Rare early Czech glass brooch c1920
Price: £45
This is an early example of Czech costume jewellery that dominated the European market before the second World War. It comprises heavy brass elements with cut glass stones. An incredible find for the costume jewellery collector.
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.
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
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.
Taxco Mayan Sundial earrings, c1980
Price: £25
This is a lovely and delicate pair of stud earrings that depict a Mayan sundial, They are marked Mexico 925.
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!
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.
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
Pair of Edwardian Chinese silver brooches, c. 1910
Price: £25
This is a lovely and delicate pair of brooches comprising Chinese filigree work in the form of a fan. The both have a floral motif.
Silver rose ring, 20th century
Price: £35
This is a very elegant ring that comprises very detailed depictions of a rose with foliage. There also seems to be two little daggers on the edges. Not sure what those are for, maybe they are a type of flower that looks dagger like.. :) Marked 925
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.
Chřibská Glass bowl designed by Josef Hospodka, Czech 1970s
Price: £75
An organically formed sculptural glass bowl or ashtray, of trefoil form with an undulating rim and three projecting ‘knobs’ above the flat base, the colourings merging from green to amber with clear glass at the base. This piece was made at the Chřibská glassworks in Czechoslovakia and can be seen in their 1970s catalogue with the pattern number 240/5/20. An entry in issue 12 of the 1964 Czech Glass Review confirms the designer as Josef Hospodka who was chief designer at Chřibská from 1958 to 1970 and again from 1985 to 1989. His organic, sculptural blown glass designs enjoyed great popularity and some remained in production until the factory closed in 2007. The colourings here are particularly pleasing and this is an excellent example of his work.
Japanese Arita Bowl decorated with panels of flowers and interior Scenes, circa 1820
Price: £45
A Japanese Arita small Bowl the deep sides narrowing towards the base with a short foot, decorated in underglaze blue, iron red and gold enamel highlights in green and grey
with two panels of flowers alternating with two panels of interior scenes with screens and a small animal resembling a buffalo sitting on a table, the foot with small blue
panels highlighted in gold between geometric designs, the top interior rim with alternating segments of iron red and underglaze blue both highlighted in gold and the base interior
with flowering chrysanthemum.
The rather more elaborate style of decoration here and the addition of enamel colours to the standard imari palette of underglaze blue, iron red and gold resembles 'kenjo imari' pieces produced in Japan in the eighteenth century and in the early nineteenth century, a specific type of Imari that was highly decorated and meant for domestic consumption, Kenjo, meaning 'for presentation'. The paste of the foot, harder and smoother than that used in the later nineteenth century, suggests a dating here to around 1820 before trade with the West was temporarily paused. The form suggests a cup for Sake and this piece was probably one of an original set of five, but it stands on its own as a decorative item in miniature.
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.
Tigers Eye bracelet with a large central carved dragon bead, certificate for 2012
Price: £15
This is a very striking bracelet comprising very high quality tigers eye beads and a carved dragon. It comes with original certificate of authenticity dated 2012 from Thailand.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Sowerby Blue Glass Footed Bowl, 1930s/1940s
Price: £25
A pressed blue glass bowl with ribbed sides and four spreading feet, made by the firm Sowerby of Gateshead. Other examples exist with their label mark attached and the style of this piece points to a manufacture date in the 1930s or 1940s. It is a clear reflection of the Art Deco designs produced at that time.
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.
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
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.
Hopi Thunderbird brooch 1960s
Price: £85
This is a large and substantial brooch that depicts a typical Hopi thunderbird design. In Native American mythology, the thunderbird is a powerful spirit in the form of a bird. By its work, the earth was watered and vegetation grew. Lightning was believed to flash from its beak, and the beating of its wings was thought to represent the rolling of thunder. The Hopi tribe is one of the oldest living cultures in history who migrated to Arizona in the 12th century where they live today. The brooch is signed with a monogram 'CA' and marked 'sterling' for 925 silver. It dates to the second half of the twentieth century, probably to the 1960s.
Japanese Kutani Vase of Water Dropper form, circa 1880
Price: £45
A small Japanese Kutani vase of globular form with a narrow straight neck, decorated in the typical colourings of iron red, grisaille, salmon pink and gold with a continuous scene of
flowering peony below stylised clouds, the neck in iron red with gilt highlighting also depicting stylised clouds. The base with three simple bands in iron red and the base
with a two character mark reading 'Ku' 'Tani'.
