Daum pate de verre bowl, Gingko
Price: £750
This is a beautiful large bowl in pate de verre glass formed as leaves or petals. The design is Gingko. Comes in original fitted box. Model 03570 Coupe Grand Modele
Shelley Harmony Ware Drip Glaze Watercress Bowl and Stand, 1930s
Price: £35
A ceramic shallow bowl, pierced with holes to the centre and with three short feet and a matching dish or underplate, both decorated with various shades of green, brown, grey and light blue with ‘drip glaze’ effects, the bases glazed and the bowl with a transfer mark ‘Shelley England’, the mark on the plate blurred and indistinct. Shelley Potteries, situated in Staffordshire, was originally known as Wileman & Co. which had also traded under the name ‘The Foley Potteries’. The first Shelley to join the company was Joseph Ball Shelley in 1862, and it remained a Shelley family business until 1966, when it was taken over by Allied English Potteries. Josph’s son Percy employed first the designer Frederick Rhead then Walter Slater who had worked with Doulton. It was Walter Slater’s son, Eric, who initiated the ‘Harmony’ range in 1932, at first with a series of banded designs, and then with ‘drip ware’ patterns, an effect which he discovered by accident, which became enormously popular such that around twenty five painters were employed in their decoration. Besides vases, various items of tableware were produced in this style and these two pieces comprise a drainer bowl and stand, most likely for watercress or salad, following earlier English and Chinese designs, but possibly for fruit or berries. This ensemble is less commonly found but remains both decorative and practical.
Shelley Harmony Ware Vase glazed in shades of orange, yellow and grey, 1930s
Price: £55
A ceramic vase the broad slightly conical body narrowing towards the wide bulbous neck, the surface slightly ribbed and painted with various shades of ‘spun’ decoration in shades of orange, yellow and grey, the base glazed yellow and with a transfer mark ‘Shelley England’ and the impressed numbers ‘990’ presumably denoting the model number. Shelley Potteries, situated in Staffordshire, was originally known as Wileman & Co. which had also traded under the name ‘The Foley Potteries’. The first Shelley to join the company was Joseph Ball Shelley in 1862, and it remained a Shelley family business until 1966, when it was taken over by Allied English Potteries. Josph’s son Percy employed first the designer Frederick Rhead then Walter Slater who had worked with Doulton. It was Walter Slater’s son, Eric, who initiated the ‘Harmony’ range in 1932, at first with a series of banded designs as here and then with drip ware patterns which became enormously popular. Harmony ware was produced in a wide variety of colours and this auction includes three vases examples which well reflect the range.
Shelley Harmony Ware Drip Glaze Vase, 1930s
Price: £45
A ceramic vase of plain ovoid form, the body slightly ribbed and painted with various shades of green, brown and light blue with ‘drip glaze’ effects, the base glazed and with a transfer mark ‘Shelley England’ and the impressed numbers ‘985’ presumably denoting the model number. Shelley Potteries, situated in Staffordshire, was originally known as Wileman & Co. which had also traded under the name ‘The Foley Potteries’. The first Shelley to join the company was Joseph Ball Shelley in 1862, and it remained a Shelley family business until 1966, when it was taken over by Allied English Potteries. Josph’s son Percy employed first the designer Frederick Rhead then Walter Slater who had worked with Doulton. It was Walter Slater’s son, Eric, who initiated the ‘Harmony’ range in 1932, at first with a series of banded designs, and then with ‘drip ware’ patterns, an effect which he discovered by accident, which became enormously popular such that around twenty five painters were employed in their decoration. Harmony ware was produced in a wide variety of colours and this auction includes three vases which well reflect the range.
Shelley Harmony Ware Vase glazed in blue, 1930s
Price: £45
A ceramic vase of plain ovoid form, the body slightly ribbed and painted with various shades of ‘spun’ decoration in blue, the base glazed and with a transfer mark ‘Shelley England’ and the impressed numbers ‘979’ presumably denoting the model number. Shelley Potteries, situated in Staffordshire, was originally known as Wileman & Co. which had also traded under the name ‘The Foley Potteries’. The first Shelley to join the company was Joseph Ball Shelley in 1862, and it remained a Shelley family business until 1966, when it was taken over by Allied English Potteries. Josph’s son Percy employed first the designer Frederick Rhead then Walter Slater who had worked with Doulton. It was Walter Slater’s son, Eric, who initiated the ‘Harmony’ range in 1932, at first with a series of banded designs as here and then with drip ware patterns which became enormously popular. Harmony ware was produced in a wide variety of colours and this auction includes three vases which well reflect the range.
Cylindrical Vase, Herman Kähler, HAK, blue glazed stoneware, 1950s
Price: £250
A stoneware vase glazed in blue of upright cylindrical form, the base and neck concave with two ribbed bands, the foot unglazed and showing traces of the potting rings with incised marks ‘HAK’ and 22-118. Herman August Kähler was a Danish ceramic designer and manufacturer who ran the Kähler ceramic factory (Kählers Keramiske Værksted) in Næstved, Denmark which he took over from his Father with his brother in 1872, then running it himself from 1875 when he built a new factory on the town’s outskirts. Kähler was responsible for the introduction of a ruby red glaze which soon became extremely popular and the factory began to produce many well formed decorative pieces which enjoyed a wide reception and were exhibited at the Great Nordic Exhibition held in Copenhagen in 1888 and at the Exposition Universelle held the following year in Paris. Kähler died in 1917 but the firm continued, at first under the direction of his son Herman Hans Christian Kähler.
This vase was designed by Herman Kähler’s grandson Nils Kähler who took over the business with his brother in 1940. Nils Kähler had a special talent for following the design trends of the time. Even though he was enthusiastic himself about traditional wares, the new production was characterized by much simpler designs. He made designer objects such as ashtrays, vases, jugs and lamp bases for Le Klint lamps. Made of stoneware, these bases were fired in his preferred salt glaze or with the strong turquoise or warm golden colors. This vase, then, is a typical example of his work and probably dates to the 1950s.
Rare Ditmar Urbach Art Deco Pitcher, Czech 1930s
Price: £250
The Ditmar Brothers and the Urbach Brothers had merged what was left of their ceramics companies in 1910. Their primary facility was located in Teplitz-Turn, Czechoslovakia. From 1919 to 1938, they operated as Ditmar-Urbach A.G. and produced a large volume of decorative and functional ceramics, many employing forms and decoration typical of the Art Deco style. The form of this vase is unusual, being a double lipped pitcher with a loop handle, and the decoration employs zig zag, almost mountainous, designs in orange, yellow, purple and blue, which can also be found on other pieces from the factory and are typical of the styles of the era. The base is clearly marked ‘Ditmar Urbach’ ‘Made in Czechoslovakia’ which is not the case with all of the pieces made by the firm.
Pair of Royal Dux Secessionist Style Vases, 1930s
Price: £250
A pair of ceramic vases of semi organic form, the body tapering towards the long slightly flaring neck and the sides with four applied loop handles, decorated with stylized floral designs on a grey/beige mottled ground, the base glazed and with a transfer mark of an acorn in a triangle with the letters ‘D’ ‘P’ ‘M’ and impressed numbers ‘11330’.
These vases form part of a group of ceramic items manufactured by a wide number of factories in the early C20th, including Mintons of England, and heavily influenced by the ‘Secessionist’ movement, in which contemporary artists deliberately broke away from traditional styles, which began in Austria in the late nineteenth century and soon spread to Germany and France. The organic forms of the Art Nouveau movement were a strong influence and can be seen here.
Duxer Porzellanmanufaktur, or the Dux Porcelain Manufactory, was started in 1860 by Eduard Eichler in what was then Duchov, Bohemia, later to become part of Czechoslovakia. Production continued until the beginning of the second world war and beyond. The factory started to imitate designs by Copenhagen, Worcester and Sevrés and their pieces achieved great popularity culminating in the company being rewarded with the Grand Prix prize at the world exhibition in St. Louis in 1904. Their output is now now generally referred to by the abbreviated name, ‘Royal Dux’. Some of their pieces were made in the ‘Secessionist’ style, with emphasis on organic forms, as here. There is a wide variety of Royal Dux marks and the one on these vases, an acorn in a triangle (the letters ‘D’, ‘P’, ‘M’ standing for “Duxer Porzellan-Manufaktur”) , indicates a dating after 1918 suggesting that they were made in the 1920s or 1930s but almost certainly before the beginning of the second world war.
