Stunning patent crocodile bag, Germany 1960s
Price: £100
This is a very beautiful bag that is made from very fine crocodile, lined in smooth leather, Marked as 'authentic croc', Made in Germany
Czech glass bowl from the Niagara range designed by Karel Zemek for Mstisov, 1960s
Price: £95
An organic form bowl or ash tray of irregular triangular shape with nodules blown in a subtle blending of blue, deep pink and clear glass. This piece comes from the ‘Niagara’ range designed by Kaerl Zemek for the Mstisov glassworks in Czechoslovakia. Founded in 1868 by F. Fischmann & Sons, the firm began to produce innovative pieces in the 1950s created by Frantisek Zemek, their chief designer at the time. Frantisek Zemek died of an accident in 1960 but his brother Karel continued his work until he too passed away in 1965. Mstisov became part of the Borske Sklo National Corporation in 1958 and was sold to Moser in 1964 who continued production of its range for a few further years. This bowl, then, dates to the 1960s and is a fine example of Mstisov’s output.
A Japanese Hichozan Shinpo Brushwasher circa 1880
Price: £25
A Japanese brushwasher of squat cylindrical form with a short neck and a flat unglazed base, decorated in brightly coloured enamels with Samurai and banners. The style of painting and palette of colours resembles pieces made by the Tashiro factory in Japan, founded by Tashiro Monzaeman (1816-1900) in the late Edo period during the mid-1850s, and which were marked ‘Hichozan Shinpo’. This piece carries very feint traces of a red mark underneath which may have originally indicated the artist’s name, but even without this, the resemblance is very close and an attribution almost certain. The form suggests a brush washer, part of the scholar’s desk set.
Necklace with massive Agate Disc strung set with facetted ruby beads, India, c1940
Price: £325
This is a very substantial and heavy necklace that features a very large banded agate stone mounted in silver and set with facetted rubies. The necklace is strung with very large facetted ruby beads that are approximatelyl 12 mm wide. This really is a one off. It is from India and may have been a commissioned piece. It has been restrung recently on metal cord with a new clasp so is quite strong. The ruby beads are particularly interesting and hard to find in this size.
Japanese Imari Dish in the form of a Treasure Boat ‘Takarabune’, Meiji Period, circa 1900
Price: £250
A Japanese Imari Dish in the form of a Treasure Boat, the body shallow potted with a modelled stern and prow, the decoration in the typical ‘Imari’ palette of underglaze blue, iron red and gold with the addition of small areas of green enamel, the exterior sides decorated with stylised waves and sea spray in underglaze blue, the interior with a fabric derived ‘brocade’ design of floral panels with two ‘ho ho’ birds within a border of repeated roundels with lozenge on a blue and gilt ground, the flat base unglazed.
In Japanese folklore, the Takarabune or "Treasure Ship", is a mythical ship piloted through the heavens by the Seven Lucky Gods during the first three days of the New Year. Ceramic boat shape dishes were produced during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in both Arita and Imari porcelains. Paste of the foot rim and style of decoration suggest a circa date here towards the end of the nineteenth century.
Lot of 3 Chinese bangles
Price: £35
This is nice lot of three bangles, one cloisonné and two cinnabar. The larger cinnabar bangle is beautifully detailed on black ground, the thinner cinnabar is more typical and has more age, the cloisonné is lovely work on a blue ground.
Pair of shield or arrowhead shaped amber and silver earrings
Price: £30
These are a very fine example of worked amber which has been highly polished to mesh seamlessly with the silver work. The amber is very vivid with many inclusions. Marked 925.
Art Nouveau Fairy earrings c1930
Price: £25
These are a pair of earrings comprising a pink paste stone with a suspended Mucha style fairy figure ending in a long faux pearl. These are post and butterfly earrings that are quite light and easy to wear.
Cylindrical Vase, Herman Kähler, HAK, blue glazed stoneware, 1950s
Price: £250
A stoneware vase glazed in blue of upright cylindrical form, the base and neck concave with two ribbed bands, the foot unglazed and showing traces of the potting rings with incised marks ‘HAK’ and 22-118. Herman August Kähler was a Danish ceramic designer and manufacturer who ran the Kähler ceramic factory (Kählers Keramiske Værksted) in Næstved, Denmark which he took over from his Father with his brother in 1872, then running it himself from 1875 when he built a new factory on the town’s outskirts. Kähler was responsible for the introduction of a ruby red glaze which soon became extremely popular and the factory began to produce many well formed decorative pieces which enjoyed a wide reception and were exhibited at the Great Nordic Exhibition held in Copenhagen in 1888 and at the Exposition Universelle held the following year in Paris. Kähler died in 1917 but the firm continued, at first under the direction of his son Herman Hans Christian Kähler.
This vase was designed by Herman Kähler’s grandson Nils Kähler who took over the business with his brother in 1940. Nils Kähler had a special talent for following the design trends of the time. Even though he was enthusiastic himself about traditional wares, the new production was characterized by much simpler designs. He made designer objects such as ashtrays, vases, jugs and lamp bases for Le Klint lamps. Made of stoneware, these bases were fired in his preferred salt glaze or with the strong turquoise or warm golden colors. This vase, then, is a typical example of his work and probably dates to the 1950s.
Wave shape glass Vase, probably Murano, second half C20th
Price: £95
This is a dramatically modelled sculptural vase representing a cresting wave, the variegated blue glass with minute bubbles imitating water and blending into clear glass imitating the foam atop. It stands on an irregularly circular base, similarly finished. There are similar wave shape glass sculptures made by British artists such as Alison Vincent or David Wight but this piece resembles more closely the marine inspired designs made at Murano, Italy, in the later part of the twentieth century, some of which are attributed to Cristiano Toso. The maker here must remain anonymous but has created a dynamic piece which successfully recreates the sense of an ocean swell.