Kutani (the word means 'nine valleys') porcelain was made at various factories in the former Kaga province of Japan. The earliest pieces were in a completely different style employing a palette of colours emphasising green, the so called 'Ko Kutani'. Production of this ceased around 1730, and manufacturing was not revived until the early nineteenth century when the more familiar colourings of iron red and gold were introduced. This small vase is typical of pieces exported to the West in fairly large quantities at the end of the nineteenth century. The form suggests a water dropper and is found in Imari colourings as well. Many of the Kutani pieces were marked, sometimes simply 'Ku' 'Tani' as here. The glaze was sometimes unstable with a tendency to craze as can be seen here, but this is original to the manufacture and does not detract from the piece's decorative appeal.
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.
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.
Chinese Calligraphy Scroll, Qing Dynasty (1636-1912)
Price: £25
This is a short scroll painting entirely composed of calligraphy. Nine lines of vertical text in flowing black ink script are flanked by two red seal marks and a black ink signature to the left and an iron red seal mark to the top right. The text is written on very thin mustard coloured silk (the colour may have darkened with time) which is mounted on a silk fabric ground with a brocade design. Below is mounted a similarly sized light aubergine panel, plain. The silk is backed by very thin light brown paper and fitted to a black lacquered wood scroll handle. From appearance this scroll, which is in rather poor condition, seems to date from at least the end of the nineteenth century but is perhaps earlier. It requires the assistance of an expert in Chinese calligraphy for further identification but may possibly reveal some hidden secrets of some interest.
Faux pearl necklace c1910
Price: £15
This is a lovely necklace that features very lustrous faux pearls in natural shapes. The central pendant is a massive 25 mm faux pearl.
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!
Art Deco Flower Vase, Frog and Stand, Bagley Glass, Spinette Range, 1930s
Price: £45
A flower vase and stand of angular form, the green glass diamond shape body with a spreading foot and fitted with a matching black glass stand below, the interior of the vase with a removable display stand or 'frog' with diamond shape apertures for the presentation of flowers and the body of the vase with pressed glass decoration of stylised fans. The form of this piece appears in the catalogues of the Bagley glass factory in the 'Spinette Range' and with the model number 3180 allowing a secure dating to the 1930s which is fully consistent with the Art Deco inspired design of the piece.
Bagley Glass was established in Knottingly, England (south east of Leeds) in 1871. Bottle makers at first they branched out in 1912 and opened a department 'The Crystal Glass company' which made crystal and pressed glass. But it was for the latter that Bagley were to become famous and they became the biggest manufacturer of pressed glass in England in the years before and after the war. Many of their designs were influenced by the Art Nouveau styles and this flower vase, unusually presented complete with its frog and stand, is a classic example of their range.
Bone parquetry box decorated in the manner of Fornasetti, Venetian, mid C20th
Price: £85
A rectangular box with a hinged lid, the surface covered with small bone rectangular slabs laid in a parquetry technique and decorated on the sides with an architectural design in black, the interior showing the wood body of the piece. These boxes with their bone tessera like patterns combined with scenes of buildings were made in Venice probably from the 1950s to the 1970s. Some examples have a more stylised representation, as here, and some a more realistic depiction of Venetian palaces. The stylised architectural designs recall closely the work of the Italian artist Piero Fornasetti whose atelier produced ceramic vases with very similar decoration (see image 8 for an example) although it is not suggested that these boxes were the work of Fornasetti himself. The combination of building designs on a ground of what could be held to be building blocks is ingenious and the result stylish and attractive.
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.
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.
Delft style garniture vase, probably Chinese C20th
Price: £20
The marks underneath this vase proudly announce production at Delft, Holland which is written below the standard apothecary bottle and the cipher ‘JT’ (from Joost Thooft, the company owner from 1876) with, in addition, a painter’s mark, which cannot be identified and a date code leeter ‘R’ for 1896. There are also some impressed letters and numbers which are hard to identify. The form and decoration is similar to that of a Chinese eighteenth century garniture vase (there should be a cover to this in addition) which is entirely consitent with original Delft pieces which copied or based themselves on Chinese models, although the shape here is exaggeratedly slender. But the mechanical craquelure glaze is totally unauthentic as is the thickly potted body and the paste of the base which is most likely Chinese and therefore yet another example of the European style pieces they made during the late twentieth century, a few example so of which can be seen elsewhere on this site. A novelty pastiche then but with the potential for the display of small flowers which it would complement rather well.