Clarice Cliff Celtic Harvest Centrepiece Bowl, marked, 1930s
Price: £35
A ceramic bowl with a bulbous, squat body and three ball like feet, the body with moulded decoration of wheat sheaves and fruit in brightly coloured enamels on a beige raffia style background, the rim with a chrome metal band, the base with transfer marks ‘Celtic Harvest’, ‘Clarice Cliff’ ‘Newport Pottery Co’ ‘England’.
Born in 1899, Clarice Cliff began with a varied career in apprentice roles in the North Staffordshire Potteries, at that time the major employers in the area of women. At the age of 17, she was working with the firm A.J.Wilkinson, owned by the Shorter family, and some of her designs began to appear in their pattern books soon after. In the late 1920s, she experimented with novel and bold designs termed ‘Bizarre Ware’ which met with unexpected success, much to the surprise of Wilkinson’s salesmen. A wide range of pieces in the style was then produced and named ‘Handpainted Bizarre’ by the managing director of Wilkinson’s, Colley Shorter. The ‘Crocus’ and ‘Conical’ ranges then followed and in 1930 Cliff was made Art Director of the firm, soon to be supervising a workforce of up to 1000 at the Newport Pottery. In 1940, she married Colley Shorter, after the death of his first wife, and her career came to an end, decorated pottery being prohibited during the second world war. Shorter died in 1963 and the following year Cliff sold the business to Midwinter Pottery. A recluse for many years, she died in 1972.
The ’Celtic Harvest’ range was typical of her work and comprised a wide variety of serving pieces all decorated in the same style. This Centrepiece bowl was probably intended for fruit and like all the other examples is fitted with a chrome metal rim. Dating is most likely to the 1930s.
Italian decorative duck marble and alabaster
Price: £30
This is a beautiful decorative duck made from highly polished green and brown marble joined with fine alabaster, eyes are also stonef
Victorian Chinoiserie chatelaine note pad
Price: £125
This is a gorgeous piece of ephemera - a writing pad meant to hang from a lady's chatelaine, comprising two Chinoiserie silver incised panels that open to expose 4 celluloid pages
Chinese Embroidered Silk Table Screen 1960s
Price: £30
This is a very delicate table screen made of four panels all with a section of embroidered silk that creates a natural setting with birds and branches, in fitted box
Pair of Japanese Imari Plates, Meiji Period circa 1880
Price: £150
Pair of fine quality Japanese Imari Plates, Meiji Period (1868-1912) circa 1880, decorated in underglaze blue, iron red and gold with a typical fabric derived 'brocade' style design, the central three leaf clover shape roundel surrounded by three shaped panels with fans all on a ground of stylised scrolling foliage, the reverses plain with two concentric circles in underglaze blue next to the foot rim. The form of these plates is unusual, copying the standard design of a Chinese eighteenth century dinner plate.
10 Chromolithographs from Illustrated London News publication celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee 1897
Price: £85
This is a rare hand finished chromolithograph print taken from a publication that celebrated Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. The design and vivid colours harken back to the Victorian era.
Print 1: This print depicts the weddings of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and on the bottom depicts the marriage of Mary of Teck to the then Duke of York. The portraits surrounding these images are of the two brides and other royal family members. (numbered Plate 17)
Print 2: This print depicts the development in the modes of transportation during her reign. Clipper ship to steamer, carriage to train, walking and carriages to bicycles and automobiles. The portraits will be the inventors and visionaries of these developments. (numbered Plate XI)
Print 3: This print depicts the House of Commons with Prime Minister Salisbury and the House of Lords. The surrounding portraits are politicians of the day. The bottom centre is of Gladstone. (numbered Plate A)
Print 4: This print depicts the development of the Royal Navy during her reign. it starts with tall mast sailing ships (1836 fleet) and proceeds to steam ships (1853 fleet) and then finally to the most modern ships and even submarines (1897 fleet). The portraits are a bit random - but probably are naval officers and Royal family members. (numbered Plate IX)
Print 5: This print depicts three important battles during her reign. The portraits depict military officers and other influencers during these wars. (numbered Plate VIII)The portraits depict military officers and other influencers during these wars. (numbered Plate VIII)
Print 6: This print depicts the christenings of Victoria's first two children, Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise, Princess Royal and Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. The large portrait on the upper left is the Arch Bishop of Canterbury. (numbered Plate V)
Print 7: This print depicts the Queen's marriage to Prince Albert and the image below is a well known family portrait. The portraits are members of the Royal Family such as parents and possibly siblings. (numbered Plate IV)
Print 8: This print depicts Victoria's accession council, the opening of parliament and a royal procession. The portraits are very difficult to pinpoint but they would be politicians and influencers of the day. (numbered Plate III)
Print 9: This print depicts Queen Victoria's coronation in 1838. The top image is the ceremony followed by the procession with Buckingham Palace in the background. The portraits depict monarchs that came before here. Edward the IV is the large central top portrait. (numbered Plate II)
Print 10: This print depicts a later family portrait and three of her residences, Windsor, Balmoral and Osborne. The larger portraits are Edward Prince of Wales, George Duke of York and probably Prince Edward Albert.
Pair of bisque relief plaques by artist Bertel Thorvaldsen. Royal Copenhagen 1969 - 74
Price: £40
This is a stunning pair of bisque porcelain plaques depicting two well known images of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Four Seasons series. Here are Autumn and Winter. This series was produced by Royal Copenhagen Porcelain between 1969 - 74. They are drilled for hanging.
Bertel Thorvaldsen (born Nov. 19, 1770, or Nov. 13, 1768, Copenhagen, Den.—died March 24, 1844, Copenhagen), sculptor, prominent in the Neoclassical period, who was the first internationally acclaimed Danish artist. Prominent in Roman intellectual and artistic circles, he influenced many emerging artists from Europe and the United States. Most of Thorvaldsen’s most characteristic sculptures are reinterpretations of the figures or themes of classical antiquity. The Alexander frieze of 1812 in the Palazzo del Quirinale, Rome, modeled in only three months in anticipation of a visit by Napoleon, is an example of the feverish energy with which he could at times work. Religious sculptures include the colossal series of statues of Christ and the Twelve Apostles (1821–27) in the Vor Frue Kirke in Copenhagen. He also made numerous portrait busts of distinguished contemporaries.
Pair of Art Deco chrome wall sconces
Price: £50
This is a stunning pair of Art Deco sconces in polished chrome. These hold candles and are in a very unusual Art Deco design. A not to be missed lot for Art Deco collectors!
Art Nouveau Bronze Plaque c.1900
Price: £75
This is a beautiful bronze hanging plaque depicting an Art Nouveau woman in natural setting, with integrated ring to hang
LOT 1
Set of 5 matching 18ct gold sewing tools in fitted case, August Boileau, French c.1850
Estimate: £100 – 200Auction Begins
01/01/70 UTC
£0.00
A pair of Mughal style carved wood miniature screen picture frames, C20th
Price: £55
A pair of wood picture frames, probably from a four leaf miniature folding screen, of rectangular form with short legs and crown style finials, richly decorated in the typical Mughal style with carved stylised floral tendrils and lattice work panels. These are productions from the British Raj occupation of India which lasted between 1858 and 1947. The craftsmen were probably catering for British officials posted to India and aimed to design something suitable for a group of family photo portraits. The photos here appear to be original with an officer and two young children represented. More family members, and perhaps the officer’s wife, would, no doubt, have been depicted in the missing two frames. East very much meets West here and the original screen no doubt graced the interior of an official residence. Dating is probably to the early C20th.
Art Deco mother of pearl card case
Price: £50
This is a beautiful card case comprising mother of pearl in a diamond pattern. With wood lining
A Large Islamic Pewter Ewer, C20th
Price: £45
A pewter ewer with a globular shape body above a flaring foot, rising to a slender neck with a collar and slightly flaring out at the top, the conical lid hinged and with a knop finial, an ‘S’ curved handle to the reverse and a slender tapering spout with a zoomorphic terminal, the whole decorated with bands of impressed stylised foliage. The form of this ewer is typical of middle eastern designs and occurs in a multitude of variants adopting the same basic format. Provenance and dating are uncertain but a Turkish origin seems likely, perhaps from the mid C20th. The use of pewter rather than brass gives a slightly rustic feel and enhances the middle eastern origins of the piece.
