Decorative Arts & Ephemera
Art Nouveau Bronze Tray, stamped 172 Deposé, French c1900
Price: £95
Typical of the style of the Art Nouveau era with its emphasis on organic forms, this bronze tray, perhaps intended for serving salad, is of lobed rectangular form with two handles in the form of lotus branches. Deeply and intricately cast there is a lotus spray at the top which complements the handles at the side and both are set on a wavy line ground with milled detail, perhaps intended to represent water. The underside has four small feet and is decorated with minute punch work dots. There is also a stamped mark ‘172 Deposé’ which occurs on other examples of this design. For devotees of Art Nouveau this would be a classic acquisition of an object which is truly representative if not archetypal.
Massive Victorian Carnelian Cameo Shell
Price: £55
This is a very large example of a carnelian shell, such pieces often being used for the creation of cameos in the nineteenth century and before. This example has been polished in certain areas to give the shell a more elegant and finely worked decoration suitable for use as a table ornament. Carved carnelian cameo shells were favoured souvenirs from the Grand Tour and were found mainly in the North and West African waters. This piece is of an exceptionally large size, which is both desirable in itself and occurs much less frequently.
Victorian leather bound photo album made by Mechi and Bazin c.1870
Price: £110
This is an incredible photo album comprising a finely tooled green leather cover and gilt edged pages that have inserts for the photos. It is made by Mechi and Bazin, a well respected manufacturer based on Regent Street in central London and mainly known for their campaign fitted toiletry boxes and writing slopes. This album is quite petite so it was most likely also meant for travel. It holds 23 beautiful Victorian photographs : mainly portraits with a few outdoor views.The album Is marked 'Mechi & Bazin Makers London' on front cover.
Beautiful small daguerreotype in a frame c. 1850
Price: £25
This is an amazing daguerreotype of two young girls probably made for an officer to take as a memento while travelling. The daguerreotype was the first commercially successful photographic process in the history of photography. Announced to the public in 1839 the daguerreotype enjoyed great popularity in the 1840s and 1850s. Named after the inventor, Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre, each daguerreotype is a unique image on a silvered copper plate.
Victorian Bronze Chamber Candlestick in the form of a Griffin, late C19th
Price: £40
This is a very striking bronze chamber stick in the form of a griffin with fine detail to the casting of the face and feathers. The griffin is a well known legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. Griffins were known as the guardians of treasures and priceless possessions even in Classical antiquity and were to become familiar elements of heraldry. The choice of this creature as the suppport for a candlestick (the form suggests a chamvber candlestick) cannot be easily explained. Does the griffin here protect its owner in some way? Whatever the answer the result is a striking decorative ensemble which could enhance many a domestic interior.
Victorian marquetry miniature table top games table
Price: £75
This is a very unusual miniature table top games table comprising a beautiful marquetry design ready for chess or any game. It is an octagon shape with eight legs. Could be a cabinet maker's example of a large table.
Pair of alabaster bookends, 20th century
Price: £85
This is a very beautiful set of bookends that are worked into shapes of books. What sets them apart is the different colours of alabaster used.
Two Sets of Serving Cutlery made by Haddad Jezzin Cutlery, Beirut, Lebanon 1960s
Price: £45
Two Sets of Serving Cutlery comprising a carving knife and fork and a pair of salad servers made by the firm Haddad Jezzin Cutlery based in Beirut, Lebanon. The Haddad family began manufacturing metal items, principally army rifles, knives and steel blade swords, after settling in Jezzin, Lebanon in 1770. By the 1930s they had branched out into cutlery and became known for pieces with birds heads made of bone and buffalo horn, inlaid with coloured bone & brass as here. Each of the two sets have near identical decoration with gilt wings, patterned backs and a red bone crest. The carving fork marked ‘S & A Haddad’, the carving knife ‘S & A Haddad Jezzin Stainless Lebanon’. The salad spoon marked ‘S & A Haddad Made in Lebanon’, the salad fork ‘S & A Haddad Stainless Steel’. Each set is contained in its original box with the original label and both sets were given to the vendor’s parents in the 1960s and were clearly made new then.
