Balinese tiger's eye Necklace, C20th
Price: £55
This is a full necklace comprising a large square tiger's eye stone with horizonal striations in a setting which employs Balinese motifs, highlighting the tradition of Balinese silver work. The mounted stone is suspended from a very thick snake form chain that complements it perfectly. There is a mark for '925' guaranteeing the quality of the silver. The abstract and bold forms present an arresting and attractive design which should appeal to a collector of contemporary costume jewellery.
Victorian filigree style handbag c1900
Price: £25
This is a completely original handbag with a white metal frame and taffeta body. The design is very typical Victorian with filigree and scroll work on the frame. It is lined in llight grey taffeta.
Brown Alabaster Egg painted with a bird and flowers, fitted wood stand, Chinese C20th
Price: £25
This is a charming decorative ornament comprising an alabaster egg shape stone in light brown carefully painted with a design of a bird sittting amidst a spray of flowers with peony and bamboo, fitted with a complementary wood stand. The work is typical of Chinese painters and the fitted stand suggests a late C20th dating.
Art Deco statement necklace with real pearls and paste stones c1920
Price: £100
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.
Egyptian Revival statement necklace c1920
Price: £85
This is a quite an early example of Egyptian Revival that was available to the general public. It is a short necklace in a breast plate design with two hanging pendants. This would have been quite a modest item in its time for those who wanted a taste of the glamour of the period. It has many of the standard Egyptian symbols and icons cast in brass with enamel painting.
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.
Victorian facetted cherry amber beads with intergrated clasp c1900
Price: £150
This is a set of rare amber beads in all graduated and matched in colour. It has a screw clasp that is also a bead. These beads have a glowing quality that is only present in the highest quality amber.
Victorian facetted amber bead necklace c1900
Price: £125
This is a lovely graduated honey coloured amber bead necklace. They are beautifully colour matched and are of excellent quality.
Outstanding opera length Victorian amber beads c1900
Price: £175
This is a beautiful long necklace comprising graduated facetted cognac colour amber beads with a barrel clasp.
English silk handbag with embroidered Chinoiserie design c1950
Price: £95
This is a beautiful bag comprising a silk body that has an unusual embroidered design that depicts a Chinese lady in a field of floral designs. It is fitted with a gold tone frame and has a label 'Made In England' 'LKW', a manufacturer known for producing affordable and attractive evening wear handbags.
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.
Victorian style Czech glass statement necklace c1930
Price: £65
This is a beautifully designed necklace that features a central lariat pendant set with red glass stones. Necklace has corresponding red bead.
Art Deco Czech statement necklace set with real beetles c1920
Price: £150
This is an unbelievably rare example of early Czech costume jewellery. It is set with real beetles and faux lapis glass cabochons and beads. There is even a beetle on the central drop. Between the beetles are enamel flies all set on a leaf design.
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.
Art Deco bee motif necklace 1930s
Price: £125
This is a very unusual and beautiful necklace comprising three stations with three dimensional bees interspersed with blue glass cabacons. It is set into gilt metal and has some enamel work on the flowers. It appears to Czech in origin based on the mounts and type of necklace.
Charming Dog motif Earrings c1930
Price: £25
This are very unusual and charming pierced earrings with dog heads that appear to be beagles or some sort of hound. They are set with paste stones and faux pearls.
Art Deco French jet and pearl necklace c1940
Price: £40
This is a wonderful and unique necklace comprising square stations of faux pearls ending with 6 strands of French jet beads. This really is an Art Deco find for the collectors.
Moroccan tooled leather bag c1960
Price: £65
This is a wonderful tooled leather bag that has Morrocan designs all over. It has outer pockets on both sides with a large inner compartment. It is lined in leather and has two grab handles.
Nesting Set of Four Small Brass Trays with an engraved designs of Bats, Chinese C20th
Price: £30
A set of four brass trays in graduating sizes of rounded rectangular form with indented corners each with an engraved design of four bats symbolising good fortune, longevity and happiness surrounding a central ‘shou’ symbol of simplified form, again representing longevity. The function of this set is unclear but care was taken in its manufacture so that the individual pieces fit precisely into one another. Perhaps for sweetmeats or other delicacies and probably made in the early twentieth century for the local market.
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.
Zuni Cuff Bracelet set with Kingman Turquoise, marked, New Mexico 1970s
Price: £300
This is a heavy silver cuff bracelet comprising a large oval Kingman turquoise stone set into a typical Zuni design featuring clean lines and millegrain work. The Zuni Tribe, located 34 miles south of Gallup, New Mexico, is an extensive community with over 10,000 members and renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistry, particularly in the realm of jewellery manufacture. Many of their pieces employ the use of turquoise and the colouration and features of the stone here indicate a provenance from the Kingman mine in North West Arizona. This exceptional piece has the stamped maker's mark 'CIRCLE J.W.' 'STERLING', possibly for Jack Whittaker, an artist known for other pieces in a similar style, and is a prime example of Zuni work, highly fashionable at the time of manufacture in the 1970s and highly desirable today.
Stunning Art Nouveau Dragonfly necklace c1920
Price: £250
This is a one of a kind Art Nouveau necklace with a large central plaque that depicts a dragonfly with chains connecting to five faux opal stones. The dragonfly has soft purple enamel and there is a faux pearl suspended from the bottom of the piece.