Beautiful Victorian ruby glass scent bottle, circa 1880
Price: £350
This is a lovely ruby glass scent bottle decorated with enamel flowers in a rope twist design. It has a brass top with chain and is fitted with the original stopper which is quite rare.
Bisque Scottish boy character doll c. 1900
Price: £60
This is a very sweet souvenir doll comprising a young Scottish boy in tradition dress with a bisque head, hands and feet and a fabric body. With traditional Scottish garb. Made in Germany.
Victorian marquetry miniature table top games table
Price: £75
This is a very unusual miniature table top games table comprising a beautiful marquetry design ready for chess or any game. It is an octagon shape with eight legs. Could be a cabinet maker's example of a large table.
Pair of alabaster bookends, 20th century
Price: £85
This is a very beautiful set of bookends that are worked into shapes of books. What sets them apart is the different colours of alabaster used.
Victorian ships inkwell with original fitted ink pots c1900
Price: £55
This is an unusual inkwell that originally would have sat on an officer's desk on a ship. It is made from oak wood with brass fittings and decoration, to include a carrying handle and four feet. Two square recesses contain the original inkpots which have remarkably survived intact. There is also a long narrow channel to hold a pen. Both were intended to ensure stability if the waters grew choppy! Decorative in itself, this piece perhaps provides the ultimate gift for the office even if it is unlikely to find itself in daily use.
Beautiful trinket box in the shape of a bound book, onyx and brass, Austria 1950s
Price: £55
This is a very unusual trinket box comprising two heavy onyx slabs, fitted with brass which has been cast in the form of a book's spine, pages and clasps. The brass has been patinated to give a more 'olde world' look. There are four small ball form feet to the base and a stamped mark 'AUSTRIA'. The style suggests a dating in the 1950s.
Massive Victorian Carnelian Cameo Shell
Price: £55
This is a very large example of a carnelian shell, such pieces often being used for the creation of cameos in the nineteenth century and before. This example has been polished in certain areas to give the shell a more elegant and finely worked decoration suitable for use as a table ornament. Carved carnelian cameo shells were favoured souvenirs from the Grand Tour and were found mainly in the North and West African waters. This piece is of an exceptionally large size, which is both desirable in itself and occurs much less frequently.
Victorian leather bound photo album made by Mechi and Bazin c.1870
Price: £110
This is an incredible photo album comprising a finely tooled green leather cover and gilt edged pages that have inserts for the photos. It is made by Mechi and Bazin, a well respected manufacturer based on Regent Street in central London and mainly known for their campaign fitted toiletry boxes and writing slopes. This album is quite petite so it was most likely also meant for travel. It holds 23 beautiful Victorian photographs : mainly portraits with a few outdoor views.The album Is marked 'Mechi & Bazin Makers London' on front cover.
Beautiful small daguerreotype in a frame c. 1850
Price: £25
This is an amazing daguerreotype of two young girls probably made for an officer to take as a memento while travelling. The daguerreotype was the first commercially successful photographic process in the history of photography. Announced to the public in 1839 the daguerreotype enjoyed great popularity in the 1840s and 1850s. Named after the inventor, Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre, each daguerreotype is a unique image on a silvered copper plate.
Georgian small glass scent bottle in a fitted Etui case circa 1800
Price: £45
This is a rare small glass scent bottle that comes in a fitted etui case perfect for a gentleman's pocket. The moulded glass is finely fluted on both the body and top.
Victorian Bronze Chamber Candlestick in the form of a Griffin, late C19th
Price: £40
This is a very striking bronze chamber stick in the form of a griffin with fine detail to the casting of the face and feathers. The griffin is a well known legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. Griffins were known as the guardians of treasures and priceless possessions even in Classical antiquity and were to become familiar elements of heraldry. The choice of this creature as the suppport for a candlestick (the form suggests a chamvber candlestick) cannot be easily explained. Does the griffin here protect its owner in some way? Whatever the answer the result is a striking decorative ensemble which could enhance many a domestic interior.
Two Sets of Serving Cutlery made by Haddad Jezzin Cutlery, Beirut, Lebanon 1960s
Price: £45
Two Sets of Serving Cutlery comprising a carving knife and fork and a pair of salad servers made by the firm Haddad Jezzin Cutlery based in Beirut, Lebanon. The Haddad family began manufacturing metal items, principally army rifles, knives and steel blade swords, after settling in Jezzin, Lebanon in 1770. By the 1930s they had branched out into cutlery and became known for pieces with birds heads made of bone and buffalo horn, inlaid with coloured bone & brass as here. Each of the two sets have near identical decoration with gilt wings, patterned backs and a red bone crest. The carving fork marked ‘S & A Haddad’, the carving knife ‘S & A Haddad Jezzin Stainless Lebanon’. The salad spoon marked ‘S & A Haddad Made in Lebanon’, the salad fork ‘S & A Haddad Stainless Steel’. Each set is contained in its original box with the original label and both sets were given to the vendor’s parents in the 1960s and were clearly made new then.
Two Albums of Travel Photographs ‘Album Artistique Paris’ and ‘Roma 132 Tavole’ 1930s
Price: £10
Two Albums of Travel Photographs. (1) ‘Album Artistique Paris’. 40 black and white photographs of Paris and its famous buildings and monuments published by ‘Establissements Papeghin’ in the 1930s. (2) ‘Roma 132 Tavole’. 132 black and white and sepia pictures of Rome, its buildings, pictures and sculptures published by ‘Cecami’ in the 1930s, raised lettering to the cover and an original yellow cord tassel binding.
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A Complementary Pair of Gilt Metal Art Nouveau style picture frames, 20th Century
Price: £45
Two Gilt Metal Picture Frames of differing sizes but with matching designs in mirror image modelled in typical Art Nouveau style with slender ladies holding a branch and flowering wheat sheaves and lotus, the reverses with swing mount stands
Swedish Kosta Glass Vase designed by Vicke Lindstrand circa 1960
Price: £95
A Swedish Glass Vase of flattened ovoid form very thickly blown with a hollow interior and an interior bubble, the flat base with a slightly concave roundel to the centre etched 'Kosta LH 1616'. The Kosta Glass factory was founded in 1742 and while subject to various amalgamations and takeovers continues to make glass to this very day. Vicke Lindstrand was one of the many designers who have worked with the firm and other pieces by him with the same pattern mark 'L H 1616' are known. This piece was designed in the early 1960s and reflects the general style of pieces at that time.
Pair of Dorset Fossil limestone goblets in presentation box
Price: £35
This is a very unusual pair of goblets or wine cups made from worked Dorset limestone that is known for its fossils. These goblets are dense with different types of fossilised shells and other marine life. It comes in a velvet fitted presentation box.
Art Deco onyx Chess Set with board and fitted box, 1930s
Price: £110
This is a very elegant chess set comprising finely carved onyx pieces which are stored in their own fitted case. The top of the case has been inlaid with onyx and agate pieces to make up a chess board. The pieces are smaller than a standard chess set which makes the fine carving even more beautiful and all have survived in excellent condition which is unusual. The perfect gift for devotees of the game!
A silver filigree decorative Spoon with an openwork shell shape bowl, probably Scottish circa 1900
Price: £65
This is a delicately worked filigree spoon with an openwork bowl in the form of a shell with stylised leaves, the slender handle of rope twist design with thistle leaf terminals at either end and finished with a thistle flower. Of a decorative rather than practical design, the use of thistles suggests that this piece is Scottish; dating is probably around 1900 or the the early Edwardian period.
Victorian Whitby jet mourning brooch
Price: £75
This is a quite large brooch in a scroll work design and Greek key edging. It is Whitby jet a fossilised wood stone that is from the Jurassic period that is found in the North York moors in northern England. Whitby jet was the main material for mourning jewellery during the Victorian age for obvious reasons.
A gilt metal and onyx figure of a Cherub holding a Globe 1960s
Price: £45
This is an amusing figure of a cherub holding a globe, perhaps intended as a desk ornament or paperweight or possibly as part of a two piece clock set. The cherub is modelled in gilt metal with a smiling face, standing on one leg with the right arm upraised and supporting a globe which is held in place by a screw attachment. The globe and base are formed from onyx with typical striations. Similar pieces are usually dated to the 1960s which would seem to be the case here. Mounted onyx globes do appear, but the addition of the cherub figure is more unusual.