Vintage Carved wood bust of a Lady, Bali, Indonesia, second half C20th
Price: £75
A finely carved wood bust with a rich patina and veining of a young woman wearing traditional headdress. The style of this piece indicates that it was the work of a Balinese craftsman. The island of Bali in Indonesia has a rich tradition of wood carving dating back hundreds of years. Known in the Balinese language as 'Batuan', wood carving has its roots in Bali's
Hindu-Buddhist culture. Typically, the pieces are made from hardwoods with a coarse grain including teak, chempaka wood and sandalwood. The decorative grain effects here, though, suggest mahogany and the highly polished finish is quite striking and far less commonly found today. Dating is probably to the 1960s but the aura of calm contemplation recalls Chinese pieces of an earlier era.
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.
Egyptian table decoration depicting a Pharoah and Attendant, c1940
Price: £45
This is a Egyptian souvenir table decoration depicting aPharoah and attendant. The sun is radiating down to indicate his divine rule. It is made from bovine buffalo bone, a material commonly used for Egyptian decorative objects.
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.
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 silver souvenir brooch c1950
Price: £18
This is a fun brooch that depicts a Japanese genre scene. It is repousse silver and is unmarked.
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.
Pair of Vintage Art Deco style armchair Pipe Rests, English c1930
Price: £55
A pair of small ceramic armchairs modelled in typical Art Deco style with deep rectangular sides, grooved arm rests, a tilted back and a thick padded cushion, glazed overall in turquoise/green, the bases unglazed with a central hole. The form here, typical of the 1930s, is usually regarded as a smoker’s accessory, the seat acting as a pipe rest and the grooved chair arms intended for cigarettes. There are no factory markings, although Denby is sometimes suggested, but we are clearly looking at something from the years before the second World War and if these miniature chairs are less ‘functional’ today they remain entertaining and appealing decorative items, rarely found as a matching pair.
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
Set of Three Empire Porcelain Company Biscuit Jars circa 1900
Price: £120
This is a set of three biscuit jars each of rounded straight sided barrel form, one squat, and fitted with brass lids and loop handles. The light blue, or teal, ground is decorated with a central circular panel depicting a mythological scene, the largest showing the three graces and the other two a pair of classical lovers perhaps Cupid and Psyche in one, within white dot and gilt borders. The bases all have printed marks (some slightly indistinct), a crown above a banner reading ‘EMPIRE WARE’, the cipher monogram ‘E’ ‘P’ ‘C’ and a further banner reading ‘STOKE ON TRENT’ with ‘ENGLAND’ below. Two also have the written mark ‘300/4479’ which is presumably the pattern or model number.
The Empire Porcelain Company was established in 1896 at the Empire Works in Stoke Road, Hanley, Stoke on Trent. A wide range of pottery and porcelain was subsequently produced until the factory’s closure in 1967. The various marks include the initials EPC, EP or the word Empire. The form of the mark seen here occurs on the earliest pieces made between 1896 and 1912. Blue ground pieces with mythological scenes were produced in a variety of forms during this period, some decorative, such as ornamental vases, and some more practical, as here : modest but graceful accessories for the Edwardian drawing room.
Burgundy Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £95
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in red burgundy leather. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid bevelled at the front and back and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ with the original key and the lid an inset brass handle, the surface of which would have been suitable for the engraving of the owner’s initials. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery and a circular holder for a watch. The linings of the box and trays are in burgundy leather and velvet. There are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. The box most likely dates to the early 1900s and would clearly have been sold by a purveyor of ‘luxury’ items for a wealthy clientele. It retains, of course, its functionality today.