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.
Massive natural coral beads
Price: £175
This is an unbelievable bit of set of graduated coral beads that are natural in both colour and shape. They are ready to be strung to your taste, either as a choker style like Iris Apfel or possibly to mix it with other beads. This size of bead does not come up often and they are only getting more rare.
Mille fiore bead flapper necklace c1930
Price: £95
This is a a very detailed necklace disc and cubed shaped mille fiore beads strung together with three strands of microbeads ending in a long tassel detail.
LOT 1
Pink Glass Centrepiece Set, Arabella, Walter and Sohne, 1930s
Estimate: £40 – 60
4d 12h 33m
£26.00
Pair of Italian faux tortoiseshell earrings, 1980s
Price: £15
This is a wonderful pair of earrings that have large fan shaped faux tortoiseshell drops and metal clips that are marked BREV PAT (see image). BREV., which stands for "Brevetto." This is the Italian term for license, and the stamp signifies that the particular design or piece has been licensed or patented. These earrings are VERY light and the clips are brilliant making these very easy and pleasant to wear.
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!
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.
Early Egyptian Revival necklace c1900
Price: £65
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.
Bay Ceramic Ewer No 268-30, West Germany, 1960s
Price: £55
A ceramic ewer stoutly potted with a bulbous body above a short straight foot, the slightly concave neck terminating in two slightly flaring bands and fitted with a simple loop handle, the light mustard coloured glaze with moulded decoration of palmette leaves separated by an abstract geometric design and with bands of a repeating ovoid bead work pattern resembling a wheatsheaf, the interior glazed brown and the base with modelled marks ‘Bay’, ‘W-Germany’ ‘268-30’.
Bay Ceramics was founded by Eduard Bay in the 1930s and based in Ransbach Baumbach, the heart of the main West German pottery producing region. Their productions included vases in a wide variety of shapes and designs which continued in production until the 1980s. Bodo Mans was amongst their most famous designers working in the 1950s and 1960s. He seems to have concentrated on organic semi abstract designs and ewers in this form, with the same pattern number but in a variety of different glazes, are attributed to him. This monochrome mustard glaze seems particularly attractive and complements the design very successfully producing a striking and decorative item which might enhance a wide variety of interior settings.
Murano White Glass Vase of abstract organic form, 1960s
Price: £55
A white glass vase of abstract organic form with wavy edge sides and openwork panels, the edges finished in clear glass, the interior with a slightly blue finish at the bottom and the base clear glass and flat. While there is no direct comparison, very similar pieces were made by the well known Murano factory in Venice and some of them carry its name on an affixed paper label. Murano experimented with many abstract organic shapes and, as with other pieces, dating here seems to be to the mid twentieth century. This piece certainly has a feel of the 1960s and given the complexity of the design, it is remarkable that it has survived unscathed.
Art Deco Wooden Cigarette Box, 1930s
Price: £25
An oak wood cigarette box and cover of rectangular form with the sides and handle finished in a dark hard wood, possibly mahogany, the interior lined in green baize. The clean angular style of this piece recalls the Art Deco era and there is little reason to doubt that it was actually produced at that time. Most likely the work of a talented amateur carpenter, the box is carefully constructed with an imaginative combination of woods. Perhaps less likely to be used for cigarettes now, but handy for all those small things that would otherwise get lost!
Japanese Samurai China Biscuit Box and Cover, C20th
Price: £25
A Japanese ceramic Biscuit Box and Cover with a wicker handle of squared octagonal form, the body slightly flaring outwards and with a flush fitting cover, decorated in bright satsuma style enamels with panels of a samurai and a geisha and two with landscape designs alternating with orange ground panels with stylised foliage in enamel and gilt, the design repeating onto the lid, the base marked ‘Genuine Samurai China’, ‘Japan’, ‘Hand Painted’, and a ‘Reg No’ which cannot be read, the lettering surrounding a shield like device with Japanese characters. The firm ‘Samurai China’ seems to have made modest ceramic items, mainly tea services, for export to the West. Dating is most likely pre war, perhaps to the 1930s.
Ceramic Model of a Viking Longboat, Wade, 1950s/1960s
Price: £25
A ceramic model of a Viking longboat with planking to the sides fitted with overlapping shields, the prow and stern in the form of a stylised dragon and the foot in the form of rolling waves, colourfully glazed all over in blues and browns and the underneath with a moulded mark for the Wade factory ‘Wade Porcelain Made in England’.
Wade Ceramics Ltd was a manufacturer of porcelain and earthenware, headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Founded in 1867, it was run by various members of the Wade family until the death of George Anthony Wade in 1987 after which there was a succession of management buyouts. Despite substantial investment in 2009, the firm eventually went into administration in 2022. Wade produced a wide variety of ceramics, including the well known Wade Whimsies animal figurines.
Many of their pieces were designed to act as small containers for flowers and trinkets and this piece is a particularly amusing example of the type. Two colour ranges exist, one as here and one with much darker tones which is held to be later. Dating here, then, is most likely to the 1950s/1960s when the Wade production lines were in full swing and enjoying considerable popularity.