Large brass portrait bust of Ramses II
Price: £25
This is an amusing portrait bust cast in brass with slender profile form depicting Ramses II, (Ramesses/Rameses II) the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt c1303BC - 1213BC and one of the most famous rulers of the country of whom the statues and images surviving have become iconic. He is depicted here wearing a typical bird beak helmet and a heavy metal shawl collar. The composition reflects 'Egyptian Revival ' pieces of the early twentieth century but the dating here is rather later.
Spanish red tooled leather Gentlemans trinket dish with coat of arms
Price: £20
This is a very striking square dish with a deep central well made from finely worked red leather and decorated with scrolls and Fleur-de-lis. There is very likely a royal connection here as the embossed decoration includes lions and heraldic shields and the coat of arms presents as those for the house of Castile and León.,
Three 1970s photo cubes
Price: £15
Three 1970s photo cubes. Typical of the era, these cubes were designed to display photographs in the square format produced by the basic cameras of the time including the 'brownie' and 'instamatic' ranges.
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Kenton Clock Radio Hong Kong 1970s
Price: £35
This is an early example of the clock radio format made by the Kenton factory, Hong Kong. The casing is in red leather and the format resembles that of the standard travelling clock, where the mechanism is hinged to the lid and then clips in to the base. There are six transistors and the loudspeaker is of Permanent Magnet Dynamic (PDyn) type (moving coil). The clock is of the standard wind up type and the radio, which still works but can only receive a limited range of frequencies, is powered by two AA batteries. The front face with the makers name and the interior marked 'Genuine Leather Case Hand Made in Hong Kong'.
1960s Dorothy picnic basket
Price: £35
This is a fun basket that is typically known as a picnic basket. It would have had many uses in its time. It has the two flaps on the top and an open inside. Just like Dorothy had!
Victorian Brass Paperweight in the form of a Fireplace, English circa 1900
Price: £20
This is a rather charming paperweight or table ornament in the form of a fireplace with a dog seated at the front. It is hollow cast in brass with a solid back and shows a raised basket grate with blazing coals within an elaborate, almost neo classical, fireplace with columns at the left and right and a small figure scene frieze at the top. The mantelpiece is decorated with two vases and a clock and the hearth below is fitted with a poker and a sleeping dog.
The design of the fireplace suggests manufacture in England in the Victorian period and the weight and quality of the brass used conforms with this. The composition is appealing, so much so that modern reproductions exist which can be clearly distinguished from the original by the brass work used and a hollowed out construction at the back where our example is solid (see image 2).
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Noritake Vase in the Form of a Pomegranate, marked, Japanese, early 20th Century
Price: £25
A Japanese Porcelain Vase manufactured by the Noritake Company, the spherical body with three short feet and two handles and finished with a short flaring neck and a crimped rim, intended to resemble the form of a pomegranate. The decoration comprises a continous panorama landscape scene with two central circular panels, depicting trees, mountains and a lake, set on a dark blue glaze ground with raised bead work decoration in gilt and blue enamel, the base marked 'Noritake' 'Made in Japan' with a geometric design enclosed by a circle.
The Noritake compnay was set up by the Morimura family at Noritake near Nagoya in the early twentieth century. Called at first 'Nippon Toki Kaisha Ltd' on its founding in 1904, the business soon changed its name to 'Noritake' and began the manufacture of porcelains for the domestic and export markets. The mark seen here is interesting. It comprises a 'Komaru' symbol, crowned with "Noritake" and with the mark 'Made In Japan'. The centre symbol said to be taken from the Japanese character "Komaru", meaning "overcoming difficulties". According to the Noritake company tradition this mark was designed when contact with the different culture of the west early in the 20th century caused problems of adaptation. It is also known as the 'tree crest mark' which is the clan crest of the Morimura family. This mark is said to have been registered in London for the UK market by 1908. The curled up ends of the Komaru symbol seen here distinguish this mark from later versions and allow a dating of this piece to the early twentieth century.
Noritake porcelain became synonymous with finely potted tea and breakfast services made in great quantities for export. This vase is a rather more unusual production and shows the factory capable of producing high quality pieces.
Victorian small note pad for chatelaine
Price: £45
This is a charming small note pad that would have hung from a ladies chatelaine or a ladies "tool belt" so to speak. It is silver plated with the original paper pages with actual notes on them which is fun. There is also the original mechanical pencil. There is a spring hinge so the notepad opens automatically. The silver plate has a repousse design of angels or putti very typical during this time.
French Regency style Bevelled Amber Glass & Filigree Ormolu Casket, mid twentieth century
Price: £55
A Regency style bevelled amber glass & gilt filigree ormolu Casket, the pentagonal body with five ovoid amber glass panels with bevelled edges, the borders with an arrow form repeating geometric design, all set between gilt filigree work of stylised foliage, the three spreading feet also with floral gilt filigree work, the hinged lid with a similar circular amber glass panel surrounded by a repeating design of stylised gilt leaves, the interior lined in gold velvet studded with tiny gilt nails.
Various pieces in this style where amber glass panels are combined with elaborate gilt metal work can be found. Most were intended as dressing table ornaments, as here. Sometimes termed 'Hollywood' these items were designed to add a touch of luxury to the bedroom. They are usually regarded as French and thought to have been made between the 1920s and 1940s. This is a particularly nice example with no damage either to the glass or the metalwork.
Daum Crystal Glass Swallowtail Bowl, signed Daum-France circa 1960
Price: £150
A fine quality crystal glass bowl manufactured by Daum in the 'Swallowtail' form with a typical elongated design rising at each end from a narrow hollowed out base and terminating in a stylised beak at one end and a stylised double edged tail at the other, the abstract form intending to represent the bird.
Vases in this form were produced by the well known French maker Daum in the 1950s and the 1960s. The sizes and designs can vary with some examples measuring up to two feet and intended as table ornaments. This piece is rather smaller and perhaps more elegant. The crystal glass is of extremely high quality and reflects the light in a very attractive way. The weight is good and the glass itself is thickly blown and expertly formed, The flat base shows signs of bevelled edging at the exterior and one of the sides bears the typical etched Daum mark with 'Daum' and 'France' separated by a device comprising an upright line with two crosses.
The more petite size and the quality of the manufacture and design make this a most appealing example of Daum's work at its best. Dating can be assumed to be around 1960 if not slightly before. A desirable piece indeed for collectors of twentieth century art glass.
Fairing Figurine - The last in bed to put out the light, German, early Twentieth Century
Price: £25
Fairing Figurine "The last in bed to put out the light". 'Fairings', as they are known, were ceramic figures made to be given out, sold or won as prizes at fairs, hence the name. They were a product of the late Victorian era but continued to be made until the beginning of the First World War when they fell out of fashion. Manufacture was in Germany principally by the firm Conta and Boehme who developed a mass production method that no other company could match, thereby achieving a market advantage. They exported large quantities to Britain and the United States, but their pieces have even been found in Australia along with other destinations.
The various figures were made in white glazed porcelain with coloured decoration. The compositions were sculptural and often accompanied by an inscription, as here. Many models are known. Two typical examples are 'Returning from the Ball' and 'Twelve Months after Marriage' but the most common example is represented here 'The last in bed to put out the light'. A couple are seen climbing into a covered bed at the foot of which stands a candle in a holder. These candles are usually broken off, most likely because of simple damage over the years but it has been suggested that this was done deliberately for good luck.
Some of the fairing figurines are marked, as here. In comparison with the previous Lot 27, this example has a glazed circular mark which reads 'Made in Germany'. These marks appear on the later productions of the Conta factory and indicate a dating here to shortly before the First World War. This is consistent with the rather 'brassy' looking gilding used which is typical of ceramic production generally post 1900.
It is interesting to compare Lots 4 and 5 and to see how consistent the manufacture was throughout the period. Only the glazed base with its circular mark and the type of gilt decoration separate this example from its earlier companion.
Fairings have been collectors' items for many years now and still hold a naif charm which makes them appealing display items, with a history of their own.
