Vintage Petit Point Tapestry Bag, Austria, 1920s
Price: £15
This is a fine example of the minutely stitched embroidered bags made in Austria during the 1950s. Of sack form, the black ground tapestry canvas is decorated on each side with a profusion of multicoloured flowers including peony and lotus worked in the ‘petit point’ style with tiny stitching within a gold rococo border, the sides and base decorated in the same style. The top and snap clasp are in gilt metal and suspended from a gilt metal chain. The inside is finished in cream coloured silk with two green stitching bordered pockets and a label which reads ‘MADE IN AUSTRIA’. The maker is anonymous but their work rivals that of the well known firm ‘Jolles Original’, founded in Vienna in 1923, whose creations won a Grand Prix award in the 1958 World Exhibition held in Belgium and were sold by premier American Department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue making this bag a desirable addition to a collection of embroidered bags or vintage bags in general.
Sowerby Amber Glass Centrepiece circa 1930
Price: £75
This set comprises a standing figure of a young boy, nude and holding a kid or young goat, mounted on a round plinth with ten pierced holes, combined with a centrepiece bowl with rounded modelled walls and a crimped edge rim, the interior with a central starburst design suurounded by a stylised floral border. Both pieces are made from pressed amber glass with a matt finish and resemble very closely pieces made by the Sowerby factory in the 1930s.
The Sowerby family came from the North West of England near Carlisle and settled in Gateshead in the late eighteenth century. The firm Sowerby Glassworks is known from 1807 onwards and continued production until 1972, concentrating on pressed glass. Catalogues of their wares still exist and they produced pieces in a wide variety of styles and shapes which retain their popularity today.
The centrpiece figurine, which was intended as a flower holder or ‘frog’, is rather unusual; normally the figures are female but the style of the modelling is identical. Similar designs to the bowl can be found in a 1936 catalogue but versions of it even appear in another catalogue from 1882. Many centrepiece/bowl combinations are found and some of them are not always original. This may possibly be the case here but if so the ‘match’ is extremely pleasing to the eye and the two elements set one another off perfectly to produce a striking example of Art Deco decorative design.
Majolica Footed Fruit Bowl, Germany, 1930s
Price: £55
An earthenware fruit bowl of shallow circular form with a wavy edge and modelled petals and a flower head to the surface, decorated with brown, cream and orange splash glazes, the underside plain with a cream glaze and three organic form feet. The glaze effects used here, termed ‘majolica’, are a very distant relation to the early tin glazed Italian and Spanish wares which share the name. Nineteenth century majolica made in England and the continent employed a wide variety of brightly coloured glazes applied to elaborate forms some of which had a slightly ‘classical’ feel and some a reflection of ‘rococo’ designs. It is more the latter that we see here and it is usually suggested that these fruit bowls were made in Germany in the 1930s. The design was later taken up and adapted by the post war ‘West German Pottery’ manufacturers which reinforces the provenance here of a piece which is both decorative and practical.
Large brass portrait bust of Ramses II
Price: £45
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.
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.
Dresden style model of a Coach and Horses, probably German early C20th
Price: £75
This is a spirited ceramic model of a Coach and Horses, the coachman himself seated at the front of the carriage with two outriders at the front and back, while inside sits a lady clearly dressed for a ball to which she is presumably being conveyed. A sense of urgency and speed is artfully conveyed, the coachman’s cloak billowing behind him, the outriders’ horses prancing and the carriage horses themselves straining at the reins (now lost) as they speed the vehicle along. The composition sits on a rococo style base with scrolling foliage which complements it well. Considerable care was taken in the manufacture of this piece which has miraculously survived undamaged apart from the loss of the original fitments which would have been made from cotton rope or wire. The detail of the modelling speaks for itself with the addition of the passenger figure cunningly placed inside the carriage. Many German factories made these ‘coach and horse’ models in the late C19th and early C20th and some of their pieces are marked which helps with identification. For all of them the style is clearly ‘Dresden’. Italian ‘Capodimonte’ examples also exist but the paste and finish of the base here does suggest German work and the ‘brassy’ effect of the gilding an early C20th dating. Clearly a shelf or mantelpiece ornament designed to be seen best from the front and an item of immediate and obvious appeal both to a contemporary and current audience.
Etruscan style garnet cross earrings c1910
Price: £65
These are a lovely and delicate pair of earrings comprising square cut stones surrounding a large cabachon. They are marked illegibly. Most likely Italian in origin.
Victorian silver gilt filigree bracelet, Morocco
Price: £95
This is a stunning bracelet comprising four stations set with real stones amethyst, calcendony, tigers eye and garnet. These are surrounded with faux pearls. There are also small stations set with turquoise. It is marked 950 Silver. Probably Moroccan or North African.
Japanese Kutani Part Tea Service circa 1920
Price: £75
This is a set of three serving items (teapot, sugar basin and cover and cream jug and cover) originally from a tea service decorated in the same pattern which would also have included six or eight cups and saucers. Many tea services in similar florid designs were made and exported by the Japanese in the early years of the twentieth century and examples today are found with a wide variety of manufacturers’ marks. The makers here came from the Kutani district, home to a wide variety of potteries with a history of production extending back to the seventeenth century. Kutani wares, finely painted in gold and orange were a staple export commodity in the second half of the nineteenth century but after 1900 the quality dropped and also a wider palette of colours was used. Thus we have here landscape scenes in grisaille and gold and elaborate handles, finials and spouts in the form of scaly dragons and enamelled in green and gold with a hint of orange and yellow. Each of the three pieces, and doubtless the rest of the service, carries a two character gilt mark identical to that often found in iron red on nineteenth century work. The characters read ‘Ku’ ‘tani’ standing for the place of manufacture and translating as ‘nine valleys’. Presumably popular in their time, these pieces might be an acquired taste now but there is no denying a certain virtuosity displayed in their manufacture.
A Matched Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Bottle form Vases circa 1900
Price: £25
A matched Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Vases of squat bottle form with broad bodies and a slender flaring neck, decorated with flowering peony on a blue enamel ground with a gilt wire design of stylised clouds, the bases with two bands of overlapping semi circles and the tops with a band of repeating ju'i lappets, the top interior rims finished in metal and the bases with a gilt foot rim enclosing blue enamel. The designs on these vases match very closely and the peony flowers are in mirror image but the vases are unlikely to have been an original pair. Weight and style of decoration suggest a circa date at the end of the nineteenth century.