Stunning jade and silver lariat necklace, 20th century
Price: £150
This is a constructed necklace comprising a long rope chain that is joined at the front leading to two tassel like asymmetrical drops. The drops are pieces of carved apple jade. These appear to be natural in colour although they have not been tested so might possibly be treated in some way, as many jade pieces are. The chain and the jades have been combined and so they date differently. Both, though, appear to be relatively modern, probably late 20th century. The chain clasp is marked '925'
Framed Ceramic Plaque depicting St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon, late C20th
Price: £25
A small ceramic plaque of octagonal shape painted in tones of sepia and depicting St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon, signed by the artist, ‘B.West’, and dated 1991. It is set in an oak frame with a border of stylised foliage on a ‘fishscale’ ground, the reverse backed with hardboard. St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon dates back to the late thirteenth century although some form of church on this site seems to have existed from the seventh century onwards. The view is taken from the south west and shows the old church nave and chancel (C13th) with the new church nave to the right (C20th). The artist was presumably local, perhaps a member of the congregation, and produced a pleasing, slightly impressionistic view of a familiar building. The frame looks earlier than the 1991 date inscribed on the plaque and may have been made from older pieces of wood adapted to fit. The combination produces an attractive decorative item, even to those not familiar with the location themselves.
Chinese Fan, painting on silk, 1960s
Price: £15
A Chinese fan of irregular hexagonal shape with a bamboo effect handle, the silk panel edged with stitching and delicately painted with two goldfish and reeds in a pond setting. This lot is another example of the fans made by the Chinese as handicrafts exports to the West in the mid twentieth century, two other examples of which can be seen in the previous lot. The representation of the fish here is particularly pleasing.
Two Chinese Fans, painting on silk, 1960s
Price: £15
Two fans of circular form with bamboo effect handles, the silk panels edged with stitching and delicately painted, one with a landscape scene, signed, and the other with a bird seated on a branch of flowering lotus. These fans seem to have been made in China for export in the mid twentieth century as part of the many handicrafts items which were sent to Europe for sale. Each of the scenes depicted here has an attraction of its own and both are a modest reflection of contemporary Chinese painting. It is sometimes suggested that these might be 'wedding fans' but that may be apocryphal.
Black and Gold Copper Glitter Art Glass Scent Bottle, probably Murano late C20th
Price: £55
This is a very stylish scent bottle and stopper with a bulbous body, a concave neck with a flat top rim and a fitted stopper with a ball and pointed top and a long interior seal, the black glass with gilt flecks made from copper in globular and swirling patterns. Almost all the pieces with similar form and decoration are attributed to the Murano glassworks in Venice although none seem to exist with labels which would authenticate this. But the high quality of the glass blowing certainly suggests Murano work and the attribution seems reasonable. This example is particularly pleasing and is in excellent condition with the stopper original and intact.
Two Brass Art Nouveau Style pitchers, Joseph Sankey and Sons circa 1910
Price: £75
Two brass pitchers of broad conical form with a widely flaring lip and a simple loop handle, decorated in relief with an art nouveau style design emplying stylised tulips, the base of the larger marked ‘SOLID BRASS’ with extremely feint traces of other markings and the base of the smaller marked ‘MADE IN ENGLAND’ ‘J. S. & S’ ‘SOLID BRASS’.
‘J.S.&S’ was the mark for Joseph Sankey and Sons, a firm based in Bilston, Wolverhampton, who specialised in the manufacture of art metalware. Production seems to have started in the late nineteenth century and the firm registered designs, many in the art nouveau style, from 1896 to 1914. These ewers or pitchers were clearly a popular design to judge from the numbers found today but were referred to in the catalogues simply as ‘hot water jugs’. They were made in brass and copper in three finishes, hammered, lizard skin and art nouveau style, as here. At least six different sizes are known and sometimes the size number can be found on the base (indicating the number of pints the vessel would hold) along with the manufacturers mark, as is the case with the smaller ewer which is marked '2'. The larger ewer is only marked 'solid brass' but its height indicates its capacity which is six pints.
Popular in their day, these brass pitchers are highly sought after now for their obvious decorative appeal but clearly could also serve as flower vases providing a striking enhancement to an interior setting.
LOT 8
Murano glass Sommerso three layer Tear Drop shape Vase, 1960s
Estimate: £40 – 60
4d 12h 47m
£26.00
Taxco butterfly brooch with abalone, makers mark EL 1960s
Price: £55
This is a large brooch in silver with inset abalone pieces, marked Heche en Mexico EL. It is not clear who the maker is. It could be Enrique Ledesma but he did not tend to sign his pieces EL.
Chinese Blue and White Snuff Bottle circa 1900
Price: £45
A Chinese Blue and White snuff bottle of flattened rectangular form with a short round neck slightly flaring at the top, decorated on each side with boys, one writing on a tablet with a brush and two playing together, the sides with lotus petals and the base glazed inside an unglazed foot. The style of decoration, which is not without a naif charm, suggests late nineteenth century work and the paste of the foot rim does not conflict with this, indeed it could be a bit earlier. Similar pieces are found, usually more coarsely potted and painted, and were probably made for the local market rather than export to the West. Doubtless originally fitted with a stopper, perhaps with an attached spoon, this piece is still an amusing and decorative item for the collector.
