Recent Acquisitions

Antique 19th Century Victorian solid silver-gilt & mounted glass claret jug with the original box. The curved pouring lip has a small hinged lid and is joined to the ribbed handle by an ornate pierced scroll junction. The engraved body is in oval form, mounted with pierced and engraved gilt scrolls and adorned with straps and horned satyr masks that meet at the fluted neck. On the neck, there is an acanthus knop stem, decorated with chased foliage and repousse scrolls and grotesque masks against a matted background. The circular base is filled and has a felt cover below.

This fine piece comes in the original oak wood box with a rich blue felt interior lining and hinged doors to the front. The defined intricacies and detailing on this jug only add to its character, and it would serve to be a fine addition to the home, delivering elegance as well as functionality.

Hallmarked English solid silver (925 standard), London, year 1872 (r), Maker's mark EHS (Edward H Stockwell).

Reference Number: J12490

Antique early 20th Century pair of large solid silver decorative pheasants, modelled as a cock and hen pheasant with articulated wings. Beautifully crafted, each bird displays finely chased naturalistic detail, with intricate plumage that highlights the distinctive characteristics of both the male and female.

Shown with their heads turned inquisitively to the side, the figures capture the birds in their truest form. An eye catching pair, ideal as dining table centrepieces or as part of a sporting and shooting-themed collection.

Marked on the tail feathers with Hanau pseudo marks, tested 800+ standard.

Reference Number: PD12804

Antique 19th Century Indian (Kutch) solid silver pair of dishes / salvers, of circular form, richly embellished with intricate repoussé decoration against a finely matted ground. Each dish features classical Kutch floral and foliate motifs, interspersed with depictions of birds, surrounding a vacant central cartouche. The pierced borders are further enhanced by an ornate decorative outer rim.

As is often the case for Indian silver the dishes are unmarked, but acid tested shows a 900+ silver standard.

Reference Number: C201026

Antique late 19th Century Chinese Export solid silver teapot of globular form, the body is richly worked in high relief repoussé and chased decoration with continuous narrative scenes of figures, warriors, pavilions, bridges, trees and rocky landscapes. The finely textured grounds give depth and definition to the elaborate composition.

The curved spout is chased with flowering foliage, while the articulated mounts support a large carved dark hardwood swing handle. The detachable circular cover is similarly decorated with floral motifs and surmounted by a sculptural silver finial. The teapot stands on a simple circular collet foot.

Hallmarked Chinese silver (tested 900+ purity), Artisan's mark "泉記 (Quan Ji)", Retailer's mark LC (Lee Ching).

Reference Number: A00238

Antique early 19th Century Swiss gold and enamel box of navette form, richly decorated throughout in finely executed polychrome enamel. The cover is centred by a charming musical trophy comprising a harp, lute, drums, trumpets and sheet music, delicately painted against a soft green ground and framed by a broad pink enamel border embellished with intricate gold foliate scrollwork and white enamel accents.

The sides are similarly adorned with scrolling gold ornament against a pink enamel ground, interspersed with shaped green enamel reserves finely painted with colourful bouquets of flowers. The underside is likewise decorated in enamel with a central floral bouquet.

Hallmarked on the interior rim "57", otherwise unmarked. 

Reference Number: A00184

Antique 19th Century Indian solid silver footed bowl, probably originating from Poona, beautifully worked in repoussé and finely chased with an elaborate continuous hunting scene. The rounded bowl is richly decorated with an animated procession of mounted huntsmen, figures and wild animals amidst a landscape of trees and foliage. The lively composition incorporates numerous intricately worked details, with the figures and animals rendered in pronounced relief against a finely textured background, creating a wonderful sense of movement and depth.

The upper section is framed by a continuous band of scrolling foliate ornament, with a further decorative border encircling the underside of the bowl. The whole is raised upon a pedestal and spreading circular foot, itself extensively embellished with additional repoussé scenes of figures, animals and vegetation. A striking and substantial example of Indian colonial-period silverwork, probably produced in Poona during the latter part of the 19th century, combining accomplished silversmithing with the richly narrative decoration for which Indian silver of this period is so highly regarded.

As is often the case for Indian silver the bowl is unmarked, but acid tested shows a 900+ silver standard.

Reference Number: A00276

Antique 19th Century pair of Imperial Russian solid silver candlesticks, made in the Rococo Revival taste. Each raised on a shaped, spreading circular foot, richly decorated with scrolling acanthus leaves, floral sprays and rocaille ornament. The tapering baluster stems are embellished with finely worked foliate cartouches and flowerheads, rising to urn shaped candle sockets with further chased acanthus decoration and broad, leaf moulded rims.

Hallmarked Russian Silver (84 Zolotnik 875/1000), St Petersburg, year 1871, Maker's Mark unidentifiable.