Taxco bracelet with rivet details c1980
Price: £85
This is an outstanding bracelet that feature heavy stations of silver set with brass rivet decoration. It boasts a typical box clasp that is also set with this rivet detail. This motif is quite rare. It is marked TM-79 Mexico 925
Set of two vintage Chinese painted eggs in glass display boxes
Price: £25
This is a beautiful set of very detailed painted eggs mounted in glass display boxes. The eggs are decorated with butterflies and flowers and both are set in red tufted silk. Not sure what kind of bird the eggs are from. The seem small for Chicken eggs.
Very fine pair of vintage Chinese painted eggs in a pentagonal glass case
Price: £25
This is a beautiful pair of small eggs that are very finely decorated with birds and flowers, they are mounted on pink tufted fabric in a very unusual glass case
Vintage Hobe 14k gold plated sterling silver bracelet, 1940s
Price: £150
A striking bracelet from the well known makers of costume jewellery, Hobe et cie, the square silver openwork linked plaques mounted with elaborately cast gold vermeil flowers with a square clasp and a guard chain, the clasp marked at the back ‘Hobé ‘ ‘1/20 TH 14K ON’ ‘STERLING’ ‘DESIGN PAT’D’.
Hobe was founded in 1887 by the French goldsmith Jacques Hobe as makers of fine jewellery. The costume jewellery division, Hobe Cie, was added 40 years later by his son, William Hobe, who brought the firm to America in 1927 and was commissioned by Flo Ziegfeld to design and manufacture jewellery for his Ziegfeld Follies costumes. By repute this is the origin of the expression costume jewellery. Production continued from the 1930s to the 1990s although there are a few later reproductions. While all their pieces were marked, dating is sometimes difficult but the floral design sterling silver pieces, one of their most collectible ranges now, date to the 1930s and 1940s and this bracelet, with the addition of the gold vermeil detail probably belongs to the latter period of this group. Its opulent and florid design is typical of Hobe’s work making it a stylish addition to a collection of their pieces. Other examples of their work can be seen elsewhere on this site and in this sale.
Stunning rope and tassel necklace, signed, c1990
Price: £45
This is a very striking necklace with twisted rope motif ending in two large tassel drops. It has a signature monogram that we cannot seem to find so perhaps you will know! :) This might be quite a find.
Large suede pouch bag with concertina opening c1930
Price: £65
This is a wonderfully large handbag comprising a brown suede pouch with a brass opening. It is unlined.
An Octagonal Brass Tray with a roundel of an elephant, probably Persian early C20th
Price: £45
An octagonal Brass Tray with a short squared rim and a wide central well decorated with panels of sylised floral designs in various shapes all interlinked by narrow bands in milled edge decoration, the well with repeating geometric pattern borders and the centre with a raised design of a well modelled elephant standing amidst palm trees. The reverse plain and unpolished. The techniques employed here include repoussé and chased work, but with the addition of niello work where a black metallic alloy is employed as a background to other metal working techniques. Some of the elements of the design, particularly the borders and the central roundel of an elephant can look Indian but the floral work and use of colour is much more typical of Persian decoration and this is most likely what we have here, probably an early twentieth century creation intended as a tourist souvenir. Doubtless designed as a serving tray, this piece functions well as a decorative object for the wall which is why it was later given a soldered hanging fixture.
Fine Quality Cloisonne Box and Cover in the form of a Snail, Japanese circa 1880
Price: £95
A fine quality Japanese Cloisonne Box and cover in the form of a snail, the lid modelled with typical shell spirals and the base with a conforming shape, the decoration comprising small flower heads and butterflies on a blue enamel ground with gilt scroll work, the lid and base edged with a red enamel band highlighted with repeating gilt circles, the foot with a similar red enamel band highlighted with gilt semi circles and with two bands of gilt semi circles filled with a minutely speckled green enamel fill, the interior and the foot of the base finished in blue enamel.
The Japanese produced copies of natural forms in a variety of media. Carved ivory fruit and small animals are well known. Here, cloisonne enamel is used which is less common. The quality of the work speaks for itself and can be judged form the small butterflies on the cover and the green speckle enamel fill at the base. It is typical of the best Meiji period (1868-1912) work and a circa date towards the end of the nineteenth century is most likely.
Taxco suite of necklace and earrings, malachite and onyx stations, 1990s
Price: £250
This is a quite rare suite of necklace and earrings that come from the Taxco region of Mexico. Both comprise stations of malachite and onyx that go all the way around each piece. The stations are each individually hinged which gives these pieces a fluidity and quality that only comes from the Taxco workshops. Both have the typical box clasp and are marked 'TN-57' 'Mexico' '925'. The TN number indicates the workshop although there is no definitive list regarding the numbers attached and an exact provenance cannot be determined.
Pair of J Kent Chinoiserie Foley Ware Vases c1920s
Price: £75
A pair of Vases of pear shape form with slender flaring necks decorated in the Chinoiserie style, the blue transfer ware design depicting Oriental figures in a stylised garden scene with iron red highlighting to the ground, the necks with a stylised floral design and the base with gilt highlighting, the top similarly finished with the gilt decoration extending to the interior. The bases with six character marks in underglaze blue, loosely imitating the Chinese, and reading 'J Kent' 'Ye Olde' 'Foley' 'Ware' 'Fenton' 'England'. Early twentieth century circa 1920s.
Foley is a small district alongside King Street, Fenton, near the border with Longton, in Staffordshire, England. There was a pottery at Foley as early as the eighteenth century, and there were to be 5 different companies which had "Foley" in their name operating in this area, the last of which closed down around 10 years ago. One of these firms was the Old Foley Pottery of James Kent and this was the manufacturer of this pair of vases, marked as 'Ye Olde Foley Ware'. James Kent made a variety of vases in the Chinese style in the 1920s loosely adapting original Chinese models. Decoration was in blue transfer applied before glazing, and the ground was highlighted in gold or iron red, as here. The productions presented modestly priced versions of original Oriental pieces for the English market. These vases are less commonly found now and seldom as original pairs.
Unusual Egyptian Revival necklace with a plaque depicting Isis, 1930s
Price: £75
This is a very striking necklace that features a very large central plaque well modelled with a double figure representation of the goddess Isis and a central scarab bead, with glass and a gilt metal bead below. The necklace with graduated glass beads, chain linked, and two gilt metal beads and with an integrated bead clasp.
An unusual pair of white glaze models of Spaniels, Beswick, 1960s
Price: £75
A pair of white glaze models of Spaniels, realistically modelled with detailing to the fur and faces, each in the traditional crouching pose and facing one another in mirror image, the bases pierced to assist firing and with rather indistinct impressed marks reading ‘BESWICK’ ‘ENGLAND’ ‘1378-5’.