Small Chinese Ginger Jar decorated in Famille Rose enamels, second half C20th
Price: £25
A small Chinese ‘Ginger’ jar of typical form with a near globular body and a short straight neck, decorated in Famille Rose enamels with a bird on a rock and flowering peony, a butterfly to the reverse and the neck collar with a border of repeating sylised leaves. The base with a seven character stamped mark in iron red.
The stamped mark to the base reads ‘Zhongguo Jingdezhen Zhi (China Jingdezhen Made)’ with the letter ‘V’ between two lines. In the early 1950s almost all the factories in Jiangxi, the province where the kiln town Jingdezhen is situated, were merged into larger units, each made up of ten to fifteen previously independent factories. From this time factory numbers such as we have here (=V=) came to be used and many pieces are found with a wide variety of letters and numbers indicating the various cooperatives. The quality of the productions varied and it is a reasonable assumption that increasing years witnessed a decline. While other examples of this type of jar exist, some with their original domed covers, this piece is of the very best quality, indeed the work matches earlier pieces in the style very closely, and a dating to the mid 1950s seems quite plausible. It shows that the Chinese potters continued to produce to a high standard when they chose to do so and provides a pleasing memento of the closing era of a tradition of porcelain production stretching back long into the past.
Japanese Arita Blue and White Saucer decorated Gourd and Grapes, mid C20th
Price: £15
A Japanese Saucer with a lightly shaped edge decorated in underglaze blue with green and pink highlights, a trefoil gourd like motif set on a ground of radiating feather form bands with grapes and vine leaves, the reverse glazed white and plain but with a two character script mark to the centre of the foot. Dating is probably to the 1950s/1960s but the design here is unusual and has been executed with some care, hence, no doubt, the potter’s mark.
Chinese Mandarin Pattern Saucer circa 1780
Price: £45
A saucer of typical form, shallow with raised sides and an unglazed foot rim to the reverse, decorated in bright ‘Famille Rose’ enamels with a scene of court figures, two gentleman presenting a lady accompanied by a child with a book, in a stylised garden terrace with a lake and a pavilion in the distance, the border with repeating stylised leaves and diaper work.
This is a typical example of the ‘Mandarin’ pattern produced by the Chinese in the late eighteenth century for export to the West where it enjoyed great popularity. The name derives from the male court figures, mandarins, who form such an important component of the designs. The scenes are carefully composed with much charm and rendered in a wide variety of coloured enamels with much emphasis on deep pink (‘Famille Rose’) and iron red. A wide variety of wares were produced in the pattern including vases, bowls, dinner services and tea sets, as here, where there would have been a set of bowls and saucers along with matching serving items. The charm and quality of this piece speaks for itself and presents an excellent and collectible example of this opulent pattern from the eighteenth century.
Japanese Arita Blue and White Bowl, first half C20th
Price: £25
A fine quality Japanese Blue and White Bowl of shallow rounded form with a short foot, the interior decorated with ten irregularly shaped segments, five plain, three with geometric designs (diaper, key pattern, lozenge) and two with stylised floral tendrils, all arranged to form a swirling effect and grouped around a central flower head, the border with repeating stylised lotus flower heads, the exterior plain with two simple lines, and the base with a four character mark.
This ‘swirling’ pattern is sometimes found on late nineteenth century polychrome plaques. Dating here is probably later, perhaps to around 1920, in the middle of the Taisho period (1912 – 1926), but care has been taken with this piece and the mark, which unfortunately cannot be deciphered, no doubt denotes the studio which created it.
Japanese Arita Dish circa 1880
Price: £45
A Japanese Arita circular dish, stoutly potted and with a lightly scalloped rim, decorated in underglaze blue with the addition of green, blue and brick red enamels all highlighted in gold, the central roundel with a basket of flowers surrounded by three large panels with a duck, rocks and flowers, interspersed with arrow head panels with stylised flowers and separated by three smaller geometric shape panels again with stylised flowers, the reverse with three pairs of two of the eight ‘precious objects’ (cash, double lozenge) in underglaze blue.
The town of Arita in the former Hizen Province, northwestern Kyūshū island was a major cente for the production of porcelains in Japan. Best known for blue and white pieces it also produced polychrome wares as well, including the familiar imari colourings. While similar to Imari, the wider palette of colours used here is usually termed ‘Arita’ and the decorative appeal of the style is clear. This plate probably comes from an original set of five and its quality is much above average. Dating is to the Meiji era (1868 - 1912) probably around 1880.
Art Glass Doorstop with Starburst and Bubble designs, perhaps British, late C20th
Price: £45
An Art Glass Doorstop of near spherical form with a flat foot, the crystal style glass incorporating starburst effects in light maroon and blue above a purple ground, all interspersed with bubbles. Similar pieces in a slightly smaller scale are usually described as paperweights, but the size and weight of this item suggests rather a doorstop or 'dump'. High quality paperweights in a variety of rounded forms were made by various studios in Scotland in the mid to late twentieth century and perhaps this is what we have here but no firm attribution is possible. The skill of the maker, though, is self evident.
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.
Two jade carvings mounted as a necklace
Price: £125
This is a very striking necklace comprising two large jade carvings that have been joined together on a very thick herringbone chain. The carvings are 20th century but they have the look of a more archaic style. This is a very interesting piece that is totally unique. It is all silver.