Long Art Nouveau necklace with multiple drops c1930
Price: £75
This is a very elegant long necklace that has central pendant suspended from a web of glass beads with two corresponding plaques on the sides. It has brass and glass elements with no clasp as it is an over the head design.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Porcelain Mug : Buckingham Palace 1997
Price: £10
A bone china mug, slightly flaring at the rim and base and with a modelled loop handle, richly decorated in gilt with swags and floral wreaths, the front marked ‘Buckingham Palace’ and the reverse ‘1997’, the base with a circular floral wreath surrounding a crown and the wording ‘Buckingham Palace’ ‘1997’. This mug is one of a series produced from 1993 to 2010 for sale in the Royal Collection souvenir shops. Each year was given a different design and all were dated. The manufacturer is unkown. The design and decoration of the ‘1997’ model seems particularly pleasing.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Large amber cabochon cuff Bracelet, c1970
Price: £95
This is a lovely cuff bracelet with a delicate floral design. The star of the show is the large Baltic amber cabachon; it is extremely good quality as indicated by its inner glow. Marked '925', this elegant piece is most likely from Denmark or one of the Baltic states.
Two Vintage Japanese Kokeshi Doll Groups, C20th
Price: £25
Kokeshi are simple wooden Japanese dolls that have been made in Japan for more than 150 years as children's toys. Originally from the Tohoku region in northern Honshu, kokeshi are handmade from wood, having a simple torso and head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face. One characteristic of kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs. Production continues to this day and the dolls are regarded as highly collectible. These two groups are a variation on the traditional design. In one, two child dolls, a boy and a girl, sit in a wicker pannier basket, presumably expecting to be carried. The cylindrical objects on top may be intended to represent logs. In the other, two lady figures are seen wearing the traditional straw rain cape. Regarded as good luck charms, these dolls have a naif charm of their own and might well appeal to an adult as well!
Art Deco concave cut agate ring c1930
Price: £55
This is a very usual ring due to its central stone. The stone is a typical Scottish agate that has been carved into a concave shape. It is set in silver and surrounded with milgrain work.
Art Deco style crystal glass Perfume Bottle and Stopper, late C20th
Price: £35
A crystal glass perfume bottle and stopper, the angular body comprising two truncated cones, one inverted, with facetted surfaces, the shoulder flat and with a white metal screw thread collar above which fits into the white metal base of the stopper which is also angular and facetted. While Art Deco in style, this attractive perfume bottle is more likely of fairly recent manufacture dating to the late twentieth century but it is a stylish piece nevertheless and the quality of the glass enhances the detail of the design making it an elegant dressing table accessory.
Chinoiserie necklace with peking glass plaques c1960
Price: £45
This a lovely necklace by an American company called "Exquisite". It has faux jade or Peking glass plaques and oriental motif gold tone stations. It is signed or marked Exquisite.
Egyptian Revival necklace depicting Tutankhamun c1980
Price: £35
This is a a dramatic necklace in the Egyptian Revival style. It has a large central pendant with three drops with stations all the way around depicting Tutankhamun in a rather humorous way. This necklace appears to be a museum edition from possibly the British Museum or the Met in New York. The reverse of the stations and pendant are also finished with Egyptian designs. A very well thought out and finished piece.
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.
Pair of African Wood Figures of a Man and a Woman, probably mid C20th
Price: £25
A pair of wood figures of a man and a woman carved in an abstract style with slender proportions, the man holding a long staff and the woman balancing a vessel (presumably for water or wine) on her head, the clothing of both with etched patterned decoration and their complementary bases with contrasting geometric designs. The patina and colour of the wood suggests ebony and the style is African. As with the previous lot there is a label indicating manufacture in Nigeria and Kaduna is the capital city of Kaduna State, and the former political capital of Northern Nigeria. It was a trade centre and a likely source of artefacts made for tourists of which these are most likely an example. Dating is probably as the label indicates and many other similar pieces were produced at that time.
Pair of Gilt Metal and Onyx Scales, probably French, C20th
Price: £55
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.
Victorian style Czech glass statement necklace c1930
Price: £40
This is a beautifully designed necklace that features a central lariat pendant set with red glass stones. The necklace has corresponding red beads.
A Pair of Art Deco Pressed Glass Trophy Form Vases, Davidson, 1930s
Price: £45
A Pair of pressed glass vases of hexagonal form, the rounded body with a lobed rim and standing on a shaped foot, two handles to the sides in the shape of a trophy. These pieces resemble similar designs in clear pressed glass made by the Davidson factory in the 1930s. George Davidson founded the Teams Flint Glass Works in 1867, which later became 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. The firm continued production until the 1980s, closing in 1987. These vases come from their 'Chippendale' range and were probably made in the 1930s. It has been suggested that this and other similar forms were intended to hold celery. Normally sold singly, it is less common to find a matching pair with their obvious decorative potential.