Pair of Worcester Saucers with Chinoiserie Decoration circa 1780
Price: £45
A pair of saucers of typical form with gently curved sides and an unglazed foot rim, decorated in imitation of the Chinese Mandarin pattern (the term derived from the court figures, so called ‘Mandarins’, included as a promiment feature in the designs) with two ladies and attendants in a stylised garden scene with pine and rocks, a pavilion to the right and a lake scene in the background with further buildings in the distance, the edge with a double border, scroll work in puce and repeating dots in grisaille.
While close to the Chinese originals, many features indicate European and indeed English manufacture, in particular the drawing of the ladies’ heads, the palette of colours used, the borders employed and, most importantly, the glaze and paste of the reverse. The most likely producer here was the Worcester factory whose ‘Mandarin’ pieces were well known and a circa date in the second half of the eighteenth century is reasonable. The saucers would have come from a small tea service with matching bowls and various serving items, including, of course, a teapot. Not so likely to be used now, they provide an elegant example of the vogue for Chinoiserie in England at the time.
An Octagonal Brass Tray with a roundel of an elephant, probably Persian early C20th
Price: £55
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.
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.
Pair of fine quality Japanese Bronze Vases decorated birds, circa 1880
Price: £220
A pair of Japanese bronze vases of angular baluster form with stepped bases, a concave neck and a stepped flaring rim, the necks with applied cast handles in the form of cranes and the front and reverse with raised cast decoration of birds amidst plants and flowers. Vases in bronze, usually with applied cast decoration and elaborate handles, were a staple production of Japanese metalware manufacturers in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, essentially for export to the West. Some of the pieces attained nearly art studio status but many were fairly routine and some rather hastily produced with poor materials. These vases are well above average with good quality bronze in an attractive patina cast in an imaginative and pleasing shape. The applied decoration is well defined with good detailing and the ornate handles effectively offset the clean lines of the shape. Attractive ornaments in their time this pair of vases would be an elegant enhancement for a contemporary interior.
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.
LOT 1
Art nouveau style brooch with dragon fly - emerald and ruby
Estimate: £20 – 30Auction Ending
15/08/26 18:00:00 BST
£0.00
Butterfly brooch by Marius Hammer (1847-1927), Bergen, Norway
Price: £450
This is a very fine example of the work by the well known Norwegian goldsmith Marius Hammer (1847 - 1927). It is one of his most popular designs, a butterfly with guilloche enamel wings and body. The wings are turquoise, the body is blue and the eyes are red enamel. It is all done in silver with a gold finish on the reverse and it is marked Sterling 930S and then with his monogram which is an M with a hammer intersecting it. This is quite a unique piece as it is one of the largest examples of the butterfly designs with a wingspan of 8 cm (the most commonly found size is 6.2 cm). The gilt detail on the edge of the wings is also seldom seen.
MARIUS HAMMER BIO:
Marius Hammer built up and managed Norway's largest goldsmith's workshop in the decades around 1900. By investing heavily in marketing and international launch, he helped make Norwegian enamelwork an important export item. In a golden age for Norwegian handicrafts, Hammer's company also delivered many works that are among the main works of Norwegian goldsmithing.
Hammer was a third-generation goldsmith in the traditional craft town of Bergen. In his father's workshop, he received training in an ancient guild craft, but his ambitions were greater than running a small workshop, as his father and grandfather had done. During his studies in Hamburg and Berlin around 1870, he gained insight into new techniques and production methods, and from 1871 he built up his workshop to become the largest in Bergen in a few years. He had modern aids such as gas and electricity installed early on.
The workshop made all types of goldsmith's wares: centerpieces, jugs, coffee sets, cutlery, jewelry and much more. However, from the 1880s, Hammer focused on the tourist market and became a major producer of souvenirs and other luxury items in filigree and enamel. He built up a network of branches in the well-known tourist destinations in Western Norway, and he also supplied large quantities of goods to businesses abroad, including London. From 1885, Hammer's company was court supplier to the Prince of Wales, and somewhat later the German Emperor Wilhelm II became an avid customer. The main product was filigree work with window enamel – glass mosaics in all the colors of the rainbow built up on a fragile network of thin, gilded threads. Small and large Viking ships in various price ranges for tourists, boots, teaspoons, jewelry and much more were produced in a wide variety and in large quantities. Around 1914, the company reached its peak with about 130 employees.
The key to Hammer's success in the tourist market was very active marketing, including through participation in the major world exhibitions. Together with the Kristiania firms Tostrup and David-Andersen, Hammer made enamelware one of the most important Norwegian exports.
In addition to souvenir production, Hammer also had an important production of corpus works, i.e. objects such as bowls, jugs and mugs. He invested heavily in prestige works for exhibition purposes and for the upper bourgeoisie, and a number of essays and other large corpus works are of greater artistic interest than souvenir production. Hammer engaged outstanding designers, and over the prosperous years from about 1900 to about 1920 the firm produced works that are now considered masterpieces in the goldsmith's art of the period.
Marius Hammer became Bergen's richest craftsman; he lived at the elegant country estate Christinegård in Sandviken and had himself driven in a two-horse carriage to his shop in Strandgaten. He built up a large collection of antiques and also traded in these in his shop.
With the outbreak of World War I, the tourists disappeared, and after the war, times became tougher for the luxury production that Hammer had focused on. The company was converted into a limited liability company in 1915, with his eldest son Torolf as director. However, he died in 1920, and from then on the company went into decline. Neither the old Marius Hammer nor his youngest son Max, who took over as manager, were able to carry out the radical restructuring that was necessary to adapt to the changing times. Shortly after Marius Hammer died in 1927, the company's properties and most of the machinery were sold, and the remnants of the company went into bankruptcy in 1930. (REF: https://nbl.snl.no/Marius_Hammer)
Amber buddha carving on egg yolk amber and lapis necklace
Price: £175
This is a recently constructed necklace comprising a charming amber buddha head carving set with Art Deco egg yolk amber and lapis beads. With Chinese silver filigree clasp. It is difficult to date the buddha head but it is 20th century. The egg yolk beads are Art Deco and the lapis beads are late 20th century. With brown silk tassel.