Danish silver brooch, Niels Erik From, marked, c1960
Price: £55
This is a wonderful quality silver brooch made by Danish silversmiths Niels Erik From. It is in a characteristic Danish wreath design typical of the modernist designs developed by the firm in the 1970s. Established in 1931, the company took its name from its founder Niels Erik From (1908-1982) and initially concentrated on pieces in the style of the Danish Arts and crafts movement, later adapting to the changing fashions of the time. Niels Erik From's son joined with his father in the 1960s and continued the success of the business, running it himself for a few years after his Father's death but finally closing down in the late 1980s. The firm's designs remain highly collectible and this brooch is an excellent example of their later work. It marked ' Sterling' 'Denmark' 'N.E.From' '925 S'.
Danish silver floral brooch, Max Standager c1960
Price: £55
This is a large brooch in a typical modernist floral design by Max Standager, a silversmith who worked in Copenhagen from 1961 to 1985 and was well known for his organic form designs. It is marked 'Sterling' '925' 'Denmark M.S'.
Florentine style garnet and gold brooch, 20th century
Price: £150
This is a delicate brooch in an oval floral shape comprising many garnet stones of excellent quality. The largest central stones measure 4 x 3 mm. The design is typical of Italian renaissance with fine Mille grain work. Bears illegible mark. It appears to be gold but has not been tested.
Necklace and earrings constructed with English watch fobs c. 1920-1940
Price: £225
This is a fascinating suite of necklace and earrings that have been made using men's' watch fobs from the early 20th century. There are seven fobs in all. They are mainly for winning competitions. One is for winning a dance competition in 1945 and the others are sports. The largest central fob is from a men's society like the masons. It has its coat of arms on the front as is dated 1922. A bit of history to adorn the neck! The necklace is a vintage belcher chain of approximately the same age.
Victorian etched glass pendant necklace c1900
Price: £25
This is a charming necklace comprising a large rectangular pendant with an etched glass plaque depicting and classical angel blowing bubbles who is leaning on a Greek column. This is set in a simple silver setting with the original chain. It is unmarked so most likely continental. (Could be etched crystal)
Chinese Bone Netsuke carving of a Sage, early C20th
Price: £45
A Chinese Bone Netsuke carving of a bearded Sage dressed in an elaborate robe, his hands upraised and holding a staff and a bowl, the decoration detail in dark grisaille and red, two typical holes to the reverse and signed at the base within an irregular ovoid circular border panel, early C20th. Netsuke were developed in Japan as a fastener or toggle by which small hanging storage boxes, okimono, could be attached to the sash of a kimono. They were made in a variety of forms but the small figurine, as here, was the most common. Chinese examples seem to have been made in the early twentieth century and were more often crafted from bone rather than the ivory or wood favoured by most of the Japanese craftsmen.
Taxco silver bracelet, c1980
Price: £50
This is a very recognizable Taxco design with heavy ball and bar stations. It has a typical Taxco box clasp that is marked 'Mexico' 'TC-314' '925 with additional stamped smaller marks including '925'.
Very fine Berber North African necklace c1950
Price: £45
This a very elegant necklace comprising a central pendant with a typical Berber design with turquoise and coral mosaic inlay. This pendand is connected with nine strands of coral and turquoise micro beads. This design is repeated all the way around with a further 4 connecting stations. It has a very faint mark on the large pendant or it might not be a mark but rather a flaw in the silver.
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.
Persian silver bracelet with inset enamel plaques, c1930
Price: £125
This is a rare bracelet comprising silver stations set with domed enamel plaques. The plaques have bird and floral designs and are set in silver with an integrated clasp with floral detail. The piece is unmarked but would be 800 silver. It is in excellent condition which makes it even more unique as these types of bracelet tend to have damage. The size and decoration of the plaques contribute to an elegant piece of traditional 'arm candy'!
Suite of Art Deco banded carnelian necklace and earrings c1920
Price: £95
This is a very unusual suite comprising matched beautiful Scottish banded agate beads. The earrings are very Art Deco with a long chain drop. Both have brass findings.
Massive Egyptian Revival long necklace c1930
Price: £195
This is a very unusual necklace in the Egyptian Revival style that was popular in during the Art Deco period. This one is a very large enamel and brass pendant suspended for a long rope chain. The pendant is depicting "Horus" which was very important deity for the ancient Egyptians.
Very finely carved soapstone pendant necklace
Price: £175
This is a wonderful necklace comprising a large carved soapstone plaque depicting the double fish, bat and heart symbols. These are symbols for good fortune, happy relationships and good luck. The are combined with jade and cherry amber beads which is a very striking combination. The is a silver clasp and the bale is brass.
Chinese Bone Netsuke carving of a man holding a musical instrument, early C20th
Price: £25
A Chinese Bone Netsuke carving of a man holding a musical instrument, depicted with its strings, and dressed in a simple robe decorated with incised detail in brown and black, two typical holes to the reverse, early C20th. Netsuke were developed in Japan as a fastener or toggle by which small hanging storage boxes, okimono, could be attached to the sash of a kimono. They were made in a variety of forms but the small figurine, as here and in the previous lot, was the most common. Chinese examples seem to have been made in the early twentieth century and were more often crafted from bone rather than the ivory or wood favoured by most of the Japanese craftsmen.