Paris tourist novelty bracelet c1950
Price: £35
This is a fun bracelet in a tarnished silver finish. It depicts Parisian landmarks and the city's coat of arms. They have a 3D effect which is interesting.
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.
A silver filigree decorative Spoon, probably Scottish circa 1900
Price: £55
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.
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.
Pair cast iron Doorstops, Basket of Fruit, probably American mid C20th
Price: £45
This is a pair of doorstops made from cast iron in the form of an urn containing fruit including orange, lemon, peach and grapes, combined with foliage and flowers. Hollow at the backs, these pieces were most likely mould cast and then cold painted. Various similar compositions are found with the impressed numbers ‘456’ and a few identical ones marked ‘DONSCO’ ‘JOHN WRIGHT CAST IN USA’. ‘456’ was a model number used by the well known manufacturer of metal products, Hubley, which, like John Wright, had its premises in Pennsylvania, USA. These doorstops (at least that is how they are always termed; the weight of the pieces seems quite light to retain a heavy door) seem to have been made in the 1950s and this pair most likely originate from a manufacturer operating in the same area as the two named ones. As a pair, which is unusual, they also have decorative potential and remain in excellent condition for their age.
Pair of Chinese Ceramic Shoes, seal mark and with fitted box, C20th
Price: £55
An amusing pair of Chinese ceramic models of shoes or clogs, modelled in the form of a kylin head with a pronounced snout, the sides of the shoe with impressed repeating geometric patterns below a band of stylised scrolling foliage, the brightly coloured glazes all with craquelure patterning, the interior glazed turquoise with an impressed seal mark and the underneath glazed in cream, also with a small circular impressed mark. The pair are presented in a fitted box, fabric covered and silk lined, which is presumably contemporary. Neither of the marks can be deciphered and dating is uncertain, probably to the late C20th, but this does not need to detract the rather humorous design which does have at least one parallel from the C18th (see image XX)and may have been intended as a brushwasher for a scholar with something of a sense of humour.
Art Deco necklace with blue paste stones 1930s
Price: £45
This is a very elegant and simple necklace where the central stone is the star. It has blue glass bead stations ending in a large round pendant and briolette drop. It has a barrel clasp. The mount is gilt brass.
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.
Reproduction Limoges Porcelain Box with Scent Bottles, Modern
Price: £25
Presenting itself as production of the celebrated ceramics factories in Limoges, France, this elaborately decorated porcelain box containing four glass scent bottles is, in fact, a contemporary reproduction and most likely made in China. While it looks hand painted, close examination shows the microdots of laser printing (see image 7) a technique commonly used by the Chinese now to create high quality looking but machine made ceramic items. The mark, employing a single ‘L’ in a style sometimes found beginning the word ‘Limoges’ inscribed on genuine pieces, is found nowhere else on true Limoges items and seems to have been a flight of fancy on the manufacturer’s behalf. But this particular box certainly looks the part and could perhaps find its place as a purely decorative item for the dressing table!
Art Deco statement necklace with real pearls and paste stones c1920
Price: £50
This is a very rare necklace that is in a lariat design. The central pendant has a lace design set with real seed pearls and paste stones. There is also a large teardrop shaped natural fresh water pearl.
Art Deco rock crystal bead necklace
Price: £25
This a very unusual necklace comprising many different shaped beads made from rock crystal.
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.
Two watch fobs 1912 and 1923
Price: £35
This is a group of two gentleman's watch fobs. One says "Senior Rounder 1912" and the other "WLOC 1923". These would have been very meaningful to the person who had it on their watch chain. Unfortunately these details have been lost over time. Rounder was a game that resembled baseball so persumably that person played Rounder. These are very fine silver and are a piec ef ephemera that can be worn as a pendant.
Dark chestnut crocodile handbag 1940s
Price: £75
Here we have a soft crocodile handbag with soft leather lining. It has brass fittings and is in excellent condition. The handle has been restored to it's original beauty and is ready for daily use. This bag is not marked but is almost definitely made in England. It is a great size that is large enough for the essentials.