Reference Number: PD12806

Vintage 20th Century English solid silver ceremonial bugle. Engraved and presented a mere couple weeks after Great Britain and France declared war on Germany, this historic piece has the engraved marking on the flared end "London Rifle Brigade South Africa 2nd Battalion", "Presented to the 2nd Battalion by Miss Irene Carlebach, 22nd September 1939". The coil tubing is wrapped in a rope decorative piece giving grip to the bugle.

Hallmarked English silver (925 Standard), London, year 1939 (D), Maker's mark H.P&CO (Henry Potter & Co).

Reference Number: PD12808

Antique early 20th Century Japanese solid silver cocktail shaker and four beakers. The shaker is decorated with dragons on a spot hammered body. The four shot beakers are of a smooth form with a dragon applied to the outside.

This cocktail set is in fabulous condition and is a must for any collector or just as a stand alone item, as useful today as it was the day it was made.

Hallmarked Japanese sterling silver (925 standard), Yokohama, year not stated however from around c.1900. Maker Arthur & Bond.

Reference Number: PD12814

Antique 19th Century German 18K gold and enamel snuff box, made by the renowned Hanau goldsmiths Charles Collins & Söhne. Of elegant rectangular form with softly rounded corners, the box is beautifully decorated with vibrant royal blue enamel, enriched with an intricate geometric latticework design in gold. The repeating diamond pattern is punctuated by delicate pale blue and white enamel quatrefoil motifs, creating a wonderfully rich and highly refined appearance. The hinged lid is centred by an oval reserve, exquisitely embellished with elaborate chased gold scrollwork in the Rococo taste, contrasting beautifully against the deep blue enamel ground.

The borders are framed by polished gold mounts and delicate decorative detailing, while the front features an ornate, finely chased gold foliate thumbpiece, demonstrating the remarkable attention to detail throughout. The combination of vivid enamel, intricate gold ornamentation and harmonious proportions is characteristic of the finest luxury gold boxes produced in Hanau during the early 19th century. Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, Hanau goldsmiths created elaborate objets de vertu for the wealthy European aristocracy and discerning collectors.

Hallmarked to both the inner lid and the interior of the box, with the makers marks for Charles Collins & Söhne.

Reference Number: A00185

Antique 19th Century Victorian solid silver wine ewer, designed in an eclectic Indian style, distinguished by the richly worked repousse surface. Of circular baluster form, this ewer is chased throughout with foliate, floral and scrolling ornament on a hand hammered matted background. Decorative bands encircle the neck and body of the ewer and it is standing on a spreading circular foot.

The spout is fitted with a hinged cover, a highly unusual and styled handle modelled as a coiled snake, its body rising in a dramatic striking fashion terminating with the snakes head at the upper rim. The naturalistic handle gives the piece a distinctly exotic character and reflects the fascination with Indian inspired design in British decorative arts during the early Victorian period.

Hallmarked English Silver (925 Standard), London, year 1839 (D), RG (Robert Garrard II subsequently R & S Garrard & Co).

Reference Number: A00229

Antique 19th Century Dutch solid silver spice box, depicting a precariously perched stork with garnet eyes and a serpent wrapped in its beak. The figural vessel is executed in realistic detail with chased hatching of each feather and accented at the base with frog motifs.

The hinged body opens at the centre to reveal a generously sized compartment to store spices, a perfect example of the Dutch propensity to combine utility and whimsy. This piece would make an eclectic decorative ornament to a dinnerware collection.

Maker unknown, marked with the lion passant along the leg and 'R 1867' on the base, tested 800+ standard.

Reference Number: PD12805

Antique early 20th Century Imperial Russian Faberge gold & green guilloche enamel pencil holder and letter opener, of flattened elongated oval form, enameled in vibrant translucent green over a wavy engine turned ground.

Hallmarked Russian 56 gold (585 standard), St-Petersburg, year 1908-1917, Maker's mark B.C (Vladimir Soloviev, renowned Faberge work master, his mark can be found on pieces made for export to England).

Reference Number: A00237

Antique 20th Century Japanese Meiji period double skinned solid silver bowl. The surface of the bowl is enveloped with an intricate high relief water dragon, typical of the period, complete with applied flowing whiskers soldered around the body and a hand hammered background, which is matted to render it dull and enhance the depth of the piece.

After 250 years of isolation, the invasion of Japanese territorial waters by the US Navy in 1853 forced Japan to accept diplomatic relations and re-establish trade with the West. Subsequently, the demand for Oriental pieces surged. The abolition of the Samurai class and the 1873 ban on wearing swords meant that former samurai and armour smiths had no choice but to redirect their metalwork skills into luxury export. The utilisation of the expert skill and technical ability, as well as the widespread exchange of designs and practicalities within the artist community, led to the creation of striking objects such as this. Still to this day, such items are highly revered and sought after.