While a close relation to the traditional Victorian ‘Staffordshire Dog’, these figures were actually made by the English firm Beswick in the twentieth century. Founded in 1894 by James Beswick and his sons, the company became known for its output of figurines, eventually securing the rights to producing characters from the novels of Beatrix Potter and the films of Walt Disney. It was sold to Royal Doulton in 1969 who continued production until 2002, selling the pottery premises in 2003 and the rights to the name in 2004 when they were bought by Dartington Crystal who still manufacture pieces carrying the Beswick name. These spaniel figures appear to date from the 1960s and were made in at least two sizes. Most have painted decoration but the plain white finish here is really the most pleasing of all producing a pair of decorative items with timeless appeal.
Perfume Bottle Brooch, probably French mid C20th
Price: £55
A perfume bottle brooch, the bottle and stopper suspended from a white metal clasp with a ‘pull’ fastening pin and beading at the edge, the glass heart shape body encased in silver metal filigree work, the face with a beaded border surrounding blue metal trellis work with studded rosettes, the reverse with a similar border surrounding a clear glass panel, the white metal cover with a red bead at the top and similarly decorated with a glass wand attached and a screw fitting matching the top of the bottle. There are no ready parallels for the decoration here but the work is most likely continental and probably French with a dating to the mid twentieth century.
Silver plate Perfume Bottle with attached Stopper and Chain, Burmese late C19th
Price: £45
This is a large repousse decorated scent bottle cast from silver plated white metal and depicting two confronting Burmese lions between the sacred pearl on the face with a key pattern border and stylised scrolling foliage to the sides, the neck with rope work and the stopper attached by chain which comes out to reveal the scent wand. The style of representation of the lions suggests the country of origin and the piece probably dates to the late nineteenth century. It is fitted to a very long necklace chain, probably later, creating a very wearable piece of fashion history which is both practical and decorative.
Pair of Bakelite Salts, Italian Fontanini, mid C20th
Price: £45
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.
The well known Italian firm Fontanini, now famous for producing nativity Sets, was founded by Emanuele Fontanini as a small local business in a single room in the tiny Tuscan town of Bagni di Lucca. Working at first in papier mâché, the business turned to the use of bakelite once it became available, marking their pieces with a spider emblem and the wording ‘depose Fontanini up until the 1970s after which these were replaced by the Fontanini name, the date of manufacture, and a small fountain, which allows fairly accurate dating here. Manufacturing is now caried out by the fourth generation of the family.
Exceptional strand of Scottish Moss agate beads
Price: £45
This is a lovely example of these Art Deco beads as they have very clear stones where the inclusions are bright and noticeable. They are graduated with a silver clasp.
Art Deco Python Clutch
Price: £85
This is a stunning Art Deco clutch in all over python skin that is in pristine condition. It is lined in typical taffeta fabric with the interior purse for coins. The hardware is chromed metal with a black enamel closure. Is a good size that would be suitable for evening use as it can handle the essentials.
Egyptian Revival winged scarab statement necklace c1920
Price: £45
This is a very unusual necklace comprising a large silvered pendant that features a large winged scarab beetle with a purple glass stone body and drop. It is unusual that the design is so realistic which emphasise the lines of the Art Deco design. The workmanship is most likely Czech.
Massive banded carnelian cuff bracelet
Price: £450
This is an absolute bobby dazzler of a bracelet comprising five large banded carnelian stones mounted on a sterling silver frame. The stones are very large and have the perfect almost geometric shapes in them. Marked 925.
Two Avon Perfume Bottles, Lady and a Girl, 1970s
Price: £20
These are two from the series of perfume bottles in the form of ladies or young girls issued by Avon in the 1970s. The first represents a figure in 1920s dress and is sometimes found with a label (missing here) which reads ‘Roaring Twenties’ followed by the name of a perfume. The second is a country girl complete with its label which reads ‘Avon’ ‘Nearness’ but the same model is found with other labels, indicating that both these containers were used for more than one brand of perfume. These bottles were an amusing marketing ploy which doubtless contributed to many successful sales.
Art Nouveau William Comyns silver buckle, 1901
Price: £250
This is a piece of true Art Nouvea design. It is a ladies silver buckle by silver maker William Comyns. It bears the hallmarks for Comyns, London 1901. There is also a design patent number Rd No 564 383.
William Comyns founded the company in 1858. He initially operated from the former premises of silversmith Robert Tagg at 2 Carlisle Street, Soho, London, where he registered his first maker’s mark (W.C in a four-tipped oval) in 1859. Comyns’ silverware was retailed by some of the world’s most prestigious firms, including Tiffany & Co., The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, and leading London retailers such as Henry Lewis and Howell & James.
Three Indian Brass hanging plates, Thanjavur, C20th
Price: £55
Three circular brass wall plates, similarly decorated, with central designs of deities surrounded by panels of birds and scrolling foliage, all worked in high relief, the backs with rings for hanging and one with an engraved mark ‘INDIA’.
The style of decoration here is typical of the art brass hanging plaques produced by the metalworkers of Thanjavur, formerly known as Tanjore, from the late eighteenth century onwards. A Tanjore Art Plate consists of three components: the base plate (brass), a circular central relief panel of a deity worked in silver surrounded by relief panels in copper and silver often depicting flowers. Various deities are depicted here including the well known many armed Shiva. All the reliefs have milled borders but the wells are finished differently, some with engraved designs and one with circular bosses. Dating is probably to the mid C20th but the style of these pieces was continuous and relatively unchanging so an earlier period of manufacture is quite possible.
NB Stands for display purposes only and not included
Japanese silver souvenir brooch c1950
Price: £18
This is a fun brooch that depicts a Japanese genre scene. It is repousse silver and is unmarked.
Taxco brooch with abalone shell c1950
Price: £20
This is a very striking brooch comprising a central abalone stone surrounded by leaves made of crushed lapis. It is marked on reverse Taxco with an illegible "eagle" mark. It also has bail so could be used as a pendant.
Vintage Needlepoint Picture of a Garden Scene, framed, second half C20th
Price: £25
This is a charming embroidery on canvas employing the so called ‘needlepoint’ technique in which over half a dozen stitching techniques are used as opposed to ‘cross stitch’ which uses only one. The varieties of technique employed here can be clearly seen in the detail images (3), (4) and (5). The picture depicts a garden scene with a bird bath and path in the foreground leading to a gate with a pergola like floral arch over it and, in the distance, a thatched cottage. The attraction of the design speaks for itself. Dating is difficult but most likely post war and the frame suggests the mid to late twentieth century.
Striking modernist necklace with large butterscotch amber pendant c1970
Price: £50
This is an unusual necklace comprising a large egg yolk amber pendant and spacing beads. In white metal with barrel clasp.