A Pair of Royal Doulton Ewers, marked, early C20th
Price: £150
An attractive and unusual pair of Royal Doulton Ewers, the broad ovoid body with a defined collar narrowing sharply to the neck which flares out to form the spout, a short flaring foot to the base and the back with a high rising loop handle joined to the top rim. While combining elements well known from other Doulton wares of the period, the decoration here is slightly unusual. A light blue splash glaze is combined with a central section of relief moulded whorl pattern within a modelled lambrequin style border with stylised flower heads, the base is finished in brown and the top interior in a complementary olive green splash glaze. The underside of the foot carries one of the standard impressed 'Royal Doulton England' marks where the lettering forms part of a circle combined with three thick lines and the centre is filled with four interlocking 'D's, indicating a circa date between c1900 and c1930. Usually this mark is combined with a lion and sometimes a crown but these were omitted when space was short, as seems to have been the case here. Impressed marks 'LD' are for the artist Jessie Lord and dating to the 1920s seems likely.
Chinese blue and white ceramic beads, C20th
Price: £25
This is a strand of substantial ceramic hand painted beads in blue and white with Chinese symbols including the 'shou' motif. They are knotted on a blue cord with a lovely filigree clasp.
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 graduated necklace of nut carving beads, 1930s
Price: £20
This is a very unusual necklace comprising 51 nut carvings with a floral motif.
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!
West German Jasba Ceramic Vase with loop handles, 1960s
Price: £10
A West German ceramic vase of compressed almost inverted gourd like form, the body with two wide and graduated ceramic circles above a spreading foot and with a wide flaring neck set with two loop handles, glazed in orange and brown with craquelure and mottling effects. An impressed mark to the base ‘Jasba’ in an oval and ’11 70 20’, being the pattern number.
The West German ceramics produced after the second world war are characterised by their distinctive and colourful designs. The Jasba factory was founded in 1926 by Jakob Schwaderlapp in Ransbach-Baumbach. The name is derived from his name and the town his factory was located. Production of decorative ceramics ceased in 1975 and the firm concentrated on industrial items and tiles which they still make today. This vase probably dates to the 1960s and the form and glaze effects are quite striking.
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!
Two Decorative Vintage Fans, 1950s
Price: £10
This is a group of two fans. One is in brown lace with hand painting on faux tortoiseshell pins and the other is blue plastic with pieced geometric designs and marked 'Made in Hong Kong'.
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!
Vintage Cobalt Blue Glass Perfume Bottle and Stopper, 1930s
Price: £25
A blue glass small bottle and stopper in deep cobalt blue of squared and rounded pyramid form with a stepped concave neck. The shape suggests a perfume bottle and similar examples do exist including one with a gilt Chloé mark which would mean a post 1952 date of manufacture. The technique here, though, resembles the ‘pressed glass’ pieces made in England during the 1930s, for example by the firm Davidson, suggesting a more likely dating to that period. The slightly Art Deco feel to the form fits in with this. While it has slight damage, it is, of course, more unusual to find this shape with its original stopper.
Pair of Japanese Shaped Saucer Dishes, Maruku China, 1940s
Price: £25
A pair of fine quality porcelain saucers in the form of a leaf with a pierced handle, decorated in bright enamels with gilt dragons and flames amidst puce impressionistically represented waves, the edges gilt and the reverses plain with a painted blue mark ‘Maruku China’ beneath a crown.
The Maruku factory seems to have operated in Japan after the second world war producing modest but good quality wares for export, rather in the style of Noritake pieces. Usually their pieces are marked in addition ‘Made in Japan’ but for some reason not here. The forms, colourings and designs here are quite unusual and while modest, these are good quality decorative items suitable for a contemporary interior.
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!
Chinese Framed Ceramic Plaque depicting Peony, C20th
Price: £150
A Chinese ceramic plaque decorated with delicately painted flowering peony in shades of grisaille with highlighting in red and blue, an elaborate inscription to the left with two red seals and a further red seal to the bottom right. The frame is Chinese and most likely contemporary with the plaque. Style of painting and decoration combined with the very even surface and high white glaze of the plaque itself suggest a dating to the 1960s or 1970s rather than the Republican period (1912-1949) when similar pieces were made which are highly sought after now. But the work is of extremely high quality nevertheless and the composition artistic and appealing.
An Unusual Pair of Bradawl Form Sewing Tools with Silver and Gilt metal chased handles, probably Persian C20th
Price: £45
The indented twisting to the ‘blades’ of these pieces suggests a device for making a hole, similar to a gimlet used in woodworking. The size and delicacy of these pieces, though, suggests use with a less robust material, perhaps leather. The handles are elaborately decorated with a raised gilt metal design of bamboo with a bird on a silver metal ground with ‘punched’ decoration reminiscent of Chinese Tang Silver work. An Eastern origin is clear but it is hard to determine the exact provenance. China seems less likely but there are similarities here to Japanese, Indian and Persian work, the latter perhaps being the most likely. Probably early to mid C20th and quite possibly part of a set of sewing tools, so perhaps something for collectors in this field.