Fairing Figurine - The last in bed to put out the light, German, late Nineteenth Century
Price: £25
Fairing Figurine "The last in bed to put out the light". 'Fairings', as they are known, were ceramic figures made to be given out, sold or won as prizes at fairs, hence the name. They were a product of the late Victorian era but continued to be made until the beginning of the First World War when they fell out of fashion. Manufacture was in Germany principally by the firm Conta and Boehme who developed a mass production method that no other company could match, thereby achieving a market advantage. They exported large quantities to Britain and the United States, but their pieces have even been found in Australia along with other destinations.
The various figures were made in white glazed porcelain with coloured decoration. The compositions were sculptural and often accompanied by an inscription, as here. Many models are known. Two typical examples are 'Returning from the Ball' and 'Twelve Months after Marriage' but the most common example is represented here 'The last in bed to put out the light'. A couple are seen climbing into a covered bed at the foot of which stands a candle in a holder. These candles are usually broken off, most likely because of simple damage over the years but it has been suggested that this was done deliberately for good luck.
Some of the fairing figurines are marked, as here. The impressed number '2851' comes from the first series of figures produced by the Conta factory with numbers ranging from 2850 to 2899. The earlier examples do not have the shield mark found on most of the pieces which indicates an earlier dating here, more towards the middle of the nineteenth century.
Fairings have been collectors' items for many years now and still hold a naif charm which makes them appealing display items, with a history of their own.
Biomorphic Form Purple glass Bowl, European possibly Czech Chribska, 1970s
Price: £40
A fine quality art glass glass bowl or vase with two raised sides and a third curling downwards, all in a semi naturalistic or biomorphic form, the purple body edged with a border of clear glass and darkening slightly towards the base which is flat with a faintly bevelled edge. The general design of this piece suggests a mid 20th century date of manufacture. It is not marked but resembles pieces made by the Chribska glassworks in Czechoslovakia quite closely. The Chribska glassworks was founded in 1414 and was known as the oldest glassworks in Europe, until its closure in 2007. One of its best known designers was Josef Hospodka who produced many organic, sculptural blown glass designs, which proved very popular in the 1960s and remained in production until the factory closed in 2007.
Brass and Enamel Campaign Serving Set, Made in British India mark, 1920s
Price: £45
This is an attractive set of three small serving dishes, presumably for sweetmeats or cakes, hinged to fold flat and be used as a travelling or 'campaign' item. The central dish rotates around a pivot which can be tightened to hold it in position when open and the side dishes drop down in alignment. The brass body is decorated in relief modelled enamels with stylised floral designs in red, blue, turquoise and cream typical of Anglo British work in the early 20th century. Each of the dishes and the hinges are marked '2.6' and the two outer dishes are stamped 'Made in British India' in addition.
Vintage Gilt Metal Powder Box with a Tapestry Panel, probably French, 1930s
Price: £10
A gilt metal powder box with embossed niello work designs in a variety of repeating stylised floral patterns, three paw feet to the base and the lid with a glazed tapestry panel depicting a floral spray of peony and lotus, opening to reveal a mirror on the underside of the cover and a container for the powder with a fine gauze sifter. The work resembles similar pieces in the French 'Hollywood' style of the 1930s and a similar provenance and dating is likely here.
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Victorian Silver Buckle set with Paste Stones, German circa 1900
Price: £85
This is a striking silver buckle of rectangular form with two bands of brilliant paste stones surrounding four stylised flower head paste stone clusters, the reverse plain and marked 900 which implies manufacture in Germany where the standard for silver was a minimum of 800 parts to 1000 with 900 parts to 1000 as one of the alternatives (as opposed to the more usually found 925). There is in addition a double mark with a star and a wheel which may well be the maker's mark, but this is hard to identify.
The sparkling stones and high quality mounting (there is a considerable weight of silver in this piece) would have made this buckle a notable addition to the Victorian ladies' wardrobe and it could equally well catch the eye today.
Ring Tail Lizard Skin Minaudiere with a strap handle marked JD, 1930s
Price: £95
The Minaudière is a women's fashion accessory intended to substitute for an evening bag. A case with compartments, it allows storage for several items in a small space, such as a makeup compact, lipstick, watch, reading glasses, or keys.Minaudières appeared during the 1930s and their invention is attributed to Charles Arpels, of Van Cleef & Arpels, but many jewellers and haute couture designers have created their own models.
This example opens out on one side (the clasp is rather stiff) to reveal a mirror and two lidded powder compacts (complete with the guaze liners) and a holder for a comb (now missing) and on the other where there is a cigarette holder and a compartment presumably for matches. On the lid of this is a pouch doubtless intended as a purse. At the end is a pull out lipstick holder with a small strap and the piece hangs from a strap handle marked with the initials JD.
The piece is in remarkable condition for its age and recalls an era of elegance which a contemporary user might emulate on some special occasion.
A Set of Six Blue and White Willow Pattern Coasters English Ironstone 1980s
Price: £25
A set of six Ironstone china coasters, decorated in the traditional 'Willow Pattern' with a typical Chinese landscape scene. Ironstone china is a type of vitreous pottery first made in the United Kingdom in the 19th century by potters in Staffordshire, England, as a cheaper, mass-produced alternative for porcelain. It is often associated with the firm founded by Mason in 1813 following his registration of a patent for the ware. Subsequently others manufactured it as well including William Turner and Josiah Spode. Essentially a product of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries there was a revival of interest in these traditional wares from the 1970s onwards and one of the manufacturers was the 'English Ironstone Tableware Ltd' which traded from 1973 to 1994 when it went into receivership. Their impressed mark can be seen on the back.
These coasters formed part of their range. The decoration employs the transfer pattern technique developed in England in the mid eighteenth century and a staple of nineteenth century productions. Printed designs were 'transferred' to the ceramic surface allowing the production of extensive services in a matching pattern. The Chinese derived 'Willow Pattern' design seems to have been first used around 1790 and was probably designed by Thomas Minton for Spode. All the versions contain similar elements besides the pagodas and landscape scenes most notably the three figures on a bridge and a pair of flying swallows. In order to promote sales, various stories were invented based on elements of the design. These coasters are an amusing recollection of times past and highly practical in addition.
Matching Trio of a Bakelite plaque and a pair of Salts, Italian Fontanini, mid C20th
Price: £25
A pair of Bakelite table salt dishes in the form of two cherubs wearing a quiver and holding a bow and arrow and standing on shell with a rococo style plinth at the edge and three supporting feet underneath. Both pieces are marked 'DEPOSE 186 ITALY' with a small spider mark in addition. This signifies the Fontanini workshop which made a variety of small polychrome resin figures in a rather charming rococo (the term itself derives from the French 'rocaille' which means 'shell work') style of which these are an excellent example. The small spider emblem is often seen on their pieces. Dating is probably to the 1950s. These are offered together with a small wall plaque in the form of a cherub's head, similarly marked, but with the number 67, and of the same period, the complementary set providing an amusingly decorative trio.
A set of three Brass Lizards, Peerage Brass, England 1930s
Price: £55
A set of three brass lizards, naturalistically modelled with crouching feet and sinuous tails, the largest with its head slightly raised and turned to the left and all with carefully punched decoration representing the skin. One of them bears a mark in which the letters 'p' 'e' 'e' and a further 'e' at the end can be made out above 'ENGLAND'. This indicates the English manufacturer 'Peerage Brass' which is known to have commenced in business before 1900' and made original copper & brass ware, with the height of production between 1910-1940's. Their aim was quality period reproductions which were occasionally marked. Peerage Brass became the brand name after World War II until the trademark lapsed in 1991. The format of the mark here, then, indicates a date before the second world war probably in the 1930s. The weight of the brass and the quality of the casting and modelling indicate that the factory certainly attained its goal here. While obviously decorative these animals may well have been intended as desk items, the two smallest perhaps as paperweights. Even larger examples are known and these probably acted as doorstops.