Beautiful sautoir necklace with Whitby jet pendant 1920s
Price: £25
This is a lovely necklace comprising a very intricate design of multiple strands of French jet beads in different shapes interspersed with unusual Venetian glass triangular beads. This necklace ends in a long pendant comprising a large carved Whitby jet bead and strands of bugle beads.
Lithograph Print, Le Pont Alexandre III in Paris, signed Herbelot, 1950s/1960s
Price: £45
This is a lithograph print of the famous ‘Pont Alexandre III’ in Paris. The bridge itself was built between 1996 and 1900 and named after Tsar Alexander III of Russia, who had concluded the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1892. It connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with those of the Invalides and Eiffel Tower and is one of the landmarks of the French capital. Herbelot (doubtless a pseudonym; his first name is unknown) was a French artist active in Paris from the 1940s to the 1960s. Most of his works depict Parisian scenes and are found as lithographs produced from watercolour originals. His style, impressionistic with a muted palette of colours, is typical of mid century work and extremely pleasing to the eye. Perhaps sold as a tourist souvenir at the time this image today is a highly evocative portrayal of the ‘great city’ and is matched by a frame typical of the era.
An Unusual Pair of Bradawl Form Sewing Tools, probably Persian C20th
Price: £45
The indented twisting to the ‘blades’ of these pieces suggests a device for making a hole, similar to a gimlet used in woodworking. The size and delicacy of these pieces, though, suggests use with a less robust material, perhaps leather. The handles are elaborately decorated with a raised gilt metal design of bamboo with a bird on a silver metal ground with ‘punched’ decoration reminiscent of Chinese Tang Silver work. An Eastern origin is clear but it is hard to determine the exact provenance. China seems less likely but there are similarities here to Japanese, Indian and Persian work, the latter perhaps being the most likely. Probably early to mid C20th and quite possibly part of a set of sewing tools, so perhaps something for collectors in this field.
Gentlemans waistcoat pin set with four watch fobs 1930s
Price: £150
This is a bespoke waiscoat pin with four hanging watch fobs. The owner was someone called R.S. Hollands as they all bear this name. They all have dates 1927, 1936 x 2 and 1934. There are different places on them and two have the designation of "Senior Rounder" and S.C.A.B.A. One also has the name Boosey and Co a company that manufactued brass instruments. Rounders is a game much like baseball. Mr Hollands definetly wanted to show these off. :) Thie is a piece of history that can be worn as a brooch, what could be better for a vintage collector?
Moroccan tooled leather bag c1960
Price: £65
This is a wonderful tooled leather bag that has Morrocan designs all over. It has outer pockets on both sides with a large inner compartment. It is lined in leather and has two grab handles.
Chinese Bone Netsuke carving of a Sage, early C20th
Price: £45
A Chinese Bone Netsuke carving of a bearded Sage dressed in an elaborate robe, his hands upraised and holding a staff and a bowl, the decoration detail in dark grisaille and red, two typical holes to the reverse and signed at the base within an irregular ovoid circular border panel, early C20th. Netsuke were developed in Japan as a fastener or toggle by which small hanging storage boxes, okimono, could be attached to the sash of a kimono. They were made in a variety of forms but the small figurine, as here, was the most common. Chinese examples seem to have been made in the early twentieth century and were more often crafted from bone rather than the ivory or wood favoured by most of the Japanese craftsmen.
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.
Japanese Fukagawa Imari Vase of Sake Bottle Form circa 1880
Price: £180
A fine quality Japanese Imari Vase of Sake bottle form with a bulbous body narrowing towards a broad neck with a faintly everted rim, decorated in iron red, underglaze blue and gold with the addition of green enamel. The main body with two shaped panels of flowering chrysanthemum within underglaze blue borders on a ground of stylised flowering chrysanthemum, the shoulder with panels of lotus and stylised flower heads on an underglaze blue band, the neck with further stylised foliage below plantain leaves in iron red and underglaze blue, the rim gilt. The base with a four character mark reading Koransha Fukagawa Sei ('made by the Koransha Fukagawa [factory]'. The Fukagawa kilns produced the best quality Imari items made in Japan in the late nineteenth century for export to the West. Dating here is within the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) probably around 1880. The form is unusual and reflects Sake bottle shapes produced in a variety of mediums.
Jean Paul Gaultier Mini Fragrance Set, La Parade Des Extraits, 1993
Price: £75
This is a clear plastic box containing four 3.5 ml miniature atomiser bottles of Jean Paul Gaultier perfumes with a travelling case (the metallic cylinder) in the centre, which is enclosed in a thin plastic slip case detailing the contents and with the date 1993. This was the year in which the famous French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier launched his range of perfumes of which this is a sample box. The four containers are modelled in the form of ladies’ busts with corsets reflecting the infamous ‘cone bra’ designed by Gaultier for Madonna and worn by her during her 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour. Surviving in near perfect condition with the contents intact this is now a sought after collector’s item which accurately recalls Gaultier’s individual and provocative style.
Pair of Chinese Ginger Jars decorated Birds and Flowers, late C20th
Price: £45
A pair of Chinese ceramic ginger jars of typical ovoid globular form with a short straight neck decorated in polychrome enamels with birds amidst trailing peony on a matt lime green ground with craquelure effects, the bases each with a circular mark in iron red, one with the numbers ‘141’. The look of this pair is more European than Eastern but the finish of the base suggests production in China and similar examples can be found marked ‘Fabricado em Macau’ (‘Made in Macau’) and Macau was indeed a centre for the manufacture of ceramics from the sixteenth century onwards, continuing production well into the twentieth with an emphasis towards the end on souvenirs for tourists. The style of decoration tended to be more heavily influenced by Western techniques and motifs which explains the more hybrid decoration of this pair, not without a certain charm in itself. Dating is most likely towards the end of the twentieth century.
Celtic Style Pewter Brooch in the form of a Panthers Head, C20th
Price: £10
A pewter brooch in the form of a Panther's head, the mouth holding a horseshoe like ring inset with diamante stones, the design in a Celtic style and perhaps intended to represent a door knocker. There are no markings to this piece and its origin and dating are difficult to determine. Perhaps it can be seen to relate to Arts and Crafts pieces of the early C20th and manufacture in the South West of England (compare the Celtic Style brooch, Lot 13 in this sale) is perhaps a possibility.