A vintage Avon Spring Bouquet oriental style red rubber coated vase, 1980-1981
Price: £10
This vase was part of a series which Avon, the well known producers of cosmetics, manufactured in the early 1980s. The white glass body, in a baluster form, was coated in red rubber or plastic with an impressed design of scrolling chrysanthemum, very much in the Chinese taste. The coating incorporated a perfume, traces of which in this example can still be detected today by those with a keen sense of smell. The base originally had a paper label and traces of the glue adhesive can still be seen. Where the labels still exist, they read ‘Spring Bouquet Fragranced Vase Oriental Red’ with Avon’s name and details and a ‘rights reserved’ tag. Examples can be found today in a range of colours but the red pieces are the most appealing and the most decorative.
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!
Collection Parfums Lalique miniature set in display box 1990s
Price: £55
This is a lovely set of miniauture perfume bottles by Lalique. Each bottle is 4.5 ml and the scents included are Nilang, Lalique, Le Baiser, Lalique Homme and Claire.
French Art Deco Clutch bag with faux jade insert
Price: £65
This is a very elegant small bag that features a faux jade moulded glass plaque surrounded by Art Deco motif paste stones. It comprises very soft kid suede and is lined in taffeta with the typical inside purse. The taffeta on this bag is quite degraded as can happen. This is not noticeable on the exterior so this bag is very usable. It has two chain handles.
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.
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!
Glossy brown crocodile handbag 1960s
Price: £65
This is a stunning hard side bag that is covered in brown patent croc. It is lined with suede. It is most likely made in England although it is unmarked. The handle has been restored to it's original beauty and is ready for daily use.
Silver Cricket Box, Islamic probably Persian, early C20th
Price: £110
A silver box with openwork sides and a pierced cover most likely intended as a portable cricket cage, in the manner of similar Chinese designs, the sides with two geometric openwork bands between raised grooved borders, the cover with an elaborate openwork design incorporating swirling stylised foliage, raised heart and bird form plaques, and two roundels, inset with three hardstones in amber and celadon, the base flat and stamped 'R A'. The style of decoration suggests Islamic work, probably Persian in origin. Weight and quality of decoration indicate a circa date in the early C20th
Rennie Mackintosh silver scarf ring with scarf included, c1990
Price: £45
This is a very elegant scarf ring that bears the designs of Rennie Mackintosh. It is hallmarked with the mark of Mackintosh's estate copyright. It i also marked 925. The black and white silk scarf is included so you are ready to go!
Pair of Royal Doulton slender Ku form Vases, 1920s
Price: £75
A pair of pottery vases of cylindrical form with a bulbous central section and a slender convex neck, the bases flaring slightly towards the foot, ridged at the bottom, glazed in mottled shades of grey, green and brown, the foot unglazed and with an impressed mark ‘Royal Doulton England’, a model number ‘8878’ and a script artist’s mark. The form and decoration here are rather unusual for Doulton ware and have a distinctly Chinese feel, although there are no direct parallels. The bulbous central section above and below a flaring neck and base loosely recalls the well known ‘Ku’ form, and the mottled glaze effects look towards the celebrated ‘Jun Ware’ glazes. The mark for Doulton is one of the standard impressed 'Royal Doulton England' marks where the lettering forms part of a circle combined with three thick lines and the centre is filled with four interlocking 'D's. The addition of a lion but not with the usual accompanying crown allows a fairly precise dating to between 1923 and 1927. The numbers indicate the pattern number, but no other examples have been found, and the script mark seems to stand for Ella H Adams. There is a timeless simplicity here and this pair of vases could accompany the most contemporary of interiors.
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.
Art Deco Style Ceramic Jug with Floral Handle, probably 1930s
Price: £35
A ceramic jug, the concave body rising to form the spout and with a shouldered base below and a short spreading foot, the handle in the form of two flower heads with foliage, the base glazed and marked ‘Made in England’. The style of decoration here with the deep cream tone glaze and the brightly coloured applied and modelled decoration in shades of green, yellow and orange suggests Clarice Cliff but there are no markings for this and the manufacturer merely impressed the base ‘Made in England’, a mark first used after 1921 and generally indicative of a pre war date. But while hard to attribute this piece accurately reflects the decorative trends of the 1930s and would be an attractive and practical addition to a collection of ceramics from that period.
Oriental Style Vase, West German Pottery, late C20th
Price: £45
An Oriental Style Vase, the body of baluster form with a ribbed shoulder and a slender slightly flaring neck, the bottom with a spreading foot and ridged bands, the base glazed to the centre with an unglazed foot rim, covered in a purple flambé glaze with mottled effects. While Chinese in style overall, the paste of the foot clearly indicates European manufacture and is very similar to that found on some West German pottery pieces; the brown glazing at the interior top rim reflects West German work as well. Not all these pieces were marked and this may well be a slightly later example of their work, perhaps dating to the 1980s. Certainly it is a fine quality piece and the elegantly potted form is combined with complex glaze decoration which would not have been easy to achieve and certainly can match that of its Chinese counterparts.
West German Bay Keramik Pitcher with stylised floral designs, late C20th
Price: £45
A brown glaze pitcher of broad bulbous form with a slender neck flaring at the top and a loop handle above a short foot, the base glazed and with impressed marks ‘Bay’ ‘W Germany’ ’6190’.The brown, almost lustre like, glaze is decorative with a lightly incised design in mustard enamel with stylised leaves and flower heads.