Pair of Dorset Fossil limestone goblets in presentation box
Price: £35
This is a very unusual pair of goblets or wine cups made from worked Dorset limestone that is known for its fossils. These goblets are dense with different types of fossilised shells and other marine life. It comes in a velvet fitted presentation box.
Art Deco onyx Chess Set with board and fitted box, 1930s
Price: £110
This is a very elegant chess set comprising finely carved onyx pieces which are stored in their own fitted case. The top of the case has been inlaid with onyx and agate pieces to make up a chess board. The pieces are smaller than a standard chess set which makes the fine carving even more beautiful and all have survived in excellent condition which is unusual. The perfect gift for devotees of the game!
A gilt metal and onyx figure of a Cherub holding a Globe 1960s
Price: £45
This is an amusing figure of a cherub holding a globe, perhaps intended as a desk ornament or paperweight or possibly as part of a two piece clock set. The cherub is modelled in gilt metal with a smiling face, standing on one leg with the right arm upraised and supporting a globe which is held in place by a screw attachment. The globe and base are formed from onyx with typical striations. Similar pieces are usually dated to the 1960s which would seem to be the case here. Mounted onyx globes do appear, but the addition of the cherub figure is more unusual.
Kenton Clock Radio Hong Kong 1970s
Price: £35
This is an early example of the clock radio format made by the Kenton factory, Hong Kong. The casing is in red leather and the format resembles that of the standard travelling clock, where the mechanism is hinged to the lid and then clips in to the base. There are six transistors and the loudspeaker is of Permanent Magnet Dynamic (PDyn) type (moving coil). The clock is of the standard wind up type and the radio, which still works but can only receive a limited range of frequencies, is powered by two AA batteries. The front face with the makers name and the interior marked 'Genuine Leather Case Hand Made in Hong Kong'.
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!
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.
A Pair of African Ebony Wood Makonde Style Carved Figures, probably late C20th
Price: £55
A Pair of African Ebony Wood Makonde Style Carved Figures of a Man and a Woman, probably late C20th
This pair of wood figures represents a man (left) and a woman (right) carved in a semi abstract and elongated style. Both are dressed in flowing robes, the lady’s pulled away to expose her right breast. The man holds a stylised shield and the lady a stylised musical instrument as indicators of their gender and the lady is slightly more ornately dressed with a necklace collar and bangles at her hands and ankles. Both are represented with the stretched earlobes typical of the Maasai people. The weight, graining and dark highly polished surface of the wood sugests ebony which became the preferred material for wood carving of the Makonde people after the 1930s when their art began to attract the attention of Western collectors.
Maasai and Makonde are ethnic terms used to describe African peoples who live in Tanzania, Mozamique and Kenya, with their own distinctive languages, culture and art. This pair of figures is typical of the wood carvings produced by their craftsmen in the second half of the twentieth century but their quality and size is well above average, the ebony wood finely rendered with much attention to detail and finished with a highly attractive glossy patina. The two figures complement one another well, their heads slightly turned to face one another with their legs turned slightly outwards and their robes flowing almost in mirror image. The abstract style makes them well suited to a contemporary interior where they could prove a striking accessory.
Pair of Gilt Metal and Onyx Scales, probably French, C20th
Price: £35
A decorative pair of scales with an elaborately cast fluted central column from which branch out two rococo like arms. From each arm is suspended an onyx vessel which sits on a gilt metal pan hanging by three linked chains. The column is fitted to a spreading onyx base which is supported by three gilt metal feet attached to a circular gilt metal rim. The casting of the metal work and general style of the piece suggests France and dating is most likely to the mid C20th.