The base is hallmarked Japanese silver (950+ high grade silver), used primarily during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

Reference Number: PD12812

Antique 19th Century German 18k gold snuff box with in built hidden compartment, of rectangular form, the lid designed as an envelope-style flap, centred by a finely painted polychrome enamel scene depicting a hunt in a wooded landscape, with two huntsmen directing a pack of hounds in pursuit of a stag. The shaped enamel panel framed by a delicate geometric border of blue champlevé enamel, flanked by richly chased foliate scrollwork against a textured gold ground.

The borders further embellished with pale enamel bands and repeating blue floral motifs, the front similarly decorated with horizontal engine turned bands and a continuous frieze of blue enamel quatrefoils. The underside decorated with a swirling blue enamel pattern centred by a gold starburst motif, the corners embellished with foliate ornament. The proper right side incorporating a discreet vesta compartment.

The underside struck with the maker's mark GW, accompanied by two cartwheel marks for Gustav Wancke.

Reference Number: A00188

Antique early 20th Century Chinese export solid silver tea and coffee service, comprising a coffee pot, teapot, milk jug, twin handled sugar bowl, sugar tongs and an oval serving tray. This service is decorated throughout with intricate repoussé and chased designs depicting dense bamboo foliage, birds and naturalistic motifs, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail associated with Chinese export silver of the period.

The coffee pot and teapot feature striking faceted bodies, each adorned with vertical panels of finely worked botanical decoration, complemented by bamboo form handles and spouts. The hinged covers are surmounted by sculptural bamboo finials. The matching milk jug and twin handled sugar bowl also feature the elaborate decoration of the principal pieces, creating a beautifully unified ensemble. The service is completed by a pair of decorative silver sugar tongs.

The substantial oval serving tray is particularly impressive, featuring an extensively decorated surface with intricate bamboo foliage and birds amongst vegetation. This visually striking service would make an outstanding addition to any important collection of antique silver or a magnificent tea service for formal entertaining.

Each piece hallmarked Chinese solid silver mark "90" (900 standard), Maker's chop mark (illegible), Retailer's mark "WH" (Wang Hing & Co).

Reference Number: A00235

Vintage 20th Century Italian silver plated champagne or wine cooler of cylindrical form, fitted with three boar tusk handles, each secured with silver plated mounts. The upper section features a removable lid with three circular apertures designed to accommodate bottles of champagne or wine, centred by the lifting handle. When the lid is removed, the interior can be filled with ice, allowing the bottles to sit securely within the apertures while being kept chilled.

Marked to the side of the cooler 'JANETTI'.

Reference Number: C12802

Antique 20th Century English shagreen and silver mounted casket by craftsman John Paul Cooper, widely considered a pioneer of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Cooper specialised in the use of unusual materials, and this rectangular box in particular is entirely covered with textured grey shagreen, which he began using in 1903, long before it became fashionable in the later 20s and 30s. Shagreen is prized for its distinctive granular texture and remarkable durability, providing a striking contrast to typical polished materials.

Flattened silver wire of various decoration frames the box, with silver strapwork and rivets. The box rests on ball feet and the panelled hinged lid can be opened by pressing the floral button, revealing an internal wood lining. Both decorative and functional, the box makes an attractive ornamental piece or an elegant gift idea to complete any gentleman's library or eclectic interior.

Internally stamped on silver metal plate with Cooper's mark 'JPC'. No hallmarks, tested silver.

Reference Number: PD12811

Antique early 20th Century solid silver and enamel cigarette case, the rectangular hinged body with an enamel portrait of His Highness Maharaja Jam Sahib Sir Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja (1895–1966), GCSI, GCIE, the celebrated ruler of the princely state of Nawanagar, now Jamnagar in Gujarat, India.

The portrait is beautifully painted in the grand tradition of Indian princely portraiture, depicting the Maharaja in elaborate ceremonial dress. He wears a magnificent deep crimson turban, richly adorned with jewels and surmounted by a prominent feathered aigrette, together with a pale blue, intricately patterned robe, a richly embroidered sash and numerous strands of pearls. Particularly striking are the military medals and orders displayed across his chest, carefully picked out in coloured enamels and reflecting his distinguished standing within both the Indian princely states and the British Empire.

Reference Number: C191026

Antique exquisite late 18th Century circular snuff box by the Genevan goldsmith Jean George Rémond, finely made in 18 carat gold and richly decorated with translucent royal blue enamel. The lid displays a beautifully worked radiating guilloché ground beneath vibrant blue enamel, centred by a delicate gold floral bouquet within a finely engraved scrolling border. An elegant garland of trailing flowers and foliage encircles the lid, framed by concentric gold and blue enamel borders with intricate foliate ornament.

The softly contrasting ivory toned sides are enclosed by finely detailed gold mounts, lending the box a refined and harmonious appearance. The richness of the blue enamel, together with the precision of the gold decoration, exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship for which Geneva's finest goldsmiths were renowned, combining neoclassical proportions with the luxurious materials and meticulous decorative techniques characteristic of Genevan objets de vertu.

Hallmarked to the inside "IGM" (Jean-George Rémond). 

Reference Number: A00186