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.
Art Deco Davidson purple cloud glass bowl, stand and frog, 1930s
Price: £55
This is a sunning flower display set, comprising a bowl, stand and ‘frog’ (or flower holder) made by George Davidson & Co in purple 'Cloud Glass'. This type of glass work was unique to the firm which was founded by George Davidson as the Teams Flint Glass Works in 1867, later becoming known as George Davidson & Co. In the 1880s the company began producing pressed glass tableware in a variety of shapes and by the 1920s their designs began to reflect the new Art Deco trends. From 1923, Davidson began producing their hugely successful ‘Cloud Glass’ range, created by applying streaks of dark coloured glass to paler glass, creating a random swirled, ‘clouded’ pattern of which this piece is an excellent example. The firm continued production until the 1980s, closing in 1987.
This model can be seen in the firm's catalogue for 1931 where the bowl and stand are combined with a separate pierced flower holder in the same style. No doubt the size of the ‘frog’ was up to the purchaser who could choose from a range of dimensions which probably explains the slightly different proportions here to the catalogue image which otherwise illustrates our example extremely well, even down to the milled edging to the rim of the bowl. With its archetypal shape and colouring this piece would be an excellent addition to any Art Deco collection as well as providing a striking and decorative item for a contemporary interior.
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
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
Unusual large evening minaudiere by Volupte USA 1950s
Price: £25
This a very unique large minaudiere by American designer Volupte. It contains powder, lipstick and with a part that would have been for cigarettes. It has a female figure with paste stones in an Art Deco design with gold colour waves below. It has some powder and the original lipstick in red. With black taffeta cover so can be carried as a wrist bag.
Art Deco crystal and gilt metal Necklace
Price: £35
This is a very beautiful necklace with three strands of crystal beads suspended from gilt metal triangular plaques with an art deco style floral design ending in a cluster of three crystal beads in the form of stylised flower heads and a shell form crystal, all set on a gilt metal plaque with an openwork stylised floral design.
Mdina glass globular bottle vase, Earthtones pattern, second half C20th
Price: £25
A small but heavy globular glass bottle with a ‘button’ rim decorated with a swirling design in tones of beige, brown and ochre. While not signed but quite possibly lacking an original paper label, the finish of the base and the stoutly blown glass have all the hallmarks of Mdina glass and 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, probably a design by Michael Harris who founded the glassworks at Mdina in Malta in company with Eric Dobson in 1968. Harris left in 1972 to set up Isle of Wight glass but his designs continued to be made and perhaps this piece dates to the 1980s. It is sometimes called a scent bottle, but, if so, would have needed a stopper and there few if any examples which have a clearly matching one. Perhaps just a decorative piece then and certainly a collectible example of this popular Mdina pattern.
Druzy Quartz and Onyx panel Bracelet, c1940
Price: £125
This is a very unusual and large bracelet comprising stations of black onyx together with fine druzy quartz. The panels are graduated with an integrated clasp. It is unmarked but probably of Scottish origin.
Framed poster for Victor Bicycles, Overman Wheel Company, C20th
Price: £55
This is an iconic poster image, the original of which was created in 1896 by the famed artist Will H. Bradley for the Overman Wheel Company, famous for their innovative and high quality bicycles in the last years of the nineteenth century. The ‘Victor’ bicycle was the most famous model in their range and enjoyed enormous success after its introduction in 1883. By 1893 it was known as ‘the highest grade bicycle’ and it went on to be sold in a wide variety of models and sizes. But competition and changing economic circumstances saw the company’s business decline sharply and after a devastating fire in 1899 the business was sold in 1900.
Will H. Bradley (1868-1962) was an American artist and illustrator whose work enjoyed enormous popularity in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, indeed he became America’s highest paid artist. Some of his most elaborate and original poster and advertisement designs were produced in the last years of the nineteenth century and he was an apt choice for Albert Overman’s then thriving business. His style was quintessentially Art Nouveau and is often compared to that of the English artist, Aubrey Beardsley, indeed he was sometimes dubbed as the ‘American Beardsley'. This poster design for Overman has been much copied and reproduced over the years with original examples residing in museum collections. The dating of this particular printing is not wholly certain; the reproduction is certainly way superior to that of more modern versions and the accompanying frame also indicates some age, perhaps to the 1960s or through to the 1980s. We have, then, both an elegant decorative item and an excellent addition to a collection important poster art.
Mexican Silver Bracelet with Aztec Designs, Taxco, 1950s
Price: £65
This is a fine example of a ‘classic’ bracelet design produced by the Mexican silversmiths working at Taxco, the artistic centre of Mexican silver production. The bracelet comprises four curved rectangles of silver joined with hinges and terminating in a square push clap. When assembled the pieces form a circular bracelet which sits snugly on the wrist. Each piece has an engraved design employing Aztec motifs, so often a source for decoration on Taxco jewellery, key pattern between a triangular and a stylised floral motif on a ground etched to imitate stone. The square clasp is stamped at the back with a diamond tablet with the characters ‘GURDO925’‘FP’ and an eagle mark 4. Dating is most likely to the 1950s. FP is the Taxco silversmith who would have been active in the 1940s and 50s based on this eagle mark.
Victorian style copper bracelet with buckle detail 1950s
Price: £20
This is a lovely collectible piece of Victorian style copper jewellery. This would have had a gold wash on it originally. It has a bold buckle detail and a hammered sunflower design. It is marked "Exquisite".
Commemorative Ware Silver Jubilee Plate, James Kent Ltd, England, 1935
Price: £35
A small circular serving dish the shallow concave centre surrounded by a shaped and modelled edge with gilt decoration, cream glazed with polychrome transfer decoration in honour of the Silver Jubilee of King George the Fifth in 1935. He is shown with his wife Queen Mary in an elaborate composition of shields and flags with the royal crown and the motto ‘honi soit qui mal y pense’. At the back is the mark ‘SILVER JUBILEE WARE’ ‘James Kent Ltd’ ‘England’. James Kent Ltd were long established earthenware and porcelain manufacturers based in Stoke on Trent, England. For the 1935 Jubilee they produced a range of wares including mugs and plates. This serving dish seems to be a slightly more unusual form and would be a useful addition to a collection of these commemorative wares.