Vintage hand carved Fossil Stone Trinket Box and Cover, C20th
Price: £25
A rounded box of compressed apple-like form with a lid finished with a concave set knob, carved from fossil stone in which can be seen shells and a multitude of other marine life objects
all combining in an intriguing and decorative design. Doubtless intended for trinkets this box is an ornament in itself.
Fine Quality engraved French Glass Dish with naturalistic Ormolu Mounts, early C20th
Price: £25
A small glass circular dish with deep sides and engraved to the centre with flowering lotus, mounted to the rim in gilt meatal or 'ormolu' with a circular band cast with a repeating loop design,
astride which are a well modelled frog and a lily pad. Perhaps intended as a bonbonniere or a trinket dish, this charming piece clearly reflects the Art Nouveau style with its emphasis on
naturalistic design. Similar pieces are held to be French and this is most likely the provenance here with a dating to the early C20th.
A pair of Art Deco style Onyx Bookends, C20th
Price: £35
A pair of Art Deco style bookends made from onyx and formed in two sections with a stylised figure of a horse's head set on a rectangular base with a rounded end. Onyx is named from the Greek 'ónux', meaning “nail,” or “claw,” and is a variety of the mineral chalcedony, a kind of quartz. Onyx with flesh-colored and white bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail and a similar effect is seen here. Its use is known since ancient Egyptian times and it has also been commonly employed during the twentieth century. The origin and dating of these bookends is uncertain. Similar examples with a stylised horse's head are ascribed to Mexico in the 1940s but there can be no sure proof that this is the case here. The design is striking with clear reflections of the Art Deco period and the veining of the stone here enhances the decorative effect.
A Set of Six Blue and White Willow Pattern Coasters English Ironstone 1980s
Price: £25
A set of six Ironstone china coasters, decorated in the traditional 'Willow Pattern' with a typical Chinese landscape scene. Ironstone china is a type of vitreous pottery first made in the United Kingdom in the 19th century by potters in Staffordshire, England, as a cheaper, mass-produced alternative for porcelain. It is often associated with the firm founded by Mason in 1813 following his registration of a patent for the ware. Subsequently others manufactured it as well including William Turner and Josiah Spode. Essentially a product of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries there was a revival of interest in these traditional wares from the 1970s onwards and one of the manufacturers was the 'English Ironstone Tableware Ltd' which traded from 1973 to 1994 when it went into receivership. Their impressed mark can be seen on the back.
These coasters formed part of their range. The decoration employs the transfer pattern technique developed in England in the mid eighteenth century and a staple of nineteenth century productions. Printed designs were 'transferred' to the ceramic surface allowing the production of extensive services in a matching pattern. The Chinese derived 'Willow Pattern' design seems to have been first used around 1790 and was probably designed by Thomas Minton for Spode. All the versions contain similar elements besides the pagodas and landscape scenes most notably the three figures on a bridge and a pair of flying swallows. In order to promote sales, various stories were invented based on elements of the design. These coasters are an amusing recollection of times past and highly practical in addition.
A set of three Brass Lizards, Peerage Brass, England 1930s
Price: £55
A set of three brass lizards, naturalistically modelled with crouching feet and sinuous tails, the largest with its head slightly raised and turned to the left and all with carefully punched decoration representing the skin. One of them bears a mark in which the letters 'p' 'e' 'e' and a further 'e' at the end can be made out above 'ENGLAND'. This indicates the English manufacturer 'Peerage Brass' which is known to have commenced in business before 1900' and made original copper & brass ware, with the height of production between 1910-1940's. Their aim was quality period reproductions which were occasionally marked. Peerage Brass became the brand name after World War II until the trademark lapsed in 1991. The format of the mark here, then, indicates a date before the second world war probably in the 1930s. The weight of the brass and the quality of the casting and modelling indicate that the factory certainly attained its goal here. While obviously decorative these animals may well have been intended as desk items, the two smallest perhaps as paperweights. Even larger examples are known and these probably acted as doorstops.