Founded by Eduard Bay in the 1930s and based in Ransbach Baumbach in the heart of the main West German pottery producing region, Bay Keramik grew to be one of the most prolific producers of ceramics in the ‘West German’ style and continued production into the 1990s. This piece retains its original paper label and the format of this allows dating to the 1970s/1980s. The jug has almost a slightly rustic feel and recalls much earlier German ceramic items. The numbers on the base indicate the form number but it has not been possible to identify this.
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.
Vintage Ceramic Table Brush marked Germany, 1930s
Price: £15
A Vintage Ceramic table brush in the form of an Art Deco style lady wearing a blue hat, her brown blouse with a red bow and a woven material belt below, her 'skirt' forming the brush itself. Table brushes in a similar form were made in various countries but ours is clearly marked 'Germany' so its origin is certain. The composition of the figure, the style of decoration and the form of the mark itself all point to a pre-war dating, probably in the 1930s. This piece is highly decorative but also extremely practical, even today!
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!
Taxco clamper bracelet, attr. to Justo or Jorge Castillo, 1940s
Price: £450
This is a very unusual bracelet that is designed in a double fan form. It has a a three dimensional soft design with large mill grain work around the shapes. It is signed 'Taxco', 'JC 925', 'Sterling', 'Hecho en Mexico' ('Made in Mexico').
Justo and Jorge Castillo come from the Los Castillo workshop. Los Castillo was an influential and ongoing design and manufacturing enterprise established in 1939 by Antonio Castillo and his brothers Justo and Jorge and their cousin Salvador Teran. Los Castillo is known for sterling jewellery and fine pieces in "married metals" combining various metals such as silver, copper and brass. Castillo who arrived in Taxco in 1923, began his long career working for William Spratling at Taller de las Delicias. He married Margot van Voorhies prior to opening Taller Los Castillo bu they were later divorced in 1946. (see The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks, 2013)
Pair of Royal Doulton Spill Vases with gilt decoration, 1920s
Price: £180
A pair of pottery vases of upright spill form with wide flat bases, the body glazed in mottled blue with two bands of curved raised bead work with leaves and rosettes, the centre with an incised design of overlapping whorl pattern, gilt, the base glazed in mottled brown and the interior in mottled aubergine, the foot unglazed and with an impressed mark ‘Royal Doulton England’, a model number ‘8409’, artist’s marks ‘a’ and ‘hd’ and another script mark. The mark for Doulton is one of the standard impressed 'Royal Doulton England' marks where the lettering forms part of a circle combined with three thick lines and the centre is filled with four interlocking 'D's. The addition of a lion but not with the usual accompanying crown allows a fairly precise dating to between 1923 and 1927. This fits with the form and decoration which have an almost Art Deco feel. It seems that two different artists worked on these pieces, ‘a’ standing for Louisa Ayling and ‘hd’ for E Violet Hayward. The pattern number ‘8409’ occurs on other pieces of the same shape and but these usually have the central section left in plain biscuit. The addition of gilding here is rather striking.
Massive Grotto style belt buckle c1980
Price: £25
This is a very unique belt buckle that comprises many different shells cast in gilt metal with glass inset stones. This is definitely a statement!
Long strand of Chinese cloisonne beads c1950
Price: £60
This is a beautiful strand of Chinse cloisonne beads in the unusual green colour. It has the original corresponding clasp also in cloisonne. These are very fresh for spring summer.
Round pendant set with turquoise, Mexico, c1970, the chain later.
Price: £65
This is a large round pendant converted from a brooch depicting a figure on a burro on a background of turquoise pieces. Marked' Heche en Mexico', '925' it is attached to a later chain.
Victorian ladies watch chain c1900
Price: £40
This is a lovely chain comprising different silver stations with engraved details with an Albert clasp. Can be easily used as a bracelet or part of a necklace. Clasp is marked Sterling 925
Taxco bracelet set with carved obsidian stones c1950
Price: £55
This is a bracelet that is often seen in different forms and must have been quite popular in its time. It is silver with a gold colour wash and set with carved obsidian stones. Aztec face heads alternate with square stone stations and the surrounding silverwork borders depict the headdress of the Aztec face carvings with scrollwork to the square stations. Marked 'Heche en Mexico' with an eagle head which denotes 925 silver.
Obsidian Mayan Statuette inlaid with semi precious stones, C20th
Price: £35
An attractive Obsidian statuette of a Maya chief, modelled in an abstract style, his headdress decorated with mother-of-pearl ornament complemented by semi-precious stones which are also used for the collar and foot, including calcite, abalone and sandstone. Obsidian is held to be a purifying stone that encourages personal development and is said to offer protection and solve problems of the past. It is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth and is therefore found wherever volcanoes occur and particularly in South America. Since the figure is a Mexican image, a Mexican provenance is likely but dating is less certain. The stylised design and combination of stone and inlay combine, though, to produce a striking ornamental item.
Taxco grape motif necklace, c1980
Price: £250
This is a wonderful example of Taxco work in the grape pattern design which was regularly used by the Taxco silversmiths from the early 20th century onwards. It is marked 'Taxco' 'TS-19' 'Mexico' '925', the second mark indicating 'T' for Taxco and 'S' for the city and the silversmith registration number, an identification system which only came into use after 1979, indicating a dating here circa 1980.