Silver prayer beads with seventeen Beads, 20th century
Price: £75
This is a lovely set of prayer beads made from solid sterling silver. The 17 beads are heavy and have decoration at the ends. They are strung on a chain with aslider and tassel at the end. These are hallmarked, most likely with continental silver marks.
Hertfordshire puddingstone Brooch c1940
Price: £35
This is a very unusual brooch set with a hertfordshire puddingstone and mounted in silver.
Hertfordshire puddingstone is a conglomerate of rounded flint pebbles in a matrix of fine pale sand all cemented together (basically a ‘fossil beach’). As the pebbles, the sand and the cementing material are all silica the rock is very hard and breaks evenly across pebbles and sandy matrix.
The story of hertfordshire puddingstone is also the story of climate changes over the last 80 million years ranging between extremes of hot and cold. (Ref: East Herts Geology Club, https://ehgc.org.uk/hertfordshire-puddingstone/puddingstone-formation/ )
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', after the American made products in this style of which Lot 1 in this sale is a prime specimen, 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 to either the glass or the metalwork.
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.
Two American Polychrome Enamel Bracelets decorated with Kabuki Masks, 1980s
Price: £20
Two American polychrome enamel bracelets decorated with Kabuki masks on contrasting blue and red enamel grounds, each with spring loaded hinges, 1980s
Scottish silver ring inset with a Chalcedony stone, 1950s
Price: £45
A Scottish silver ring with a thistle design, inset with a Chalcedony stone, marked ‘silver’ to the interior, 1950s.
Mdina Earthtones Pattern Vase, late C20th
Price: £85
While lacking a signature at the base, this vase is almost certainly from the glassworks at Mdina, Malta. The body is an upright cylinder with a protruding band at the top below the concave neck and flaring rim. The finish of the base and the stoutly blown glass have the hallmarks of Mdina but the pattern has direct parallels with other pieces which are signed. It was called ‘earthtones’ and later just ‘earth’ and introduced in the mid 1970s. One example in this shape (but not signed either) comes with a large ball shape stopper, implying that we may have the base of a decanter here. If so, the form is still complete in itself to the eye and there are various other similar examples.
Mdina Glass was founded in the Maltese town of Mdina in 1968 by Michael Harris and Eric Dobson. The town had no history of glass making but the venture proved to be a success. Its wares, free formed organic glassware, often in colours inspired from the sea, sand, earth and sky, proved very popular with tourists visiting Malta. Michael Harris left Mdina in 1972 and formed a new company, Isle of Wight Studio Glass, on the Isle of Wight, UK, leaving Eric Dobson in charge, but many of the designs he created continued to be made at Mdina Glass after his departure although new designs and patterns were added as well of which this vase is an example. Ownership of the company later changed but it is still producing a popular range of glasswares today.
Indian Silver and Enamel pill or trinket Box, early C20th
Price: £55
A small Indian silver and enamel box and cover of near spherical form with three ball like tripod feet and a round finial, the silver body with cloisonne enamel decoration of a central panel of elephants in procession and geometric floral designs to the lid and base with blue enamel compartmented borders, the interior finished in translucent green enamel. Style of decoration indicates an early C20th dating for this highly appealing item which might even have a practical use for its new owner.
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!
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.
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', after the American made products in this style of which Lot 1 in this sale is a prime specimen, 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 to either the glass or the metalwork.
Art Deco opaline glass necklace 1930s
Price: £125
This is a stunning strand of large tear drop opaline glass beads strung with conical silver beads. Opaline glass has been around since the 19th century and can be seen in jewellery from this time. These beads are of exceptional quality and appear to glow in both low light and daylight. There are flashes of pink and yellow that make these beads dance like they are lit from within. They are better quality than most authentic opals of this type. Has been fitted with a modern extender.
Chinese Cloisonné Bowl with a wavy edge, 20th Century
Price: £25
A Chinese Cloisonné Bowl of shallow form with a short gilt metal foot and a wavy edge rim also finished in gilt metal, decorated with peony and rocks and a flying bird in bold polychrome enamels with shading effects on a black ground with a gilt wire design of repeating small stylised clouds, the base finished in blue enamel. The style of decoration suggests a circa date in the first half of the twentieth century.