by the Go...

A Cape silver snuff box by William Moore, who was previously thought to have only produced flatware, so this is a rare example. The snuffbox is the traditional rectangular shape, plain except for the engraved lid with scrolls and flowers around an irregular cartouche, which has never been engraved. The box also has a cast silver thumb piece, also with flowers and scrolls, and the interior is gilded. The box is lovely quality and a pleasing weight (81 grams). Both the lid and the base are clearly hallmarked, the lid with makers mark W.M only, the base has 5 hallmarks, 4 pseudo English hallmarks arranged around the W.M makers mark. These include pseudo Georgian duty mark, pseudo crowned leopard's head town mark, pseudo date letter a and a 4th indistinct mark, possibly another head shaped duty mark. William Moore usually used a WM mark without dot, so this is a different punch, it is recorded on the website www.capesilvermarks.co.za. The pseudo date letter a is regularly seen on Cape silver, used by silversmith...

A beautiful pair of French sterling silver salad servers in the Sceaux pattern, that carries the marks of 2 of France's greatest silversmiths - Christofle and Cardeilhac. The quality and weight of this pair is outstanding, they are a joy to use. They are the traditional shape, the fork has 3 fat tines, and both have a matched shaped cut-out where the bowls join the handles. They are double struck (pattern repeated on both sides), and they have not been engraved. The Sceaux pattern was produced by Christofle Cardeilhac between 1983 and 1999, it is similar to the classical Fiddle, Thread and Shell pattern. Cardeilhac produced a print advertisement aimed at the US market featuring the Sceaux pattern in 1983, with the tagline "Even in France only a few own Cardeilhac Sterling", this ad can be seen on Ebay. Both pieces are clearly hallmarked with 4 hallmarks in the bowls, these include 1. the Christofle makers mark (diamond punch, 3 stars with bee below, OC for Orfevre Christofle), 2. the Cardeilhac makers mark (c...

A magnificent Victorian cast silver Cherub salt, a replica of a style introduced by Paul de Lamerie. The salt have a cast vine leaf bowl, supported by a cherub with arm outstretched, and two dolphin feet supporting the bowl. This is fabulous quality, and the condition is excellent. The cherub (also called amorini and putti, but not cupid as no wings present) is naked except for a small loincloth, he is well modelled, note the detail of his hair. The bowl is a cast vine leaf, also well modelled, and the 2 stylised dolphin feet are copies of those used by Lamerie. The salt is solid, and stands well on the table, no wobble at all. Traces of original gilding are still visible, especially on the harder to reach areas on the body of the cherub (we imagine much of the gilding has been polished off over the years. The cherub is hollow, the casting hole visible under his bottom. The salt is clearly hallmarked on the vine leaf, with makers mark WS in distinctive punch for William Stocker, along with Victorian duty mark...

An interesting commemorative silver card tray (or small salver), with the traditional pie crust border of moulded shells and scrolls, made by Elkington. The tray has 3 cast feet, the traditional dragon claw on pearl, with lovely detail. The tray is very good quality, as you would expect of Elkington, quite heavy to hold. The tray is engraved "MEMENTO of ABERYSWYTH LIFEBOAT. ALFRED G.T. SMITH (Volunteer) Member of Crew. GALE of SEPTEMBER 26th 1899. (Unsuccessful Search) 1.20. A.M TO 8.0. A.M." Note incorrect spelling of Aberystwyth, I guess an easy mistake if you are not Welsh. Aberystwyth is a historic Welsh market town, now a University town and tourist destination, but previously an important Atlantic gateway. The Aberystwyth lifeboat station was established in 1861, it still operates today.

A magnificent Arts and Crafts silver Apostle spoon, one of the finest we have seen. The spoon has a well cast Apostle complete with Nimbus in flowing robe, with one hand raised in blessing. The detail is lovely, including the full beard and flowing hair. He stands on an attractive pedestal with scrolls and foliage. The stem is very unusual, with an open pear shaped loop at the base and central groove (front and back), it is hand hammered and is wrapped in an applied entwined scroll. The bowl is also hand hammered, circular but tapered as it joins the stem, with a fascinating drop (or join), the tapered bowl splits into two strands which are curled into rolls, held in place by 2 silver balls - we have never encountered this before in a spoon. The hallmarks are clear, including makers mark F.C in quatrefoil punch for Frederick Courthope. Courthope took over the business of respected George Angell in 1884. he started trading in his own name in 1889, he worked until 1912. He was a master silversmith, who hand mad...

A rare and unusual Victorian silver double lidded twin stamp box, one of the most practical designs we have seen on a stamp box. The box is rectangular, and is good quality, a pleasing weight, with gilded interior with 2 sloped compartments, and twin lids on separate hinges. The lids have separate silver frames which hold the glass in place covering the representative stamp. The box is clearly hallmarked, both lids and both frames are hallmarked as well. Cohen & Charles worked between 1890 and 1974, founded by Albert Cohen and Charles Solomon. They were the sole English agents for the leading French firm of Baudet Freres & Cie, so were a prestigious firm (Culme, Gold & Silversmiths, pg 88).

