A typical Chinese Export silver Christening mug, richly decorated with traditional Chinese symbols, including Dragon and blossoming prunus tree, by Khecheong, one of the more prolific Chinese Export silversmiths. The mug has 3 circular embossed panels, the central one with Chinese dragon symbolising power, strength and good luck, the 2nd has a flowering Prunus blossom tree (plum or cherry), symbolising life, good health and happiness, the 3rd has flowers, buds and leaves. The remainder of the mug is finely engraved with flowers, leaves and diamond symbols, as you can see from the photographs the quality of the workmanship stands out. The handle is a curved vine, and the interior of the tapered mug is gilded. A circular patch above the dragon is plain, this is where a previous owners initials have been removed, this could be re-engraved. The base of the mug is clearly hallmarked with makers mark KHC in rectangular punch, the base also has a faint scratch engraved number, this would have been stock code used by...

A Georgian silver loving cup which has been used as a horse racing trophy, the cup has a beautiful engraved race horse with jockey in full flight. The loving cup is the plain standard design, with a banded girdle, sitting on a banded spreading foot, with 2 scroll handles with thumb piece for easy grip, and heart shaped ends to the base of the hollow handles. The engraving is superb, and still in crisp condition, the detail of the jockey and horse racing between two posts is very pleasing. The cup is in very good condition, and has no engraving besides the horse. The Georgian hallmarks for London 1808 are clear, the makers mark WB in rectangular punch has partial wear to the W, but still legible. William Bennett worked between 1796 and 1825, he specialized in trays and salvers, but made numerous other items of hollowware as well. His mark is often confused with William Bateman, but as Bateman only entered his mark in 1815 we can be certain this cup was made by Bennett.

A Military Victorian silver presentation snuff box, with an erotic engraving of an amorous couple hidden away from view on the base. This is a pleasing quality, substantial in size and weight, more of a table snuff box intended for a desk than the portable versions intended for a pocket. The box is rectangular, with raised lid and base, and is casket shaped with engine turned sides. It also has applied cast foliate rims (base, lid and around the presentation panel), these have exquisite detail, overall a very attractive box. The engraved inscription reads "PRESENTED TO GEORGE BOYD ESQr. by the 20th R.R.V. 1863", and is supported by scrolls (note engraving is 18 years later than box was made). The base is engraved with a erotic scene, very finely engraved with loads of detail, this is protected by the base rim, so perfectly preserved. The interior is gilded with a beautiful lemon gold original gilding, it does not appear this box has seen much use. The hallmarks on both lid and base are very clear, maker mark ...

An Austrian silver cigarette case, with an interesting commemorative double sided medallion by Lauer of Nuremberg, celebrating a 400 year jubilee (1488-1888), set in the lid. The case is ribbed, and has a gilded interior, and gold thumb piece. The case is fabulous quality, very heavy and beautifully made, the hinge is almost invisible, clearly the work of a master craftsman. The medallion is double sided, it was struck to commemorate Kaiser Frederick III, King of Prussia and German Emperor, who came to the throne in 1888, who is on the back of the medallion, in full armour wearing a crown. Unfortunately he died 99 days later of throat cancer, so it was a short reign. He was a liberal and was married to Princess Victoria, eldest daughter of Queen Victoria, historians have speculated that had he remained on the throne longer the Great War might never had happened.The front of the medallion depicts the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III (same name) Archduke of Austria and King of Germany, in crown and armour, with...

An interesting and rare set of 11 York Georgian silver Old English pattern tableforks, by the York makers Hampston & Prince, with a matching London tablefork. All 12 forks have the same engraved monogram HWT which is original. The forks consist of 4 dated 1789 (date letter C), 4 dated 1793 (date letter g), 3 dated 1794 (date letter h), and the London example dated 1809 by Robert Rutland, a spoonmaker. The forks have lovely balance and shape, very elegant, with long tines and a strong turn-ups at the end of the forks. The London fork matches well but has shorter tines, possibly from wear, what is interesting is that the 11 York forks are noticeably better quality (and weight) than the London example, which has an old repair on one tine (this goes against conventional wisdom that London made flatware is better quality than provincial - we feel this proves the opposite). The hallmarks are excellent, and demonstrate that many different punches were in operation at the York office at the same time, and that stand...