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Mintons Coronation Plate, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth 1937, boxed
Price: £25
This was a rather deluxe souvenir amongst the many produced to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on May 12th 1937. It was made by the famous porcelain manufacturers Mintons, who specialised in high quality pieces, particularly dinner services. The plate shows many distinctive features of their work with fine quality enamelling and gilding (see images 5 and 4). Marked with an inscription on the reverse beneath the Mintons trademark, this plate was number ‘89’ of a limited edition of 1000. It comes complete with its original presentation box which unusually has the coat of arms of Oman (see image 10) stamped in gilt on the underside of the lid implying that it might have been a gift to the Omani royal family at the time.
Chinese circular silk textile Panel in later European brass metal Frame, C19th/C20th
Price: £55
This is a fine quality Chinese silk embroidery circular panel, most likely cut out from an original robe as is indicated by the very feint unevenness at the edge, the black ground circular border with finely stitched blue flowers surrounding the central scene of a crane amidst tree branches with flowering lotus in the background. The detail of the embroidery work is evident throughout especially in the rendering of the crane’s feathers and the leaves of the lotus plant, implying that the original robe was a luxury production. This, combined with the fabric of the silk background, indicates that we clearly have nineteenth century work here. Perhaps the rest of the robe had not fared too well but for some reason the decision was taken to extract this sample and fit it into a glazed brass frame with its coil spring border. This has the look of the 1940s or 1950s and is probably English but its provenance cannot be absolutely certain. But the care taken at the time was entirely justified and allows us today to enjoy this fine example of Chinese embroidery work.
Aseda Glasbruk Blue Glass Bottle and Stopper by Bo Borgstrom, 1960s
Price: £55
This is a glass bottle, or possibly decanter, and stopper, the pear shape body heavily formed from blue glass with a stepped shoulder and a turnover rim and with irregular modelled shapes often held to resemble thumbprints, the ovoid stopper in clear glass with heavily indented ribbing. This piece was made by the firm Aseda Glasbruk which was a Swedish glass factory located in Aseda, Kronoberg County. It began production in 1947 and continued through until 1975 when it was incorporated into the Royal Krona group, which unfortunately then went into liquidation in 1977. Aseda Glasbruk's chief designer was Bo Borgstrom, who graduated from Stockholm's Swedish School of Arts and Crafts in 1951. Known as an artist in ceramics Borgstrom joined the firm in 1961 and perhaps his earlier work influenced his later creations for his new employers and can be seen here in what is certainly rather a sculptural piece and which appears in the firm’s catalogue with the number 991/1. As with another of Borgstrom’s pieces also in this sale dating is to the 1960s or early 1970s.
Art Deco rock crystal bead necklace
Price: £25
This a very unusual necklace comprising many different shaped beads made from rock crystal.
Japanese red lacquer Box and Cover with inset bone plaque, late C19th
Price: £75
A Japanese lacquer box and cover, the base and lid decorated with a design of massed peony and chrysanthemum heads in red lacquer and the lid inset with an irregularly shaped carved and coloured bone plaque depicting a garden terrace scene with peony, a butterfly and rocks, within an irregularly shaped, diaper design brown lacquer border. The interior with a contemporary paper lining. The style of the lacquer work, slightly less deeply cut and a darker colour, the decorative elements used, with an emphasis on chrysanthemum, and the employment of bone decoration suggest here Japanese, rather than Chinese, work made for export and the paper lining of the interior, not often found in Chinese lacquer boxes, conforms with this. Dating is probably to the end of the nineteenth century and the combination of materials used is rather unusual making this an accessory both decorative and functional.
Burmese Jade sautoir Necklace, C20th
Price: £45
This is a very unusual 'sautoir' necklace (the term denotes its length) comprising jade facetted roundel beads that end in two clusters, a piece which you can tie around the neck in different ways depending on your outfit and mood. The beads are different types of celadon jade interspaced with silver beads, the clusters ending in two silver beads with millegrain terminals. A flexible addition to the wardrobe in more than one sense!
Pair of framed Watercolours, Dartmoor heather fields, signed C.A.James, early C20th
Price: £45
A pair of watercolours in pastel shades depicting two landscape scenes on Dartmoor with lakes and fields of heather. The artist C.A.James, whose signature appears at the bottom of each of these paintings, cannot be identified but was clearly an accomplished amateur painter. The bleak landscape of Dartmoor is sensitively pictured in two complementary scenes of fields of heather by a lake, the lighting suggesting dawn with birds flying at the break of day. The mountainous outcrop at the back can be identified as Brent Tor, a landmark of Dartmoor which is surmounted by the church of St Michael, which can be seen in both the images. It was probably a popular subject for painters and various other paintings with a similar subject can be found. The style suggests dating to the 1920s and this seems consistent with the frames which appear to be original.
Art Deco brooch with large zircon stone c1930
Price: £175
This is a silver bar brooch set with European cut diamonds and a large blue zircon. It is set in an elegant Art Deco design that shows off the central stone. It is unmarked.
Japanese Ceramic Figural Group of two Geisha, late C19th
Price: £25
A Japanese ceramic figural group of two Geisha, one standing with her right arm upraised and the other seated with a fan in her left hand, both dressed in the traditional Japanese kimono wrapped round at the front and tied with a tassel at the back, and positioned on a blue ground rocky outcrop which is pierced at the top and bottom, possibly as a result of the manufacturing process. Various ceramic figures of geisha, sometimes pairs and sometimes individual figures, were produced in Japan in the late nineteenth century, doubtless for export. All share fairly bold modelling and a bright palette of colours but a group such as this seems a bit more unusual. It is an effective composition and a modest reflection of the taste for ‘Japonisme’ in the West at that time.
Art Deco continental black spinel and marcasite ring, 1920s
Price: £35
This is a beautiful ring comprising a rectangular slice of black spinel surrounded by architectural silver work and marcasite stones. Marked 925 Silver
Art Deco chalcedony brooch or pendant
Price: £65
This is a lovely and delicate brooch with bail for a pendant. It is set in silver that has a modern floral design is both polished and textured giving it a very fine and detailed look. The stone is a Scottish chalcedony stone. Marked 925
Spanish red tooled leather trinket dish with the coat of arms for Castile and León, C20th
Price: £25
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 something of 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, the shield with four quarters, the first and fourth with a castle (Castile) and the second and third with a lion rampant (Leon). Castile and León is Spain’s largest autonomous community comprising territories that once belonged to the Kingdom of León, including Salamanca, as well as territories of the former Kingdom of Castile, particularly Valladolid and Segovia. Since it most likely dates to the twentieth century, this dish probably belonged to a municipal setting rather than a palace of the nobility but it is an item of luxury nevertheless.