Nefertiti suite of pendant necklace and earrings, 20th century
Price: £50
This is a wonderful set of matching earrings and a necklace all depicting the familiar profile face of Nefertiti. They are in solid silver, not hollow, and each bear very tiny Egyptian hallmarks, one of which is visible in the last image.
Butler & Wilson massive dragon brooch
Price: £125
This is a gorgeous brooch in gold tone with gold and clear diamante stones, red glass eyes, signed
Set of three prints of Pierrot figures, signed Panos, oak frames, second half C20th
Price: £150
A set of three prints depicting Pierrot figures in typical costume, one seated, one holding an umbrella and one looking at a butterfly. The originals of these prints were by Joyce Panos, a designer/artist from the 1970s and 1980s, primarily known for her ‘Pierrot’ themed artwork and designs for various household items, such as bedding, pillowcases (see image 19), plates, and candleholders, which were manufactured by companies such as JP Stevens & Co and Silvestri. The Pierrot figure had long been a favourite subject for artists but the version here was well suited to the times with its reminiscences of the singer David Bowie. The oak frames are doubtless contemporary and complement the prints well but have something of a 1930s look to them which perhaps intentionally recalls Pierrot figures from the Art Deco era.
Large round Scottish agate cloak pin c 1900
Price: £125
This brooch is a traditional Scottish cloak pin and would have been used on the should to hold the cloak in place. This one is a particularly nice example as it has a very intricate twisted design that includes all type of Scottish Agate such as jasper and blood stone. This brooch is unmarked which is not unusual for Scottish silver of this type.
Silver Brooch in the form of a Butterfly, Taxco 1940s
Price: £65
A silver Brooch in the form of a Butterfly with modelled wings set with beads in metal and turquoise, the slender body terminating in two antennae. Marked Made in Mexico, Sterling with the maker's mark AE in a heart shape. There is also an Eagle mark which indicates the Taxco workshop but this is difficult to identify.
Large tooled leather bag with Moroccan Designs 1970s
Price: £85
This is a beautiful large bag made from light soft leather that has been tooled all over with Moroccan patterns and vignette roundels depicting camels and palm trees.Lined in leather, it has four stud feet and is in immaculate condition..
Vintage floral decorated Sugar Bowl and Cream Jug, probably Bohemian mid C20th
Price: £25
This is a matching duo from an original tea service comprising a sugar bowl and cover and a cream jug. Both are elaborately formed with fluted bodies and rococo style handles and are decorated with vertical bands with floral blooms on green and yellow grounds. They are clearly continental and the style of decoration suggests porcelain made in Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic. These pieces are known for their quality and the use of traditional techniques, often featuring hand-painted decoration, as here. Dating is probably to the 1950s with the intention to recreate and imitate earlier European styles.
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.
Pair of Ceramic Figures of Swans, probably continental, C20th
Price: £45
A pair of ceramic figures of swans, their heads bowed and wings outstretched, decorated in brightly coloured enamels of blue, yellow and iron red with gilt highlights, the bases with a circular aperture and a stamped gilt mark depicting a bird and a globe above the words 'Fine Porcelain'. The style of these pieces closely resembles the products of the Italian firm 'Manifattura Italiana Porcellane Artistiche Fabris', established by the sculptor Luigi Fabris in 1916, which produced high quality ceramic items for much of the C20th, finally being sold by Luigi's son Augusto to the Elite Company in 1979. Indeed there are examples of a very similar swan figure, clearly marked with the Italian factory's name, which was produced by them. But the mark here cannot be identified and Continental manufacture has to be assumed, perhaps in the 1970s.
Unusual Modernist style brooch
Price: £10
This is a great take on the floral brooch in worked metal with one glass stone
Brooch with moonstone and millegrain work c1900
Price: £35
This is a small bar brooch that features three moonstones and detailed millgrain work. It is silver with some gold wash. It is most likely Italian. It is marked with a makers mark and 925.
Florentine style lapis and silver brooch c1900
Price: £35
This is a intricate brooch designed with scroll work and column details. It is Scottish due to the thistle design on the east west corners. This was always included in Scottish designs as it is the national flower.
Outstanding Art Deco necklace with French jet and rock crystal beads c1920
Price: £175
This is a stunning and rare necklace comprising French jet glass beads combinded with facetted rock crystal beads. There are two stations that are tear drop shaped that have both French jet and crystal elements, this is very typical of the Art Deco period in jewellery. This necklace has been recenlty restrung to ensure that it is strong.
Bird form ewer with cover, possibly Russian c1960
Price: £45
This is a very unusual large jug or ewer modelled in the stylised form of bird with a man riding on it. It appears to be Russian although there are no markings to confirm this.
Beautiful small daguerreotype in a frame c. 1850
Price: £25
This is an amazing daguerreotype of two young girls probably made for an officer to take as a memento while travelling. The daguerreotype was the first commercially successful photographic process in the history of photography. Announced to the public in 1839 the daguerreotype enjoyed great popularity in the 1840s and 1850s. Named after the inventor, Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre, each daguerreotype is a unique image on a silvered copper plate.
Stunning long Art Deco necklace with cherry amber beads
Price: £250
This is a wonderful long constructed necklace comprising Art Deco cherry amber beads and Czech glass uranium glass beads. The central pendant is a rare glass bead of a man in a turban. There is also a Chinese carved fruit stone carving ending in a silk tassel.