An Arts and Crafts small Brass Tray, English early twentieth century
Price: £40
A small Brass circular tray with a wide flat rim edged with repeating bead work and a round concave centre decorated in repousse work with a procession of parrots on a boldly chased punch work ground. Repoussé work is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Chasing or embossing is a similar technique in which the piece is hammered on the front side, often with a punch, sinking the metal. The two techniques are often used in conjunction as here, although the effect is slightly bolder than in the previous lot (35). Metalware items with 'hammered' decoration were a common feature of 'Arts and Crafts' work with their reminiscences of earlier metal working techniques and the effect of the slightly rustic. As in the previous lot, the bold metalworking techniques used complement the medium of burnished brass. A dating to the early twentieth century seems reasonable
An Arts and Crafts small Brass serving Tray, English early twentieth century
Price: £40
A Brass circular tray with a shaped raised pie crust edge decorated in repousse work with overlapping geese on a chased punch work ground. Repoussé work is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Chasing or embossing is a similar technique in which the piece is hammered on the front side, often with a punch, sinking the metal. The two techniques are often used in conjunction as here. Metalware items with 'hammered' decoration were a common feature of 'Arts and Crafts' work with their reminiscences of earlier metal working techniques and the effect of the slightly rustic. The design here is unusual and attractive and the bold metalworking techniques used complement the medium of burnished brass. A dating to the early twentieth century seems reasonable
A Ceramic Moneybox in the form of a Pig, Helensgate Ceramics, mid twentieth century
Price: £25
A ceramic moneybox, pink glazed and amusingly modelled in the form of a rotund pig with wide eyes and ribbon bow, the back with a slot to insert the coins and the base with a circular aperture to retrieve them, sealed with a plastic plug, probably original. A paper label affixed reading 'Helensgate Ceramics'. Little seems to be known about this firm but they clearly specialised in amusing animal figures and in particular moneyboxes. The piece has a mid twentieth century look to it and a circa date of 1960 seems reasonable. While less in use now, there are still some for whom 'cash is king'. If so, this would be a desirable acquisition!
Ceramic Model of a Fish, Jema Holland, signed, 1950s/1960s
Price: £30
A ceramic model of a fish strikingly modelled with outstretched fins and rising out of flowing waves, lustre glazed in tones of green and blue, the base with an incised script mark reading 'Jema' 'Holl.' '132'.
The Jema factory in Holland was started by two brothers, Jelis Mager ( born 1912 in Rotterdam, Netherlands) and his brother Johan Willem Mager (born 1919 also in Rotterdam) both living in Maastricht who took over an existing ceramics factory, founded originally by J.Meussen, in 1942 and traded together in a partnership which was dissolved in 1955 when the firm JEMA KERAMISCH ATELIER N.V. (jema ceramic studio; the first JE standing for Jelis and MA standing for Mager) was created under a new agreement between them. Ceramic products of many types were produced with figurines a speciality and the business continued until 1984 when it became insolvent and closed its doors.
Most of the pieces seem to have been marked, usually with an impressed script as here indicating the factory itself and the model number of the piece. For modest decorative items the quality of the manufacture is of a high standard as can be seen in both the modelling and the glazing of this piece. Their animal figurines were immediately approachable and provided modest but amusing items of decoration.
English Silver pin cushion in the form of a boot, London 1991
Price: £75
This is a charming small pin cushion in the form of a worn out boot. It has a typical blue velvet interior and is very lifelike with a hole in the sole. It has full English hallmarks for London 1991 and a makers' mark 'DB'.
Souvenir White House Enamel Box and Cover
Price: £15
A box and cover of ovoid form, the blue enamel ground with raised cloisonne enamel style decoration depicting the White House with the US flag atop, trees to the left and right and a profusion of stars which are repeated on the base with a single star on the interior. Doubtless to be found in the White House gift shops but available here without the need for a trip to Washington!
Four Art Deco style small Glass Vases with silver decoration, possibly Murano 1930s
Price: £55
Four Art Deco style small Glass Vases with silver overlay decoration, possibly Murano 1930s
This is a set of four complementary small coloured glass vases (green, blue, amethyst, turquoise) each with applied silver decoration now slightly tarnished. The clean lines of the shapes, two of baluster form and two with conical bodies suggest the Art Deco era and the decoration, which features gondolas and palaces, suggests Venetian origin and therefore manufacture at the Murano glassworks there. This has to remain slightly speculative and the pieces might be slightly later but the group provides a highly decorative ensemble for collectors or decorators alike.
Art Deco Davidson purple cloud glass bowl, stand and frog, 1930s
Price: £75
This is a sunning flower display set, comprising a bowl, stand and ‘frog’ (or flower holder) made by George Davidson & Co in purple 'Cloud Glass'. This type of glass work was unique to the firm which was founded by George Davidson as the Teams Flint Glass Works in 1867, later becoming known as George Davidson & Co. In the 1880s the company began producing pressed glass tableware in a variety of shapes and by the 1920s their designs began to reflect the new Art Deco trends. From 1923, Davidson began producing their hugely successful ‘Cloud Glass’ range, created by applying streaks of dark coloured glass to paler glass, creating a random swirled, ‘clouded’ pattern of which this piece is an excellent example. The firm continued production until the 1980s, closing in 1987.
This model can be seen in the firm's catalogue for 1931 where the bowl and stand are combined with a separate pierced flower holder in the same style. No doubt the size of the ‘frog’ was up to the purchaser who could choose from a range of dimensions which probably explains the slightly different proportions here to the catalogue image which otherwise illustrates our example extremely well, even down to the milled edging to the rim of the bowl. With its archetypal shape and colouring this piece would be an excellent addition to any Art Deco collection as well as providing a striking and decorative item for a contemporary interior.
A Pair of African Carved Wood Figure Head Plaques, C20th
Price: £45
A pair of carved wood plaques depicting the heads of a man and a woman and carved in a semi abstract style with black coloured detailing to the hair and facial features and marked ‘O’ ‘B’ to the reverse. The style of these and other similar pieces suggests African work but the provenance is uncertain. Both Senegal and Ghana are sometimes mentioned. These are certainly striking examples and probably date to the late C20th.
Indian wooden toy model of a Horse with metal fitments, early C20th
Price: £25
This is an amusing wood model of a horse, its right leg raised and the head looking expectantly forwards, the finely grained wood with metal fitments in brass and copper representing the ears, muzzle, saddle, saddle bags and tail, all with fine detailing and small nail fastenings. Many examples exist of these wood and metal horse figures which are usually held to have been made in India at Jodphur, Rajastan, in the early C20th. Presumably more intended for the local colonial audience these pieces have an obvious and wider appeal. The smaller sizes were probably intended as toys and perhaps the original owner of this piece played with it a little too vigorously which might explain the damage to the right front leg!
Art Deco Wooden Cigarette Box, 1930s
Price: £25
An oak wood cigarette box and cover of rectangular form with the sides and handle finished in a dark hard wood, possibly mahogany, the interior lined in green baize. The clean angular style of this piece recalls the Art Deco era and there is little reason to doubt that it was actually produced at that time. Most likely the work of a talented amateur carpenter, the box is carefully constructed with an imaginative combination of woods. Perhaps less likely to be used for cigarettes now, but handy for all those small things that would otherwise get lost!
Japanese Samurai China Biscuit Box and Cover, C20th
Price: £25
A Japanese ceramic Biscuit Box and Cover with a wicker handle of squared octagonal form, the body slightly flaring outwards and with a flush fitting cover, decorated in bright satsuma style enamels with panels of a samurai and a geisha and two with landscape designs alternating with orange ground panels with stylised foliage in enamel and gilt, the design repeating onto the lid, the base marked ‘Genuine Samurai China’, ‘Japan’, ‘Hand Painted’, and a ‘Reg No’ which cannot be read, the lettering surrounding a shield like device with Japanese characters. The firm ‘Samurai China’ seems to have made modest ceramic items, mainly tea services, for export to the West. Dating is most likely pre war, perhaps to the 1930s.
Framed Ceramic Plaque depicting St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon, late C20th
Price: £25
A small ceramic plaque of octagonal shape painted in tones of sepia and depicting St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon, signed by the artist, ‘B.West’, and dated 1991. It is set in an oak frame with a border of stylised foliage on a ‘fishscale’ ground, the reverse backed with hardboard. St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon dates back to the late thirteenth century although some form of church on this site seems to have existed from the seventh century onwards. The view is taken from the south west and shows the old church nave and chancel (C13th) with the new church nave to the right (C20th). The artist was presumably local, perhaps a member of the congregation, and produced a pleasing, slightly impressionistic view of a familiar building. The frame looks earlier than the 1991 date inscribed on the plaque and may have been made from older pieces of wood adapted to fit. The combination produces an attractive decorative item, even to those not familiar with the location themselves.