Set of Four Chinese Plates, Beauties of the Red Mansion, Jingdezhen, 1980s
Price: £75
This is a partial set of four plates from a series comprising twelve plates in all, produced by ‘Imperial Jingdezhen Porcelain’ and titled ‘Beauties of the Red Mansion’. The plates were designed by the master artisan Zhao Huimin and depict characters from the famous Chinese romance novel ‘The Dream of the Red Chamber’ or ‘The Story of the Stone’ written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty. Each plate depicts one of the court lady characters which appear in the work (Pao-chai, Yuan-chun, Hsi-feng, Hsi-chun, Mao-yu, Ying-chun, Tai-yu, Li-wan, Ko-ching, Hsiang-yun, Tan-chun, Chiao-chieh), all renowned not only for their physical beauty but also for their complex personalities and roles in the narrative of the novel. They are shown in a variety of settings, some in ornate interiors and others in landscape scenes. Each plate has an elaborate inscription on the back, doubtless describing the figure depicted on the front. There is also the factory name and the date of production - here 1985, 1986 (twice) and 1987. While the work is detailed it is not hand done but seems to have been produced by some form of printing process. The ‘micro dot’ detail of this can be seen in some of the images. Originally in boxes with a descriptive leaflet, these plates are now found singly, in part sets and occasionally as a complete series. This selection can provide an ensemble in itself or the source for additions to a growing collection.
Please note that the stands are for display purposes only.
Victorian ships inkwell with original fitted ink pots c1900
Price: £75
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.
Uredale Glass Vase, late C20th/early C21st
Price: £55
This is a typical example of one of the range of pieces produced by the Uredale Glass Studio, set up in 1981 by Tim Simon in Masham, North Yorkshire. Simon had studied with a Master glassmaker from Stuart Crystal in the 1960s and his enthusiasm and interest in this craft led him on to start his own business with his wife, Maureen. Now trading for over forty years it is one of the longest running studio glassmakers in the United Kingdom. Their premises at Masham include a shop where a selection of their wares can be seen and purchased and there is also the opportunity to attend demonstration glass making courses. This round beaker like vase employs mottled and swirling glass effects in a range of purple tones and is very close in style to the ‘autumn’ hot glass range which can be seen on the studio’s website today. As with other Uredale pieces, the vase has a distinctive label with its maker’s name. Any collection of late twentieth century studio glass should include at least one piece from this well known maker and the vase shown here would be an ideal addition.
Round pendant set with turquoise, Mexico, c1970, the chain later.
Price: £65
This is a large round pendant converted from a brooch depicting a figure on a burro on a background of turquoise pieces. Marked' Heche en Mexico', '925' it is attached to a later chain.
Chinese Soapstone Brushwasher with flowering lotus, early C20th
Price: £95
A Chinese soapstone brush washer unusually modelled as a rounded triangular shallow basin in the form of a lotus leaf, footed and with a sprig of flowering lotus growing upwards from it with a vase behind in the form of lotus leaves. The skill of the carver is self evident and the design has been very carefully conceived, artistically employing the varied detail of the natural stone from which the piece was made. Soapstone was first used by the Chinese over three thousand years ago but began its popularity in the Ming dynasty (1368 -1644) with the height of production during the ensuing Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911) when a stone mined in the Shoushan village in northern Fujian was most commonly used. Shoushan soapstone is noted for its smooth texture, bright colours and fine grain and a wide variety of objects were carved from it. This piece is an excellent example of the genre and has survived in pristine condition to become a scholar’s object from the past which can be enjoyed and appreciated today. Production of soapstone carvings continued into the twentieth century and this is probably what we have here but almost certainly from the early years of the period.
Celluloid Bangle with Tortoiseshell style decoration circa 1930
Price: £20
This is an unusual bangle made from celluloid which was used from the late nineteenth century onwards as an imitation of more expensive materials such as ivory or tortoiseshell. It was, therefore, the earliest form of plastic and was to be replaced in the 1920s and 1930s by bakelite. This piece has quite stout proportions and utilises a more complex form than the standard circular ring bangle, with two concave bands between a central ridge. The tortoiseshell style decoration displays considerable and pleasing variegation with an attractive selection of colours in close imitation of the original.
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Art Deco Scottish moss agate ring
Price: £35
This is a very striking ring that is mounted with a very unusual Scottish agate stone that has both red and green inclusions. Mounted in an architectural Art Deco setting. Marked 925
Striking 1950s applique summer handbag
Price: £65
This bag is made for spring and summer! It is a large bucket style bag trimmed in faux leather. The body of the bag is a sort of faux hessian finish. It is appliques on the front with a butterfly design in rhinestones, crystals and ribbon work. It is lined in Naugahyde and has a wooden base.
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.
Victorian guilloche enamel and marcasite ring
Price: £60
This is a lovely and delicate ring comprising a panel of blue guilloche enamel surrounded with marcasite stones
Renaissance Revival Letter Opener and Stand, English, c1900
Price: £25
This is a desk set item comprising a rectangular brass stand on four short feet with a pair of double scalloped supports on one of which can be set a brass letter opener. Both pieces are heavily cast with stylised scrolling leaf work and mask heads, a style of the decoration which loosely recalls pieces from the classical period and reflects one of the design fashions of the late nineteenth century which looked back to and developed variants on renaissance art. The ‘renaissance revival’ style could be found in many areas of the arts including architecture and interior decoration. Accessories were also produced to match, of which this and the desk set also included in this sale are prime examples. Although the letter opener is stamped with a registered number (‘Rd No 22695’) the manufacturer cannot be determined, but was almost certainly English with a production date of around 1900. The form of the supports implies that two items were displayed on the stand, the second probably being a book knife for slitting pages edges as was commonly required over one hundred years ago. If so, its loss is regrettable but not fatal. Modern books thankfully require less exertion from their readers!
Small circular ceramic plaque after Fragonard marked Limoges, framed, late C20th
Price: £25
The scene reproduced here is found on many porcelain and occasionally glass shapes dating from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, most of them made in one or other of the workshops at Limoges, France. Often referred to as a ‘Courting Couple’ we see here a lady and gentleman in eighteenth centur dress in a rustic garden setting with trees and an architectural niche in the backgound. The lady is seated listening to the standing gentleman who is playing a musical instrument, perhaps a guitar or a lute. The composition is loosely base on a picture by the famous eightenth century artist French Fragonard entitled ‘The Music Contest’ (see image 7). Not all of these pieces are very old and this one probably dates to the late twentieth century. The frame with a gilt metal border at the front, which is marked ‘Danish Design’ is consistent with this. Marked ‘Limoges’ on the front (other examples have ‘Fragonard’ in addition) this plaque is also marked ‘Meissner’ ‘Limoges’ ‘France’ to the reverse which confirms the provenance of a piece which is a modest reflection of the eighteenth century rococo style.