Green Chalcedony silver mounted brooch with marcasite stones, 1940s
Price: £45
This is a silver mounted brooch, the central oval green chalcedony or chrysoprase stone bordered with an elaborate rounded hexagonal frame, the stylised flowers with scrolling foliage and a milled border, all set with marcasite stones, a bar clasp to the reverse and an engraved mark ‘925’ for silver. Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony distinguished by its shades of green and has been used for jewellery since antiquity. Maracsite, a brittle, metallic, semi-precious stone is also often used in jewellery and sometimes known as ‘white iron pyrite’ or more colloquially ‘fool's gold’. Its use here, combined with the elaborate design of the mount, suggests a dating to the 1940s
Unusual floral spray brooch 1960s
Price: £10
This is a lovely small brooch set with yellow and amber glass stones
Etching of Pin Mill, Suffolk, C19th
Price: £25
The scene presented here is that of Pin Mill, a small village on the south bank of the River Orwell in southern Suffolk, England. The origin of the name is uncertain, since pin manufacturing is never known to have taken place there, but the location was regularly used as a landing point for ship-borne cargo, a centre for the repair of Thames sailing barges and the home to many small industries such as sail making. It is also held to have played a role in the smuggling activities which used to take place off the east Suffolk coast. Its picturesque views have often been the subject of artists and clearly caught the intention of the print maker here, whose initials ‘AxA’ can be seen at the bottom left corner but cannot, unfortunately, be identified. The view chosen looks over the estuary and the prominent building to the left is the ‘Butt and Oyster’ pub dating back to the seventeenth century and still in business today. The relatively uncluttered shore line suggests a nineteenth century dating if, as is reasonable to assume, it was a contemporary view which the artist tried to capture. The soft lines of the composition suggests the technique of etching rather than engraving where acid is used to create the image on the plate producing detailed and shallow designs and the unknown creator of this piece has produced an attractive image which fully exploits the potential of the technique.
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.
Framed Chinese Silk Embroidered Runner Panel, garden scenes, C20th
Price: £15
The repeating design we see here (the figure on the left reappears on the right) indicates that this textile is a section from a longer piece which perhaps acted a ceiling border for a wall. Depicted in a fairly muted palette of silk threads with an emphasis on light green and turquoise is a stylised garden scene with labourers (hoe, wheatsheaves, fruit basket) and one figure seated at leisure, all within a border comprising a mixed assemblage of the common motifs of Chinese decoration including stylised flowers, dragons, elephants, shou medallions and the endless knot (one of the eight Buddhist emblems). The stitching is not particularly detailed suggesting mid C20th work but the design is pleasing nonetheless.
Iridescent art glass Vase with loop handles, possibly continental 1950s
Price: £45
A fine quality art glass vase, the broad pear shape body flaring to the neck which turns over to form two large loop form handles, the cream iridescent glaze skillfully combined with an iridescent green highlighting the inside of the neck and the handles. The quality of manufacture here is self evident but a provenance hard to determine. The flowing lines employed can reflect pieces form Czechoslovakia or Italy and the general finish some of the productions of the Orrefors factory in Sweden. Dating is equally problematic but the mid twentieth century seems a reasonable attribution.
Pair of Japanese Blue and White Seto Ware Vases, early C20th
Price: £240
A pair of Japanese Vases of ovoid form with modelled concave necks, decorated in bright underglaze blue with densely flowering peony and chrysanthemum, the design continuing right round to the reverse, the necks with a band of repeating geometric design below a band of stylised clouds and waves, the bases glazed and each with indistinct markings in underglaze blue, more extensive on one vase than the other.
The finely drawn brushwork here and the distinctive bright blue are characteristics of pieces made at Seto in Japan in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The city of Seto is located in the Aichi Prefecture and was the location of one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan. Pottery was produced there from the 13th century onwards. The kilns took part in the export of decorative wares to the West from the second half of the nineteenth century onwards producing a wide variety of forms, in particular pairs of vases, but with a speciality in flat plaques and table tops, for which they gained something of a monopoly. Their pieces are usually marked, to include the characters for Seto, and this pair of vases may have originally been signed themselves but with the marks partially obliterated in the firing process. The quality here matches anything else produced by the factories but the light weight and thinly potted body suggests a dating to the early 20th century rather than before, probably during the Taisho period (1912-1926). Nevertheless the skill in craftsmanship is obvious and contributes to a highly attractive pair of ornaments for a contemporary interior.
Rectangular Box and Cover, Basanite Jasper, C20th
Price: £95
A rectangular box and cover constructed from joined slabs of basanite Jasper, both parts with the rims metal mounted and joined by a hinge at the rear, the base with four short feet. The material here is a form of Jasper, a naturally formed rock which can appear in a variety of colours and patterns. One of these is ‘picture jasper’ where the outline of scenes or images can be seen on the polished surface and another ‘basanite jasper’ known for its black streaked tones. Both of these can be seen here, particularly the apparently mountainous design of the lid and the two side panels, front and back. Jasper is found in a wide variety of locations, including Russia but it is not possible to determine the origin here. Dating is equally uncertain, but the piece has a strong ‘Art Deco’ look with its clean lines and simple geometric feet and this may well point to the timing of its manufacture. Colour and form, though, combine to produce a striking decorative item well suited to the most contemporary interior.
Fun vintage souvenir shell necklace 1960s
Price: £15
This is quite an intricately made necklace that would have been a souvenir piece in the 1960s. It comprises three types of shells that are woven together. It is difficult to name the shells unless you are an oceanographer (!) but the main type of shell is a flat and there are two other smaller shells with one artificially coloured green.
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!
Art Deco beaded dress adornment
Price: £30
This is a very rare and detailed dress adornment comprising beads and glass stones attached to a long fringe
Orange Soliflore glass Vase, probably Murano, Italy late C20th
Price: £35
A slender and tall art glass vase, the squat lightly lobed and rounded base below a tall slender neck with raised twist trails flaring outwards towards the petal shaped top rim, the bottom flat with four small protruding feet, the orange glass exterior encasing a white glass interior. The form of this vase is called ‘Soliflore’ from the Latin solus (alone) and flos (flower). Originating in the Art Deco period and very much in keeping with the minimalist designs of that time, these vases were designed to hold a single flower such as a rose or a tulip. They continued to be manufactured after the war, especially in Italy at either Empoli or Murano. The high white casing, twist effects and finish of the base suggest the latter with a circa date probably in the 1980s.