Two Brass Art Nouveau Style pitchers, Joseph Sankey and Sons circa 1910
Price: £75
Two brass pitchers of broad conical form with a widely flaring lip and a simple loop handle, decorated in relief with an art nouveau style design emplying stylised tulips, the base of the larger marked ‘SOLID BRASS’ with extremely feint traces of other markings and the base of the smaller marked ‘MADE IN ENGLAND’ ‘J. S. & S’ ‘SOLID BRASS’.
‘J.S.&S’ was the mark for Joseph Sankey and Sons, a firm based in Bilston, Wolverhampton, who specialised in the manufacture of art metalware. Production seems to have started in the late nineteenth century and the firm registered designs, many in the art nouveau style, from 1896 to 1914. These ewers or pitchers were clearly a popular design to judge from the numbers found today but were referred to in the catalogues simply as ‘hot water jugs’. They were made in brass and copper in three finishes, hammered, lizard skin and art nouveau style, as here. At least six different sizes are known and sometimes the size number can be found on the base (indicating the number of pints the vessel would hold) along with the manufacturers mark, as is the case with the smaller ewer which is marked '2'. The larger ewer is only marked 'solid brass' but its height indicates its capacity which is six pints.
Popular in their day, these brass pitchers are highly sought after now for their obvious decorative appeal but clearly could also serve as flower vases providing a striking enhancement to an interior setting.
Two Decorative Vintage Fans, 1950s
Price: £10
This is a group of two fans. One is in brown lace with hand painting on faux tortoiseshell pins and the other is blue plastic with pieced geometric designs and marked 'Made in Hong Kong'.
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Ceramic and Bronze figure of a Blue Tit, Albany Worcester, late C20th
Price: £35
A superbly modelled polychrome ceramic figure of a Blue Tit hanging from a gnarled twig well worked in bronze, the base stamped 'Albany England'. Albany Worcester was launched in 1973 by David Palmer, Bill Nichols & David Lovegrove, who all previously worked at the Royal Worcester Porcelain factory. Their pieces, distinguished for their quality and detail, rapidly became popular and Harrods and the Queen's jeweller Asprey became customers. Sales grew to be global and some of their china and bronze pieces were even reputed to have been bought as wedding presents for the Prince and Princess of Wales. But the firm, which had just two full-time employees at the end, started to decline in the late 1980s and sales figures fell even further when the factory, which was then based in Lowesmoor, suffered a serious fire in 1995. There was something of a revival after this but fashions had changed and it proved to be short lived with the company closing in 2005. This piece is truly a sculpture in miniature and well deserves the protective dome in which it now stands. A reminiscence of a past era, perhaps, but surely deserving of a place in a contemporary interior.
Vintage Brass Pocket Case with a lid, probably a Vesta case for Matches, circa 1900
Price: £55
A small brass case with a hinged lid of irregular rectangular form decorated in high relief repoussé tecnique with a devil’s head encircled by a snake whose scaly tail continues onto the lid. Repoussé work is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Other examples of these cases are known with a similar shape and technique and even the devil and snake motif. It is more than likely that this case was designed for matches, the so called 'Vesta Case' of which there is another example in this auction. Like that piece it is fitted with a ring, presumably to allow it to be attached to a watch chain. But other uses could have been intended, possibly for business or visiting cards (the Victorian calling card was much smaller) or perhaps for pills. The style of decoration very much recalls 'Arts and Crafts' pieces made around 1900 and a similar dating seems likely here.
Indian wooden toy model of a Horse with metal fitments, early C20th
Price: £25
This is an amusing wood model of a horse, its right leg raised and the head looking expectantly forwards, the finely grained wood with metal fitments in brass and copper representing the ears, muzzle, saddle, saddle bags and tail, all with fine detailing and small nail fastenings. Many examples exist of these wood and metal horse figures which are usually held to have been made in India at Jodphur, Rajastan, in the early C20th. Presumably more intended for the local colonial audience these pieces have an obvious and wider appeal. The smaller sizes were probably intended as toys and perhaps the original owner of this piece played with it a little too vigorously which might explain the damage to the right front leg!
Kitsch Style Conch Shell with painted landscape decoration, C20th
Price: £45
This is a conch form shell which has elaborate painted landscape decoration to the exterior and interior, the design flowing on almost continuously and extending deep into the inside of the piece. Whether necessarily in good taste or not, the skill of the artist is evident and the detailed and colourful riverside scene is continued right inside the interior of the shell. While painted shells are known, there are no immediate comparisons to what we have here and provenance and dating are rather a matter of guesswork. There seems to be a 1950s feel though and the work looks more English than European. A conversation piece perhaps!
Chinese style Vase and Cover decorated with ladies and courtiers in a garden scene, C20th
Price: £55
A Chinese style vase of ovoid form with a short neck and foot fitted with a matching dome shape cover with a plain finial, decorated with a polychrome design of two ladies in a garden scene being watched through a stylised window by two courtiers, flowering trees to the front and reverse, probably plum blossom or prunus, and typical verandah fencing, the foot, shoulder and cover with pattern designs loosely imitating those of the eighteenth century, including lotus panels, ju'i form lappets and floral borders with scrolling peony. This piece is a pastiche of Chinese work and probably dates to the 1960s. While it looks back in some respects it has a contemporary feel, particularly in respect of the shape which is simpler and more Western than that of its sources. The mark is pseudo Chinese and the manufacturer was clearly European, most probably an Italian pottery since some pieces exist with a label stating 'made in Italy'.
Chinese style Vase and Cover decorated with ladies and courtiers in a garden scene, C20th
Price: £55
A Chinese style vase of ovoid form with a short neck and foot fitted with a matching dome shape cover with a plain finial, decorated with a polychrome design of two ladies in a garden scene being watched through a stylised window by two courtiers, flowering trees to the front and reverse, probably plum blossom or prunus, and typical verandah fencing, the foot, shoulder and cover with pattern designs loosely imitating those of the eighteenth century, including lotus panels, ju'i form lappets and floral borders with scrolling peony. This piece is a pastiche of Chinese work and probably dates to the 1960s. While it looks back in some respects it has a contemporary feel, particularly in respect of the shape which is simpler and more Western than that of its sources. The mark is pseudo Chinese and the manufacturer was clearly European, most probably an Italian pottery since some pieces exist with a label stating 'made in Italy'.
Pair of Gilt Metal and Onyx Scales, probably French, C20th
Price: £35
A decorative pair of scales with an elaborately cast fluted central column from which branch out two rococo like arms. From each arm is suspended an onyx vessel which sits on a gilt metal pan hanging by three linked chains. The column is fitted to a spreading onyx base which is supported by three gilt metal feet attached to a circular gilt metal rim. The casting of the metal work and general style of the piece suggests France and dating is most likely to the mid C20th.
Vintage hand carved Fossil Stone Trinket Box and Cover, C20th
Price: £25
A rounded box of compressed apple-like form with a lid finished with a concave set knob, carved from fossil stone in which can be seen shells and a multitude of other marine life objects
all combining in an intriguing and decorative design. Doubtless intended for trinkets this box is an ornament in itself.
Fine Quality engraved French Glass Dish with naturalistic Ormolu Mounts, early C20th
Price: £25
A small glass circular dish with deep sides and engraved to the centre with flowering lotus, mounted to the rim in gilt meatal or 'ormolu' with a circular band cast with a repeating loop design,
astride which are a well modelled frog and a lily pad. Perhaps intended as a bonbonniere or a trinket dish, this charming piece clearly reflects the Art Nouveau style with its emphasis on
naturalistic design. Similar pieces are held to be French and this is most likely the provenance here with a dating to the early C20th.
A pair of Art Deco style Onyx Bookends, C20th
Price: £35
A pair of Art Deco style bookends made from onyx and formed in two sections with a stylised figure of a horse's head set on a rectangular base with a rounded end. Onyx is named from the Greek 'ónux', meaning “nail,” or “claw,” and is a variety of the mineral chalcedony, a kind of quartz. Onyx with flesh-colored and white bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail and a similar effect is seen here. Its use is known since ancient Egyptian times and it has also been commonly employed during the twentieth century. The origin and dating of these bookends is uncertain. Similar examples with a stylised horse's head are ascribed to Mexico in the 1940s but there can be no sure proof that this is the case here. The design is striking with clear reflections of the Art Deco period and the veining of the stone here enhances the decorative effect.