Early Egyptian Revival necklace with ruby glass stones c1900
Price: £175
This is a very rare necklace that has an intricate design with Egyptian motifs throughout. There are ruby glass stations that culminate into a multi strand design ending in a large pendant with Tutankhamun flanked by two large ruby paste glass stones. It is most likely French or Belgian.
Incredible quality silver and paste Brooch c1950
Price: £35
This is an amazing brooch that comprises silver set with paste stones in a very detailed and flowing ribbon design. The numerous stones are prong set and there is a central faux pearl. It is marked '925' and it has a very secure barrel clasp that pulls out so that the pin is held fast when closed.
Scottish Agate bar brooch
Price: £35
This is a very simple and elegant brooch comprising on stone of the typical black and white banded agate.
Early Egyptian Revival necklace c1900
Price: £35
This is a lovely example of early Egyptian Revival that was popular in the 19th century. It comprises a lariat style pendant in the shape of a winged scarab ending with a tradtional Victorian style drop with vivid red stones.
Art Deco Burmese dragon head Necklace, 1920s
Price: £75
This is a stunning and large necklace comprising a bold dragon head pendant formed from moulded brass with filigree work mounted with enamel to simulate stones. It comes attached to the original brass link necklace. This is a real show stopper!
Art Deco Burmese dragon head Necklace, 1920s
Price: £75
This is a stunning and large necklace comprising a bold dragon head pendant formed from moulded brass with filigree work mounted with enamel to simulate stones. It comes attached to the original brass link necklace. This is a real show stopper!
Chinese Yellow Ground Famille Rose Charger, 1950s/early 1960s
Price: £55
A Chinese circular charger, stoutly potted and with a faintly everted rim, richly enamelled in the ‘famille rose’ palette with lotus, bats, shou symbols and a central chrysanthemum head surrounded by small peony blooms, all on a yellow ground with white enamel stylised scrolling foliage, the reverse glazed white with a glazed footrim surrounding an unglazed circular band, the centre with a seven character stamped mark in iron red ‘Jiangxi’ ‘Jingdezhen’ ‘Ming 5 Ci’, ‘made at Jingdezhen [in the] Jiangxi [province], place rank 5’.
This is a fine example of the porcelains made at Jingdezhen, for centuries the chief centre of ceramic production in China, in the early years of the People’s Republic of China (1949-). Soon after the communists took control, the kilns at Jingdezhen were organised into co-operatives, each with a number. Many of their pieces were marked and the form of the mark determines the date of production. The circular marks, as here, were the earliest allowing a dating of this charger to the 1950s or possibly the early 1960s. Some of these conglomerates, for the quality can vary, retained the skills of their predecessors and produced works of high quality. This is clearly seen here in the careful and precise enamelling and the general artistry of the design employing ‘imperial’ yellow with the symbolism of happiness (bats), longevity (shou symbols), friendship and a life of ease (chrysanthemum) and fruitfulness and offspring (lotus), all combining to produce a piece well worthy of its many predecessors.
Please note that the wood stand is for display purposes only and is not incuded with this lot.
Art Deco citrine and pink sapphire brooch c1920
Price: £175
This is a lovely silver stickpin style brooch set with large citrines and pink sapphires. It is in a spray design with scrollwork and beading. This is Indian in origin and it unmarked.
Japanese Arita Square Sake Flask and Cover decorated flowers, C20th
Price: £25
This is a rather striking example of a Japanese sake flask of less conventional form. The slender square form rectangular body (compare lot XX) is topped with a slender slightly concave neck of gently conical form, the top capped by a stopper like cover. On one of the corners is an elaborate loop form handle and on the other a short spout. The base is flat and unglazed. The decoration is rather hybrid. The iron red and gold scrolling pattern at the top recalls kutani pieces, but the main body, with its heavily enamelled chrysanthemum heads employing a wide variety of colours, looks almost towards satsuma wares. The combination is quite arresting if not eyecatching and raises the question of whether there was once a set of cups with a matching design… The slightly ‘brassy’ look to the gilding indicates an early C20th dating but probably no later than around 1920. Best regarded, perhaps, as a functional piece of whimsy!
Edwardian Scottish bloodstone bar brooch c1910
Price: £20
This is a very striking brooch that comprises a silver bar with two square domed Scottish bloodstone. This would have been used as part of a Scottish woman's traditional clothing to hold their cloak in place. Still lovely today! Marked Sterling.
West German ceramic Vase, Scheurich, No 290-40, 1960s
Price: £55
A large ceramic vase with a broad ovoid body flaring out towards the rim, the lower half covered in a mottled mustard/orange glaze which merges into a band of rocky texture drip glaze in greys and brown, the interior glazed brown and the mustard/orange glaze of the base with the moulded marks ‘290-40’ ‘W GERMANY’.
Although not marked as such, this vase has all the hallmarks of the firm Scheurich Keramik which started production in 1954, rather later than most of its competitors, but soon became the largest producer of commercial art pottery in Germany. Their pieces rarely carried the factory name but usually the model number followed by the height in centimetres with ‘W.Germany’ below, as here. Scheurich were well known for producing a wide variety of pieces with variegated, almost experimental glazes and this vase is yet another successful example of their work, the simple lines of form combining with a more austere selection of glaze effects than found in some of their other pieces. Dating is to the 1960s.
Outstanding Suede Lanvin Clutch in original box 1950s
Price: £250
This is a stunning large clutch bag comprising brown kid suede with kid skin edging. it is a basic envelope design with no closure and one interior zip compartment. It is constructed to fold over securely to fit under the arm. A feature of this bag is the Art Nouveau enamel decoration on the front of the bag. The bag is lined in fabric that has a monogram logo. It is worth noting that Lanvin did not manufacture their handbags in the 1950s but rather designed them and outsourced the manufacture as most couture houses did during that time. This bag comes in its original box with the plastic dust jacket intact as well. The labelling 'Made in British Colony Hong Kong' was used principally in the 1950s/1960s which matches the dating here, although some clothing manufacturers continued to employ it into the 1980s. Complete, then, with its original packaging, this is a timeless and elegant bag that is worthy of Audrey Hepburn!
Incredible long jade necklace with large carnelian pendant
Price: £135
This is a constructed necklace comprising numerous large celadon colour beads interspersed with different coloured jade beads. There is a ox carving at one of the stations and it ends in a large carnelian disc pendant and silk tassel. This necklace is a very long opera length.