Two brooches - Jerusalem Mother of Pearl and Egyptian Silver, 1950s
Price: £15
This is a lovely group of two very different brooches. One is a large very finely carved mother of pearl brooch that is known as Jerusalem Mother of Pearl. The other is an Egyptian filigree silver brooch depicting a camel.
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!
Brass and Enamel Campaign Serving Set, Made in British India mark, 1920s
Price: £45
This is an attractive set of three small serving dishes, presumably for sweetmeats or cakes, hinged to fold flat and be used as a travelling or 'campaign' item. The central dish rotates around a pivot which can be tightened to hold it in position when open and the side dishes drop down in alignment. The brass body is decorated in relief modelled enamels with stylised floral designs in red, blue, turquoise and cream typical of Anglo British work in the early 20th century. Each of the dishes and the hinges are marked '2.6' and the two outer dishes are stamped 'Made in British India' in addition.
Tall glass swirl design Vase, Herner Glas Germany, late C20th
Price: £35
A tall glass vase, the body of tapering form with a short concave neck and flaring rim, decorated in mustard and brown colourings and traces of white with a trailing swirl pattern, a small label to the side reading ‘Herner Glas’. The firm ‘Herner Glas’ was founded in 1986 at Herne, a town in the Ruhr area of Germany. It specialises in hand blown art glass and marble effect pieces, as here, are one of its particular specialities. Many of its pieces survive with the original maker’s label containing the distinctive red ace of spades and some also include the model number.
Stumpwork embroidery picture of a Young Couple dancing, C20th
Price: £25
An embroidery panel of a young couple dancing in a stylised garden scene. Each wears European, possibly Swiss, dress, the young man with a short sleeved embroidered jacket and a broad brimmed hat, the young lady with flowing skirts and a bonnet tied with a blue ribbon. Some of the work is heavily stitched to produce a ‘3D’ effect, notably the bonnet ribbons and the plant leaves, which is a feature of the so called ‘stumpwork’ technique, found elsewhere on a floral panel in this auction. The general style is slightly abstract and has very much a mid century feel suggesting a dating to the 1950s and the frame could well be contemporary with this. The result is a decorative composition of great charm.
Studio Pottery Vase signed Kamini, Greece, 1970s
Price: £45
An elegant ceramic vase of cylindrical form, the upright body narrowing towards the very faintly outcurving neck, the mottled mustard glaze coloured ground with drip colour effects in blue, brown and orange, the interior glazed in mustard and blue and the base with an unglazed foot rim and a stamped mark reading ‘KAMINI’.
Although ‘Kamini’ is both the Greek word for a kiln and the name of a village on the Greek island of Hydra, it actually stands here for the Greek firm of that name whose registered office was at Kallithea, a suburb of Athens. The Kamini pottery produced a wide range of appealing but often slightly rustic wares in the 1970s, many with the splash glaze effects we see here and all stamped with the firm’s name. This vase stands out somewhat for the simple lines of its form and the variety of effects in its decoration with a particularly pleasing palette of colours and demonstrates that this Mediterranean pottery could well rival at times the work of some of its European competitors.
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.
1950s Ocean Themed Earrings
Price: £15
This is a striking pair of earrings with a marine inspired design, comprising modelled turquoise metal sea shell plaques with suspended gilt metal sea horses suspended from gilt metal mounted facetted turquoise glass beads, the hooks in gilt metal.
Art Deco silver dress clips/brooch, American c1930
Price: £155
This is a stunning brooch that converts into dress clips. It is in a flamboyant Art Deco design that is set with paste stones, the larger stones with a champagne colour which makes this brooch really stand out. Both sides of the brooch are marked 'SILVER' 'HANDSET' '4' A gorgeous piece.
Pink Alabaster Box and Cover, Italy late c20th
Price: £25
An attractive box and cover of circular form made from pink alabaster, each section mounted in gilt metal and attached by a hinge, the lid with a finely detailed design of flowering lotus. Italy is a prime source for alabaster and many similar boxes have a sticker on the base saying ‘Made in Italy’ giving us the country of origin here. Dating is probably to the 1980s/1990s.
A Ceramic Moneybox in the form of a Pig, Helensgate Ceramics, mid twentieth century
Price: £25
A ceramic moneybox, pink glazed and amusingly modelled in the form of a rotund pig with wide eyes and ribbon bow, the back with a slot to insert the coins and the base with a circular aperture to retrieve them, sealed with a plastic plug, probably original. A paper label affixed reading 'Helensgate Ceramics'. Little seems to be known about this firm but they clearly specialised in amusing animal figures and in particular moneyboxes. The piece has a mid twentieth century look to it and a circa date of 1960 seems reasonable. While less in use now, there are still some for whom 'cash is king'. If so, this would be a desirable acquisition!
Operculum shell demi parure
Price: £50
This is a wonderful set set with operculum shells. A large statement necklace and earrings set in silver tone base metal. What is an operculum shell?
An operculum is a calcareous structure created by many sea snails that serves as a little “trapdoor” to safely close them inside their shell. When, say, the tide goes out, stranding a sea snail too far from the water, the gastropod can draw itself deep into its shell and pull the operculum closed behind it.
Vintage Petit Point Tapestry Bag, Austria, 1920s
Price: £55
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.
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.
Herend écuelle and cover decorated flowers, marked, late C20th
Price: £75
A fine porcelain small circular deep bowl and cover with two rococo form handles, the cover with a modelled floral finial, both parts with a band of impressed basket work and delicately decorated in coloured enamels with floral and fruit sprays, the base with a blue printed mark ‘HEREND. HUNGARY’ above a shield with two brushes below and the wording ‘HAND PAINTED’ and below this the numbers ‘1718’.