A lovely reproduction early Georgian silver tea set, comprising bullet teapot, hot water jug, sparrow beak milk jug and circular sugar bowl. The teapot is almost spherical, with a c scroll wooden handle, octagonal spout and circular foot. The hinge is applied, the circular lid fits snugly, and it has a baluster finial with wooden knob. This reproduces a popular early Georgian style, circa 1725. The hot water jug is baluster shape, with a domed lid, matching finial, handle and circular foot. The sparrow beak milk or cream jug is also baluster shaped, has a silver scrolling handle and matching circular foot. The sugar bowl is circular with a moulded rim, and matching circular foot. The set is very good quality and weight (just under 2 kilogrammes in total), it is a pleasure to use - this high quality is often seen in the antique silver reproductions of earlier styles made between the 2 World Wars. All 4 pieces are fully hallmarked, with clear hallmarks, 3 pieces are also stamped "Made in England". Both lids ar...

A lovely 18th century Dutch silver miniature milk jug, baluster shape on 3 scrolling feet, with a wavy rim. It is excellent quality, very well made, and in wonderful condition. It was made by Johannes van Geffen, grandson to Arnoldus van Geffen, the most celebrated of all Dutch miniature silver makers. This jug is identical to a jug depicted in Miniature Silver Toys by Victor Houart, pg 62, even the detail on the legs and handle is identical. The one depicted in the book was made in 1762 by Arnoldus van Geffen, so interesting to see the grandson copying his grandfather's work with such exact detail. The hallmarks are very clear, Amsterdam town mark with date letter Z for 1784, and makers mark of a hunting horn in a heart, topped by a crown for Johannes van Geffen. Johannes worked between 1766 and 1798. This milkjug matches a teapot (S 1576) also made by Johannes van Geffen in 1784. A very similar miniature milk jug, made by Hendrik Duller in 1792, is depicted in the book "Tall and Small, Antique Dutch Silver ...

A delightful 18th century Dutch silver miniature teapot, spherical in shape, with S shaped spout, scrolling handle, and original lid. It is excellent quality and in very good condition. A very similar spherical miniature teapot can be found in the V&A museum in London. It is depicted in the book "Miniature Silver Toys" by Victor Houart, pg 67, this teapot was made in 1758. The base is recessed, so the hallmarks are well preserved - Amsterdam town mark, and makers mark for Johannes Van Geffen (hunting horn within heart under crown). The makers mark overstrikes the date letter, but sufficient can be seen to determine that it can only be the Z of 1784. This teapot seems to match the miniature milk jug, S 1575, also made by van Geffen in the same year. Johannes van Geffen, grandson of Arnoldus van Geffen, worked between 1766 and 1798.

A unique antique silver letter opener, with 3 gold sovereigns set in the handle, which has an attractive open scrollwork design, with a central silver ball. The handle fits well into the hand, it feels similar to holding a sword or dagger! The opener is good quality and is a good weight. Two sovereigns are Victorian (dated 1854 and 1879) and one is Edwardian (dated 1904). The sovereigns are aligned by the date letters, all at the base on the same side, indicating the date has significance. The dates are all 25 years apart, so we assume the opener was specially commissioned to celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary, which is traditionally celebrated with gold. The couple would have married in 1854, celebrated their 25th anniversary in 1879, and their golden anniversary in 1904. We cannot imagine a nicer golden wedding anniversary present! The hallmarks are clear. Andrew Barrett & Sons worked at 63 Piccadilly between 1844 and 1970. The sovereigns are also in fine condition, they are 22 millimetres in diameter, an...

An Arts and Crafts silvergilt medallion, mounted on ivory, by Omar Ramsden, who is regarded as the leading English Arts and Crafts silversmith. The medallion is in classic Arts and Crafts style, and depicts a printing press surrounded by "LMPA", and surrounding scroll with "The London Master Printers Association". The medallion still has its original blue ribbon, with clasp in full working order, in its original fitted Garrard case.The box reads " By Appointment to HM the Queen, Goldsmiths and Crown Jewellers, Garrard & Co Ltd, 112 Regent Street, W1". The hallmarks are very clear, including OR makers mark, and the back is engraved "Omar Ramsden Me Fecit", translated Omar Ramsden made me, as is usual for his work.

An extremely rare Cape Silver vinaigrette, with attractive engraving, a sunburst surrounding a wreath contained in a rectangle on the lid, the base and sides also decorated with naive but attractive zig-zag and dot engraving, typical of colonial Cape silversmiths. The grille is also decorated by hand, with a crude flower and foliage surrounded by hand punched holes in squares. The interior is gilt. Both the lid and base are struck with 3 poorly struck hallmarks, which appear to be the lion passant between 2 castles. However the grille is struck with a very clear LT makers mark, without doubt that of Lawrence Twentyman. The only other known example of a Cape vinaigrette, by Martinus Lourens Smith, appeared at Sothebys Cape Town in February 2007 (Lot 428). None of the Cape silver reference books (Welz, Heller) mention vinaigrettes.