An interesting antique silver trophy, the Douglas Trophy, made by the highly regarded firm of Mappin & Webb, presented for Light Weight Hill Climbing. The trophy has an applied medallion of an antique Douglas motorcycle with rider in flat cap, this medallion has a registration number (526485), so the design was protected. The trophy lid features a cast finial, a wheel with 2 feathered wings, very similar to the Bicycle playing cards emblem, this is attached with a silver nut (both finial and nut are hallmarked as well). The trophy has 2 attractive handles, and is engraved "Douglas Trophy, Presented by the Agents, Light Weight Hill Climbing CPT, won by J. van Reenen 25.7.14, F.A.R. Zurcher 5.4.19 and again 28.2.20". As can be seen, the race was interrupted by the Great War of 1914-1918. The trophy is clearly hallmarked (Mappin & Webb, Sheffield 1913), the lid, finial and nut are also hallmarked. Fritz Zurcher was an interesting character, he won the DJ Run in 1920 (the Durban to Johannesburg motorcycle race,...

A lovely sterling silver and enamel cigarette case, with an oval enamel plaque depicting racing dogs (we assume greyhounds). The picture has 3 dogs, white, black and brown, with leather muzzles and a red bib. The case is excellent quality, and a pleasing weight, quite heavy in the hand, the interior is gilded. The hallmarks are clear on both lid and base.

A rare and beautiful Arts & Crafts cast silver caddy spoon by Bernard Instone, featuring 2 Great Crested Grebes in a courting ritual. The caddy spoon has a circular planished (hand hammered) bowl, the handle is pierced and engraved to produce the birds embracing along their beaks. This caddy spoon has been previously described as depicting 2 stylized storks, but we are confident it represents the elaborate mating ritual of the Greater Crested Grebe, as confirmed by the KSIA (Keswick School of Industrial Arts) website. The spoon has excellent hallmarks, including makers mark B.I in oval punch for Bernard Instone. Instone (1891-1987) registered his mark in 1922, he studied under Arthur Gaskin and worked for John Paul Cooper. He established Langstone Silver Works in Digbeth, Birmingham in 1919, after 4 years service in the Great War. He was subcontracted to produce silver for Sibyl Dunlop (with her SD makers mark), and also produced silver for Liberty's (source Simon Moore Artists Spoons, page 411). Bernard Inst...

A rare Cape Silver lemoen lepel (orange spoon) and matching konfyt fork (preserve), we have not encountered a matching set before, none are recorded in the Cape silver reference books. The spoon is the traditional elegant lemoen lepel shape, with narrow, pointed boat shaped bowl, v shaped drop, and triangular terminal. The matching fork has 4 tines, both feature traditional Cape prick engraving with a 4 petalled flower. Both are clearly hallmarked with makers mark IC in rectangular punch with canted corners for Johannes Combrink, and also are punched with initials IFS, we assume the original owner. Welz describes orange spoons as"probably the most attractive type of spoon made at the Cape, derived from Dutch spoons", pg 95. He also notes that all known examples are by Cape born silversmiths of the early 19th century (so not made by the more prolific English immigrants who arrived after 1815). Heller, in his book History of Cape Silver, describes orange spoons as "exquisite". Johannes Combrink of the famous Co...

An early Georgian silver porringer, of generous size, with an engraved family crest of a "Portcullis Chained", for the Porter and Beaufort Somerset families. The porringer is the traditional shape, with a bulbous bowl shape (later examples became straight sided), with plain scroll handles with a thumb piece for improved grip. The porringer is decorated with curved lobes and flutes on the lower body, and has a scale and acanthus cartouche, with the engraved portcullis. A very similar porringer can be seen in the book "Price Guide to Antique Silver" by Peter Waldron, figure 529, page 170, who describes it as a popular design in the times of William & Mary to Queen Anne (1689-1713). The base has 4 hallmarks, lion passant which is clear, crowned leopard's head with slight wear, date letter C with slight wear for 1738, and makers mark BW in oval punch for Benjamin West, who was freed in 1733 and worked until 1750, although he only used this particular punch 1737-1738. The portcullis chained crest appears in Fairb...