This écuelle and cover, possibly intended as a sugar bowl, was made by the Herend Porcelain factory. Founded in Hungary in 1826 it almost immediately enjoyed enormous popularity with wealthy customers including members of the European aristocracy. Production continued into the twentieth century through nationalistion in 1948 and reprivatisation in 1993 and continues to the present day. The designs produced in recent years often copy those of an earlier period and this is most likely the case here where resemblances can be seen to the nineteenth century productions from Meissen. The format of the mark indicates a fairly recent date of manufacture, probably in the later years of the twentieth century, but the quality of the execution is in no way diminished and the modelling of the finial in particular of the highest standard.
Large costume cameo brooch, marked W. Germany
Price: £15
This is a fun large oval brooch set with a very detailed glass cameo portrait with faux pearls, market W. Germany
Art Deco bar brooch with moonstone cabochon, c1930
Price: £75
This is a very elegant bar brooch that has finely detailed silver work that exhibits both Art Deco and Islamic design. It is set with a bluish moonstone cabochon. It is marked 835 so most likely Austrian.
Estruscan style necklace in the manner of Lalaounis c1990
Price: £75
This is a wonderful quality necklace comprising two tiers of Etruscan design elements and numerous acorn form drops. This is made to emulate the designs of Lalaounis a very popular jewellery designer and goldsmith who worked in Greece until his death in 2013. The origin of this necklace is unknown but it is amazing quality and is drenched in buttery gold plating.
Japanese Studio Pottery Vase, signed, C20th
Price: £150
This is a most unusual Japanese vase of elongated proportions, the slender cylindrical body rising to a narrow concave neck with a flaring rim edged in brown. The fine quality white glaze is decorated in underglaze colours of blue, copper red and green in a continuous design of flowering lotus against two horizontal double edged bands. Pronounced potting rings can be seen inside the top interior but the white glazed base is quite smooth and has a seven character mark in underglaze blue, presumably indicating the studio which produced it. Late twentieth century dating seems most likely. There are no ready parallels for this piece, although perhaps with imagination one might possibly see a form of sake bottle here, and for the time being it must be appreciated for itself as strikingly modernist example of Japanese ceramic art.
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.
Chinese Soapstone Double Brushwasher, C20th
Price: £45
A Chinese soapstone brushwasher carved in the form of two hollow bamboo stems standing between strands of trailing peach and resting on a rocky base with stylised foliage and a bird, the curved reverse plain and with three holes to facilitate the carving and the base recessed and with small holes. Various similar pieces can be found with one or more containers or vases surrounded by flowers or sometimes animals and presumably intended as brushwashers. 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). Production continued into the 20th Century and even takes place now, but the style of work here, with fairly coarse hand carving but the evident use of a drill, and the colouring of the stone itself suggest a mid century dating, perhaps to the 1940s. But while not of the highest technical expertise, this piece certainly has a rustic charm and can act as a pleasing ornament with the potential use as a desk accessory.
Novelty Bonnet Posy Vase, 1940s/1950s
Price: £25
This is an amusing posy vase for the display of small flowers in the form of a straw bonnet, yellow, slightly craquelure effect, glazed with modelled moulded decoration to the hat rim and crown, the latter with a green glazed tied ribbon, and a deep channel in between to hold the floral display, the underside with a ‘C’ shape foot with a printed mark ‘Made in England’ to the centre and the pattern number impressed at the side ‘REG No 837952’. Some similar pieces have a printed mark ‘Falcon Ware’ and others a printed mark ‘SYLVAC’. Falcon Ware was made by Thomas Lawrence (Longton) Ltd and Sylvac Ware (often marked ‘SylvaC’) by Shaw and Copestake, both firms being founded in the late 1800s. The two firms worked independently for over thirty years but amalgamated in the mid 1930s and during the 1940s shared the Thomas Lawrence factory for a time. Models and designs were often shared which explains the different markings on these posy vases which are otherwise near identical. Dating is probably to the post war period, either late 1940s or early 1950s, when Sylvac in particular produced many novelty items which are collected today.
Striking amber modernist brooch c1970
Price: £35
This is a very unusual large brooch comprising twisted silver tendrils and a very large old egg yolk amber stone. It is unmarked but is most likely silver and probably by a German maker.
Stunning Victorian Scottish agate necklace
Price: £175
This is a beautiful necklace comprising graduating Scottish agate beads with a banded agate heart pendant
White chalcedony and marcasite ring, Birmingham 1951
Price: £65
This is lovely ring with a bright white chalcedony stone surrounded with marcasites. These are set in silver with full English hallmarks for Birmingham 1951 with a makers mark 'NBS', most likely for Neal Bros.
Victorian large 9ct gold brooch set with amber c1900
Price: £200
This is a very rare brooch comprising a very large oval piece of egg yolk amber with inclusions that show fossilised organisms. This is set in a typical Victorian 9ct gold setting. It is unmarked.
Fairing Figurine - The last in bed to put out the light, German, early Twentieth Century
Price: £25
Fairing Figurine "The last in bed to put out the light". 'Fairings', as they are known, were ceramic figures made to be given out, sold or won as prizes at fairs, hence the name. They were a product of the late Victorian era but continued to be made until the beginning of the First World War when they fell out of fashion. Manufacture was in Germany principally by the firm Conta and Boehme who developed a mass production method that no other company could match, thereby achieving a market advantage. They exported large quantities to Britain and the United States, but their pieces have even been found in Australia along with other destinations.
The various figures were made in white glazed porcelain with coloured decoration. The compositions were sculptural and often accompanied by an inscription, as here. Many models are known. Two typical examples are 'Returning from the Ball' and 'Twelve Months after Marriage' but the most common example is represented here 'The last in bed to put out the light'. A couple are seen climbing into a covered bed at the foot of which stands a candle in a holder. These candles are usually broken off, most likely because of simple damage over the years but it has been suggested that this was done deliberately for good luck.