A lovely enamel silver cigarette case with a bespectacled golfer swinging a wood, with flag visible behind him. The enamel is very good quality, well painted with lots of detail. The interior is gilt, and both sides of the box are hallmarked with clear marks. Blanckensee & Son was established in 1826, and by the turn of the century they had a large export trade and London showrooms. In the Jewellers exhibition of 1913, Blanckensee had "two of the prettiest windows in the exhibition", which included enamel cigarette cases (Culme, Directory of Silversmiths 1838 - 1914).

An interesting Scottish Provincial silver snuff box, presented in Wick in 1868. The box is rectangular, the construction is unusual with a solid wedge shaped lid, overall the box has a hand made feel, slightly crude in finish, the hinge is a little wonky. The box is quite heavy and solidat 82 grammes. The box is engraved with worn scrolls on the lid and front side, this contrasts with the clearer engraving, we assume the box was made earlier and the engraving added later in 1868. It reads "From LJB, Wm Bremner, New Harbour Works, Wick, 1868". No hallmarks are present. This box has an interesting history, Wick was once the world's largest herring fishery port. The harbour was improved and expanded in 1831, James Bremner (we assume father to William), the notable Scottish naval architect, completed the work using ingenious near vertical flagstones, still visible today. Between 1863 and 1868 the harbour was improved again (the New Harbour Works) by adding a breakwater comprised of stone Jennies, it was designed...

A lovely octagonal bachelors 4 piece tea and coffee service, consisting of teapot, coffeepot, sugarbowl and milkjug, all of exceptional quality and weight, by a very fine maker. The set are replicas of an early Georgian style circa 1720, with each and every detail faithful to the original style. This includes shape, handles, finials, even the hinges and spouts are correct. All are fully hallmarked with clear hallmarks, including the lids. The coffeepot, sugarbowl and creamer are all 1932, the teapot is 1939, but in exactly the same style by the same maker. Heming & Co, a prestigous firm with premises in Regent Street, London, was amalgamated into William Bruford in 1981.

A rare and interesting silver gaming vinaigrette, with a rotating disk with mounted gold arrow that points at a dial with numbers from 1 to 10. The vinaigrette is circular, with 5 sections between each numeral, the rotating disk is engraved with a radiating pattern, which adds grip to allow the disk to be rotated to the desired number. The base of the vinaigrette has an attractive engraved floral arrangement, the sides are decorated with further engraving and prick work bands. The interior grille is plain, but with a pattern of punched holes, as is common on earlier vinaigrettes. The interior is gilded, the base lemon yellow, the lid and grille a slightly darker gold colour, so possibly re-gilded. The hallmarks are clear, on both the base and the lid, the grille has no hallmarks. The hallmarks include makers mark IC in rectangular punch without dot, we have tentatively ascribed to John Caney (Grimwade 1218), as his mark has no dot and he was a small worker of the period (registered 1800). Unfortunately the ...

A set of 6 Gorham sterling silver dessert sized forks in the Strasbourg pattern, first launched in 1897. The forks are fabulous quality, as you would expect from Gorham, and are in excellent condition and without any monograms or engraving. The forks have 4 tines, these would be described as salad forks in the USA. The beautiful and graceful Strasbourg pattern is inspired by French rococo style, with a series of different sized scrolls, with shells on the finials and heels. Strasbourg, designed by William Codman who was Gorham's chief designer from 1891-1914, is described by Gorham as "one of the best loved of all Gorham designs", and according to Pinterest it was used on Air Force One, (U.S. Presidents aeroplane). All 6 forks are clearly hallmarked with the Gorham lion, anchor and gothic G, alongside STERLING and PAT. 1897. They also have an additional T hallmark, we believe this was used briefly by Gorham at the turn of the century, to denote a specific weight (T for Trade, H for Heavy). Gorham Corporatio...

Very rare set of plain fiddle pattern Scottish provincial sugar tongs with extremely clear hallmarks on both arms - AS TAIN. Initials GC engraved on bow. Stewart was a very skilled craftsman (Quick, Ballance of Silver) who originally worked in Inverness (1796 - 1812), then moved to Tain. He died in 1841. Only 160 pieces of Tain silver by Stewart are known to exist, and only three quarters of these have the TAIN townmark. (Quick, Ballance of Silver). Tain, which has long been a pilgrims destination visiting St Duthac's shrine, is the home of Glenmorangie Whisky, made by "The 16 men of Tain".

A fabulous pair of Rat-tail Hanoverian Pattern serving implements, consisting of a basting spoon and 3 pronged serving fork. These are modern reproductions of an 18th century design, but the quality is superb, they are a pleasure to hold and use. No engraving is present on either item. Both are clearly hallmarked with 5 hallmarks, these are large hallmarks and have been carefully placed, to be part of the overall design. The hallmarks include makers mark AHN in inverted heart punch for Anthony Haviland-Nye, he worked between 1968 and 2003, "specialising in high class 18th century reproduction silver" (source William Walter Antiques). The remaining marks include lion passant, London leopards head town mark and 925 sterling standard mark, note the hallmarks have been struck in a different order, and one 925 mark is struck at right angles. The last mark, which shows the bust of Queen Elizabeth wearing a crown looking right, in a dome topped punch, could be mistaken as a duty mark, but is actually the Golden Jubi...