A limited edition (no. 12 of 100) silver gilt Commemorative Coronation or Sovereign's orb, made to celebrate the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981, commissioned for a Royal Family event, and made by leading silversmith Christopher Lawrence. The textured gilt orb is surmounted by the cross, and the orb is decorated with the armorials of Charles and Diana, the orb rests on a baluster support mounted on a polished green marble base, with felt base. The orb opens in half on 2 hinges to reveal back to back ovals on blue and red backgrounds with their family crests, beneath letters C and D, surrounded by cast gilt roses and silver leaves. The cross rises and falls slightly to open and close the globes. The interior circular frame is clearly hallmarked, and the interior of one globe is stamped "12/100". Christopher Lawrence is one of the 50 leading silversmiths in the book "Designer British Silver 1930-1985" by Andrew and Styles, in fact his work is featured on the main cover of the book (Reed Warbler Candelabra)...

A rare and interesting cast silver novelty bell, featuring "the Sketch Girl', who was the cover girl for "The Sketch" magazine. The figurine is a lady in Victorian costume, with a feather plumed bonnet tied with a bow around her neck, wide full skirt and cross pattern. She has a tray suspended from her neck, which holds a horse with jockey, and a marching soldier playing a drum, complete with bearskin hat. She has her arms outstretched, holding something in the palm of her hands. She has 2 clappers, modeled as legs complete with shoes, the bell works well, it has a lovely ring. The bell also has its original wooden stand, with a silver plaque on one side, attached by 4 silver pins, for engraving as a presentation (this one is original and has never been engraved). The hallmarks are clear, with exception of makers mark on bell, which is readable but not well struck. Both legs are also hallmarked, as is the silver plaque, which is also stamped MAPPIN & WEBB LTD. The Sketch was a British illustrated newspaper we...

An interesting silver gilt Georgian vinaigrette, in the shape of a purse or handbag, the body decorated with chased 3 leaf device, which has been described as a trefoil design in the literature. The shape is lovely, very pleasing to hold, and with the texture has good grip. The quality is excellent, certainly made by a master craftsman. The base has a leaf design around oval eye. The lid is also beautifully decorated, a central flower on finely engraved cross-hatch surrounded by pattern border, and the side of the lid has a fruiting vine border, very delicately chased. The vinaigrette has 2 eyelets which holds the original chain, each chain link is also decorated with a bar pattern. The pierced grille has a foliate design, also engraved, both hinges are perfect. The interior gilding is also perfect. The vinaigrette has clear hallmarks, the lid has Georgian duty mark, very clear makers mark L&Co which is struck upside-down, and lion passant. The base has anchor town mark, partially worn makers mark and a very ...

A beautiful Dutch antique silver bachelor teapot, made in Amsterdam in 1802 by master silversmith Jacob Hendrik Stellingwerff. The teapot is a very classical design, navette shaped with a plain body with beaded rims, and straight "oil can" style spout. The handle is a plain wooden C scroll shape, with unusual but beautiful silver bands to attach the handle, this is a feature we have not seen before. The oval lid with a turned wooden baluster finial, securely held in place with a silver nut, fits very securely and snugly into the teapot. The teapot is quite small, hence our description as a bachelor teapot, it will probably only hold 2 cups of tea. The quality of the teapot is very pleasing, clearly Stellingwerff was a highly competent silversmith. The teapot base is clearly hallmarked with 5 hallmarks, these include a very clearly struck I.H.S makers mark for Jacob Hendrik Stellingwerff. The Amsterdam city mark and crowned lion rampant (Province of Holland 934 standard mark, so purer than sterling) marks have...