Art Nouveau comb with coral fish and pearls
Price: £45
This is a beautiful piece of Art Nouveau, a celluloid hair comb with an inset carving of a koi fish in coral and seed pearls. It is carved with swirls and incised with very fine designs.
Oriental porcelain European Style Heart Shape Box and Cover, OC & CO, late C20th
Price: £15
A ceramic box and cover of heart shape, gilt metal mounted with a hinge and clasp, the base plain and the lid with a geometric design in blue and gold, a stylised floral spray within a panel set on a tasselled cushion with geometric patterns and a repeating ‘C’ shape border, the base with a gilt mark of a crown above a twisted robe with the letters ‘O C & CO’. While European in appearance, this box is, in fact Oriental and possibly Japanese of fairly recent manufacture. Although many of the Staffordshire potteries used a three loop knot, often combined with a crown, as a factory mark, this version does not appear any English pieces and is a pastiche, so far removed from the parallels that it can hardly have been intended to deceive. Various European style pieces with the same mark (or a similar one incorporating the name ‘Roselle’) can be found in a variety of shapes and all with elaborate decoration in the style of their models. The boxes are particularly attractive and the shape and decoration here is appealing.
West German Bay Keramik Pitcher with stylised floral designs, late C20th
Price: £55
A brown glaze pitcher of broad bulbous form with a slender neck flaring at the top and a loop handle above a short foot, the base glazed and with impressed marks ‘Bay’ ‘W Germany’ ’6190’.The brown, almost lustre like, glaze is decorative with a lightly incised design in mustard enamel with stylised leaves and flower heads.
Founded by Eduard Bay in the 1930s and based in Ransbach Baumbach in the heart of the main West German pottery producing region, Bay Keramik grew to be one of the most prolific producers of ceramics in the ‘West German’ style and continued production into the 1990s. This piece retains its original paper label and the format of this allows dating to the 1970s/1980s. The jug has almost a slightly rustic feel and recalls much earlier German ceramic items. The numbers on the base indicate the form number but it has not been possible to identify this.
Charming small amber pendant brooch set as an owl c2000
Price: £15
This is a very sweet small pendant brooch that is shaped like an owl with an amber belly. With full hallmarks and bail for pendant.
Sylvac woodland range Rabbit and Tree Jug, 1950s
Price: £35
This amusing jug is from a group of pieces made by the well known English pottery manufacturers Sylvac (or more correctly SylvaC) in the 1950s called the ‘Woodland Range’. The title is really self explanatory. This jug is in the form of a naturalistically modelled tree trunk with branch handles and on a ledge is seated a small smiling rabbit. The base has impressed marks for Sylvac and the model number ‘4242’.
‘SylvaC’ (the name was written with a capital ‘C’ after registration of the trademark in 1938) was a trade name of Shaw and Copestake, a company formed by Mr. William Shaw and a Mr. Copestake around 1900. Mr. Copestake sold his shares to a Mr. Richard Hull after about six months of business and this partnership continued until Mr. Hull’s death in 1935. He was succeeded by his son, Mr. Richard Hull junior. In the following year, the business became a limited company. Various mergers and acquisitions followed and in the 1950s new premises were built and production expanded considerably continuing until the early 1980s when changing markets and increased competition forced the company into liquidation.
Sylvac were famous for imaginative glazed wares, particularly animals, and this jug is a typical and pleasing example of their work.
Chinese Blue and white ceramic beads, C20th
Price: £15
This is a great strand of Chinese ceramic beads all hand painted i blue and white with symbolic motifs. They are strung on a red cord with an adjustable Chinese knot.
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Outstanding Ottoman silver marriage mirror, Turkey early 20th century
Price: £125
This is a beautiful small mirror with very fine repousse work to the reverse with marks '925' and 'ISIK' for the maker.
Turkish wedding mirrors are a traditional aspect of the marriage ceremony where they are given by the groom to the bride as part of a dowry. They are typically then hung in their home for good luck.
Tigers Eye long necklace 1970s
Price: £25
This is a necklace comprising large round and octahedron shaped beads, with matching clasp
Art Deco Long Mille Fiore bead necklace
Price: £65
This is a stunning necklace featuring 8 oblong flat Mille Fiore glass beads connected by multiple strands of glass seed beads in white and blue. This necklace is perfectly constructed and is in wonderful condition.
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!
Obsidian Mayan Statuette inlaid with semi precious stones, C20th
Price: £35
An attractive Obsidian statuette of a Maya chief, modelled in an abstract style, his headdress decorated with mother-of-pearl ornament complemented by semi-precious stones which are also used for the collar and foot, including calcite, abalone and sandstone. Obsidian is held to be a purifying stone that encourages personal development and is said to offer protection and solve problems of the past. It is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth and is therefore found wherever volcanoes occur and particularly in South America. Since the figure is a Mexican image, a Mexican provenance is likely but dating is less certain. The stylised design and combination of stone and inlay combine, though, to produce a striking ornamental item.
Amber statement necklace with round drops c1960
Price: £50
This is a really fun necklace comprising stations of large flat amber round beads that are honey coloured. They are strung as stations on brass fittings.
Intricate Czech glass necklace 1930s
Price: £45
This is a beautiful necklace comprising an intricate multi layered design of stations set with purple and lavender stones. The metal work is in a typical filigree design and is silver tone.
Pair of Japanese Arita small Dishes circa 1880
Price: £40
A pair of small dishes of typical shallow saucer form decorated in underglaze blue with polychrome enamels, the centre with a roundel of a chrysanthemum flower with black petals which is surrounded by four irregularly shaped panels, two also with chrysanthemum and two with trailing willow, all with black leaves, alternating with abstract organic designs incorporating ‘ju’i’ lappets, the reverse plain with two concentric circles in underglaze blue next to the foot rim.
The town of Arita in the former Hizen Province, northwestern Kyūshū island, was a major centre for the production of porcelains in Japan. Best known for blue and white pieces it also produced polychrome wares as well, including the familiar imari colourings. While similar to Imari, the wider palette of colours used here is usually termed ‘Arita’ and the decorative appeal of the style is clear. These bowls probably come from an original set of five and with slightly coarser decoration than usual were probably made for the domestic market. The paste of the foot implies a dating to the Meiji era (1868 - 1912) probably around 1880.
Pendant and chain commemorating 25 years of service at Ford, London 1965
Price: £35
This is quite an interesting item. It is a pendant with three generations of Ford men depicted in profile and it says 25 years. This appears to be a company gift to an employee who worked at Ford for 25 years. Presumably this is what the women received. The men probably received a gold watch and a promotion! This is silver with full marks for London 1965 with a makers mark PP & P.