Compagnie des Indes style reticulated edge Armorial Plate, Chinese C20th
Price: £45
The general appearance here is that of a piece of Chinese Export porcelain dinner ware (the so called ‘Compagnie des Indes’ or ‘East India Company’ style) made around 1800. This plate essentially follows the late eighteenth century form, even in its openwork or reticulated edge which was not uncommon at the time although the lightly scalloped edge is anachronistic and the piece is far heavier than an original would be.. The centre is painted with an armorial crest but not, on this piece, one that can be identified indicating a ‘pseudo’ composition. The border has a repeating grape vine pattern and a band of blue enamel with stars, both typical of late C18th Chinese work but if the front seems reasonably authentic, the reverse betrays the date of manufacture with the printed wording in iron red which reads ‘For decorative purposes only’ ‘Not for food use’ [and as if that was not enough] ‘Article may poison food’. Similar wording is found on other C20th Chinese pieces and is probably indicative of a post war dating to the 1950s or 1960s. There was clearly no attempt to deceive here and the producers presumably sensed a demand for such pastiche pieces which do seem to be collectible, even today.
Vintage Ceramic Table Brush marked Germany, 1930s
Price: £15
A Vintage Ceramic table brush in the form of an Art Deco style lady wearing a blue hat, her brown blouse with a red bow and a woven material belt below, her 'skirt' forming the brush itself. Table brushes in a similar form were made in various countries but ours is clearly marked 'Germany' so its origin is certain. The composition of the figure, the style of decoration and the form of the mark itself all point to a pre-war dating, probably in the 1930s. This piece is highly decorative but also extremely practical, even today!
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LOT 1
Pink Glass Centrepiece Set, Arabella, Walter and Sohne, 1930s
Estimate: £40 – 60
4d 12h 47m
£26.00
French Orientalist etching aquatint - Paris La Rue Saint Rustique
Price: £30
This is a beautile small etching aquatint that is signed. One reverse is the printers label of "Georges Hautecoer & Co. Gravures Encadements 172 Rue de Rivoli Paris". It is a scene of a very famous street in the Monmarte district of Paris. The signature is illegible but it is lovely quality.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Egyptian Hieroglyphic wall plaque c2000
Price: £15
This is a very detailed plaque that depicts an Egyptian owl. It is a replica from Tutenkhamun's tomb that was issued by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Blackpool souvenir teapot c1920
Price: £30
This is a wonderful souvenir teapot from Blackpool with a pewter cover. Blackpool was a very popular holiday destination for brits back one hundred years or so. Blackpool is a seaside resort on the Irish Sea coast of England. It's known for Blackpool Pleasure Beach, an old-school amusement park with vintage wooden roller coasters. Built in 1894, the landmark Blackpool Tower houses a circus, a glass viewing platform and the Tower Ballroom, where dancers twirl to the music of a Wurlitzer organ.
Pair of Chelsea style Figures of a Country Couple, probably Samson late C19th
Price: £55
This is an attractive pair of small porcelain figures depicting a Country Couple, both in bright day clothes, the young man with a dog and playing the flute and the young lady holding a goat. Each stand on oval bases, gilt rimmed and with a raised geometric pattern and each is marked with a gold anchor to the reverse. Students of ceramics will immediately recognise the Gold Anchor mark as that found on Chelsea porcelain made during the period 1756 to 1769 but these figures are a hundred years later or more and probably made by the well known ‘Samson’ factory of France (Samson, Edmé et Cie) which produced skilful reproductions and recreations of English, European and Oriental porcelains during the nineteenth century and beyond. Samson pieces tend to have a much harder paste than that of their originals, their glazes are more glossy and the colours often more vivid. All these characteristics can be seen here but there were other manufacturers in France making these derivative copies as well and in the absence of a Samson mark, which was not always applied to their work, certainty is impossible. But this should not detract from quality and charm of thi pair of figures which can appael to amateurs and professional collectors alike.
Edwardian large text magnifying glass with horn handle c1910
Price: £25
This is a very usual large magnifying glass that has a buffalo horn as a handle. It would have been used to read the newspaper, as the text was so small. It is brass.
Pair of Capodimonte ceramic Wall Hanging Plaques, boy and girl praying, Italian 1960s
Price: £25
This is a charming pair of small ceramic wall plaques, the biscuit porcelain with a slight ivory tint, with moulded designs of a boy and a girl praying, their hair and robes carefully detailed, set in velvet covered oval frames with cording at the edge which also forms the loop hangers at the top. Near identical pieces often have a paper mark at the back reading ‘Porcellane Capodimonte’ ‘Made in Italy’ surrounding a crown device with an ‘N’ above. Capodimonte porcelain was first made at Naples, Italy, in the mid eighteenth century and was often marked with an ‘N’ and a crown above. The original factory was to enjoy a relatively short life but there were many imitators in the nineteenth century and beyond to the twentieth who freely used the Capodimonte name. This pair of plaques is a very modest and fairly recent (probably dating to the 1960s) example of these ‘Capodimonte’ wares but nonetheless have a distinct appeal of their own.
Toulouse Lautrec poster entitled Jane Avril c1950
Price: £125
This is a very good example of the Jane Avril poster by Lautrec. This is originally was printed in 1893. This print is very true to the original and is not a current reprint. It has been photographed out of the frame to show its age and the trueness of the colours.
Victorian Black Watch iron doorstop c1890
Price: £25
This is a whimsical doorstop in the form of a Black Watch soldier. It is made of cold painting iron.>p
The Royal Highlanders, also referred to as the Black Watch, was a famed Scottish regiment of the British Army. Part of its notability is due to its longevity, having been initially conceived in 1725.
LOT 5
Pair of Beige Opaline Glass Vases with enamelled decoration, probably French late C19th
Estimate: £50 – 80
4d 12h 55m
£26.00
Fine quality pair of Brass Cobra Candlesticks, Indian first half C20th
Price: £95
A pair of brass candlesticks cast as two Cobra snakes with twisting tails acting as the feet with the bodies rising up erect from them, the stylised heads supporting the candle sconces and serrated edge drip pans. There are many examples of Indian made candlesticks cast in a similar form where the brass metal is combined with enamel decoration. This pair, lacking even incised detail to the metal surface as can occur, are much more unusual and striking in their simplicity. The brass itself is high quality and the pieces have a good weight. It is as if the Indian workmen have tried to adapt themselves to the angular simplicity of the Art Deco style. Unlike their more heavily decorated contemporaries, this pair of snakes would not have looked out of place in an Art Deco themed European interior. Dating is therefore quite reasonably to the 1920s or 1930s. Arresting in their time, these two Cobra snakes would deservedly attract attention today.
Fairing Figurine – A Mouse A Mouse, German, late C19th
Price: £25
Fairing Figurine "A Mouse A Mouse". 'Fairings', as they are known, were ceramic figures made to be given out, sold or won as prizes at fairs, hence the name. They were a product of the late Victorian era but continued to be made until the beginning of the First World War when they fell out of fashion. Manufacture was in Germany principally by the firm Conta and Boehme who developed a mass production method that no other company could match, thereby achieving a market advantage. They exported large quantities to Britain and the United States, but their pieces have even been found in Australia along with other destinations.
The various figures were made in white glazed porcelain with coloured decoration. The compositions were sculptural and often accompanied by an inscription, as here. Many models are known. Two typical examples are 'Returning from the Ball' and 'Twelve Months after Marriage'. Here we have a composition entitled “A Mouse A Mouse!”, which shows a couple, the wife raising herself from the bedclothes while her husband crawls on the floor, having knocked over a chamber pot in the process. Notably absent is the mouse itself…
Some of the fairing figurines are marked, as here. The impressed number '1886', which would be a series number, is combined with the impressed shield mark found on Conta and Boehme pieces from the late C19th. The paste of the foot is consistent with this and the slightly ‘brassy’ look to the gilding (compare Lot XX) complements this as well. It has been suggested that this particular model type is, in fact, a modern reproduction and there are other versions of the design which do indeed look contemporary but this is unlikely to be the case here and we most likely have an amusing and period example of the genre.