An 18th century Dutch silver salver, in the Louis XIV style, made by Gregorius van der Toorn in The Hague (Den Haag) in 1738. The salver is of almost square form, with moulded shaped corners with shell and scroll decoration and a stepped border, and sits on 4 curved shaped feet. An almost identical shell and scroll salver decoration is depicted in the book "Dutch Silver" by M.H. Gans, page 47, where this style of decoration is dated to 1730. The salver has 4 clear hallmarks, including makers mark G.T in oval punch for Gregorius van der Toorn, this mark is very clear, even showing detail of the indented font at the top of the G and T. The remaining hallmarks include crowned lion rampant Holland standard mark (fineness 934), The Hague (Den Haag or S Gravenhage) city mark (stork holding eel below coronet), this mark with slight wear on one side, and a clear date letter Q crowned for 1738. Gregorius van der Toorn was born in 1715, and became master in 1738, the year this salver was made. He died in 1771 after a l...

A rare Cape Silver lemoen lepel (orange spoon) and matching konfyt fork (preserve), none are recorded in the Cape silver reference books, but we have previously sold a similar pair (S1812). The spoon is the traditional elegant lemoen lepel shape, with narrow, pointed boat shaped bowl, v shaped drop, and triangular terminal. The matching fork has 4 tines, both feature traditional Cape prick engraving, 2 wavy rows around the border of the handles. Both are clearly hallmarked with makers mark IL in rectangular punch with rounded corners for Jan Lotter (makers mark 71 in Cape Silver by Welz), and are also punched with initials HB, we assume the original owner. Welz describes orange spoons as "probably the most attractive type of spoon made at the Cape, derived from Dutch spoons", page 95. He also notes that all known examples are by Cape born silversmiths of the early 19th century (so not made by the more prolific English immigrants who arrived after 1815). Heller, in his book History of Cape Silver, describes or...

A lovely pair of Georgian Irish silver hook-end basting spoons, made in Dublin in 1788, the spoons are a pleasing weight and quality. The spoons have the traditional hook end only found on some 18th Century Irish silver spoons, and are Old English in pattern. The spoon bowls are generous, very suitable for use as serving spoons. Both spoons are engraved with a peacock family crest, this has some wear but is still visible. Both spoons also have original owners initials P/IG on the back of the drops. The spoons are bottom marked with 4 hallmarks, the Hibernia, crowned harp and date letter Q for 1788 are clear on both spoons. The makers mark on both spoons has been lightly struck and unfortunately not readable (although first letter appears to be C in rectangular punch, so possibly Christopher Haines). Ian Pickford, in his book "Silver Flatware", describes hook-end or turned-over flatware as peculiar to Ireland, principally with 18th century serving pieces, for hanging the piece up (page 56).

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...

An early 18th century Dutch miniature silver tea kettle, made in Amsterdam in 1737 by Frederik van Strant II, son of Frederik van Strant, who also specialized in silver miniatures. The kettle is baluster shape, with S shaped spout, and original domed lid with baluster finial. The handle is twisted silver wire in a rope design. The hallmarks are very clear, and include Amsterdam town mark and date letter C for 1737, and makers mark F over FS within a circular punch, for Frederik van Strant the Younger. Both father and son specialised exclusively in silver toys, and are one of the 3 great families, alongside the van Geffens and van Somerwils, who characterised the "Golden Age" of Dutch silver miniature toys. Frederik van Strant II worked between 1727 and 1754.

A rare 18th century Dutch silver miniature kettle, by Arnoldus van Geffen, the most famous of all the Dutch silver miniature makers. The kettle is circular with an S shaped spout and baluster finial, and has a swing handle, with lovely detail. An almost identical kettle, with a slightly less detailed handle, is pictured in the book "Miniature Silver Toys, Victor Houart, pg 51". This kettle, which is in the V&A museum in London, was also made by Arnoldus van Geffen in 1748. The same kettle is also pictured in "Silver Toys and Miniatures" by Miranda Poliakoff, pg 23, a V&A museum publication. The hallmarks are very clear, and include makers mark for Arnoldus van Geffen, a hunting horn in a heart. The Amsterdam town mark (crown above 3 crosses)is also present, alongside date letter capital Y for either 1733 or 1758 - these marks are very clear. Arnoldus van Geffen, who worked between 1728 and 1769, has been described as "the undisputed world leader in the field of miniature silverware" by Victor Houart, "Miniatu...