Some of the fairing figurines are marked, as here. In comparison with the previous Lot 4, this example has a glazed circular mark which reads 'Made in Germany'. These marks appear on the later productions of the Conta factory and indicate a dating here to shortly before the First World War. This is consistent with the rather 'brassy' looking gilding used which is typical of ceramic production generally post 1900.
It is interesting to compare Lots 4 and 5 and to see how consistent the manufacture was throughout the period. Only the glazed base with its circular mark and the type of gilt decoration separate this example from its earlier companion.
Fairings have been collectors' items for many years now and still hold a naif charm which makes them appealing display items, with a history of their own.
Green Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £55
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in green leather with a graining effect. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ (lacking its original key) and the lid a leather strap handle with fine stitching. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery, and the bottom of the box is divided into two compartments. The linings of the box and trays are in green leather and velvet with moiré silk to the inside of the lid. As with the previous lot, there are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. This box perhaps dates to a little later than the previous one, more to the 1930s but is no less of a ‘luxury’ item which equally well retains its functionality today.
Chinese Rice Grain Plate decorated in underglaze blue, iron red and gold, circa 1900
Price: £45
Chinese Plate of typical form with a straight flaring edge, decorated in underglaze blue with a central panel of chrysanthemum within a border of bats and a repeating geometric design, the edge with a band of diaper design and between a border of stylised scrolling floral blooms in iron red and gold with turquoise enamel highlighting. The reverse with concentric circles in underglaze blue and a 'shop mark' to the centre, the rim of the plate also with 'rice grain' decoration where the porcelain is pierced and the glaze allowed to cover the openings made. Paste and style of decoration suggest a circa date towards the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912) probably circa 1900.
Indian silver buckle with Buddha figures, marked, 1920s
Price: £55
This is a beautiful Indian silver buckle, each side with the figure of a seated Buddha surrounded by stylised scrolling foliage. It is a fine example of Indian silver made for export and has full hallmarks.
Art Deco Islamic silver bracelet with inset stones
Price: £195
This is a very striking bracelet that features a central plaque with inset turquoise, amethyst and carnelian stones. The setting has fine repousse stars and teardrop design with filigree work. The band is very wide and is comprised of a very fine woven silver. The clasp mirrors the plaque motif and has a bolt fitment.
Pair of Japanese Prints, C20th
Price: £25
Pair of Japanese Prints depicting geisha ladies in an interior and a garden setting with elaborate panel inscriptions.
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!
Large traditional Taxco Amethyst cross on chain c1950
Price: £175
This is a very traditional Taxco design in the form of a cross. It is set with rose cut and cabachon amethyst stones. It is marked Made in Mexico with makers mark JGD and 925. It has been paired with a complementary heavy chain that is Indian in origin.
Taxco bracelet with Aztec mask motif, 1940s
Price: £65
This is very unusual bracelet comprising stations of heavy silver masks connected with five silver rods. It is marked 'Made in Mexico' and 'Silver' and would have been made for export to the USA.
Three Powder Boxes, gilt metal, alabaster and porcelain, mid C20th
Price: £45
A group of three contrasting powder boxes all probably dating to the mid twentieth century. (1) Gilt metal with elaborate stylised floral designs, the lid with a petit point floral tapestry, English (2) Alabaster with a design of roses to the lid, Italian (3) Porcelain with a courting couple depicted on the lid, deep red ground with gilt floral decoration and gilt tripod feet, French, Limoges and marked underneath ‘Table et Décor’ ‘LIMOGES’ ‘FRANCE’.
Chinese Republican Style small Famille Rose Ginger Jar and Cover, late c20th
Price: £20
A small ginger jar and cover of typical near globular form with a matching domed cover decorated in ‘Famille Rose’ enamels with two ladies in a garden scene, the base with a band of repeating stylised lotus leaves and the shoulder with a border of stylised scrolling foliage (peony and lotus) on a pink enamel ground, the cover with two butterflies and a band of fleur de lis and the reverse with a calligraphy inscription in black with seal marks in iron red. The base has a stamped iron red mark with the Chinese characters ‘Zhong Guo Jingdezhen’ which translate ‘Made in China’ which is also written in Western characters underneath. Below this is the number ‘07’ between two horizontal lines which may indicate the factory or cooperative where the piece was made. This form of mark indicates a dating to the 1980s which is consistent with both the paste of the foot and the style of the decoration. Not perhaps Chinese craftsmanship at its best but not without a certain charm.
Oriental White Metal Box decorated Dragons and Chrysanthemum, C20th
Price: £25
A white metal box and cover of rectangular form with spreading feet, the surface with highly detailed cast decoration, a swirling dragon on the lid and profuse chrysanthemum to the sides, the interior lined in wood and the base with a two character mark within a diamond shape frame. Similar examples are catalogued as both Chinese and Japanese and the same mark appears on some. The style of decoration here, particularly the rendering of the flowers, suggests more Japanese work than Chinese and a dating to the early C20th when the cigarette box was a favourite form for export to the West.
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!
Metropolitan Museum of Art Egyptian Hieroglyphic wall plaque c2000
Price: £20
This is a very detailed plaque that depicts an Egyptian owl. It is a replica from Tutenkhamun's tomb that was issued by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Victorian Scottish agate brooch
Price: £65
This is a lovely brooch in excellent condition comprising a large central stone surrounded by smaller round stones, in silver gilt
Silver and marcasite lizard brooch, American c1950
Price: £75
This is a very finely detailed brooch in the form of a lizard set with very small marcasite stones and green paste stones for the eyes. It is marked 'Sterling' which indicates American manufacture.
Art Deco paste collar necklace by Schreiber & Hiller c1930
Price: £125
This is a quintessential Art Deco piece by Schreiber and Hiller. It is marked DGRM 1138525. This is a German patent number held by Schreiber and Hiller and pertains to the type of fluid link that has been designed to hold channel set stones. This patent was issued in September 1930. The company ceased to trade during WW2.
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.