An Arts and Crafts small Brass Tray, English early twentieth century
Price: £40
A small Brass circular tray with a wide flat rim edged with repeating bead work and a round concave centre decorated in repousse work with a procession of parrots on a boldly chased punch work ground. Repoussé work is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Chasing or embossing is a similar technique in which the piece is hammered on the front side, often with a punch, sinking the metal. The two techniques are often used in conjunction as here, although the effect is slightly bolder than in the previous lot (35). Metalware items with 'hammered' decoration were a common feature of 'Arts and Crafts' work with their reminiscences of earlier metal working techniques and the effect of the slightly rustic. As in the previous lot, the bold metalworking techniques used complement the medium of burnished brass. A dating to the early twentieth century seems reasonable
An Arts and Crafts small Brass serving Tray, English early twentieth century
Price: £40
A Brass circular tray with a shaped raised pie crust edge decorated in repousse work with overlapping geese on a chased punch work ground. Repoussé work is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Chasing or embossing is a similar technique in which the piece is hammered on the front side, often with a punch, sinking the metal. The two techniques are often used in conjunction as here. Metalware items with 'hammered' decoration were a common feature of 'Arts and Crafts' work with their reminiscences of earlier metal working techniques and the effect of the slightly rustic. The design here is unusual and attractive and the bold metalworking techniques used complement the medium of burnished brass. A dating to the early twentieth century seems reasonable
Pair of Art Deco chrome wall sconces
Price: £50
This is a stunning pair of Art Deco sconces in polished chrome. These hold candles and are in a very unusual Art Deco design. A not to be missed lot for Art Deco collectors!
10 Chromolithographs from Illustrated London News publication celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee 1897
Price: £85
This is a rare hand finished chromolithograph print taken from a publication that celebrated Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. The design and vivid colours harken back to the Victorian era.
Print 1: This print depicts the weddings of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and on the bottom depicts the marriage of Mary of Teck to the then Duke of York. The portraits surrounding these images are of the two brides and other royal family members. (numbered Plate 17)
Print 2: This print depicts the development in the modes of transportation during her reign. Clipper ship to steamer, carriage to train, walking and carriages to bicycles and automobiles. The portraits will be the inventors and visionaries of these developments. (numbered Plate XI)
Print 3: This print depicts the House of Commons with Prime Minister Salisbury and the House of Lords. The surrounding portraits are politicians of the day. The bottom centre is of Gladstone. (numbered Plate A)
Print 4: This print depicts the development of the Royal Navy during her reign. it starts with tall mast sailing ships (1836 fleet) and proceeds to steam ships (1853 fleet) and then finally to the most modern ships and even submarines (1897 fleet). The portraits are a bit random - but probably are naval officers and Royal family members. (numbered Plate IX)
Print 5: This print depicts three important battles during her reign. The portraits depict military officers and other influencers during these wars. (numbered Plate VIII)The portraits depict military officers and other influencers during these wars. (numbered Plate VIII)
Print 6: This print depicts the christenings of Victoria's first two children, Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise, Princess Royal and Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. The large portrait on the upper left is the Arch Bishop of Canterbury. (numbered Plate V)
Print 7: This print depicts the Queen's marriage to Prince Albert and the image below is a well known family portrait. The portraits are members of the Royal Family such as parents and possibly siblings. (numbered Plate IV)
Print 8: This print depicts Victoria's accession council, the opening of parliament and a royal procession. The portraits are very difficult to pinpoint but they would be politicians and influencers of the day. (numbered Plate III)
Print 9: This print depicts Queen Victoria's coronation in 1838. The top image is the ceremony followed by the procession with Buckingham Palace in the background. The portraits depict monarchs that came before here. Edward the IV is the large central top portrait. (numbered Plate II)
Print 10: This print depicts a later family portrait and three of her residences, Windsor, Balmoral and Osborne. The larger portraits are Edward Prince of Wales, George Duke of York and probably Prince Edward Albert.
Italian decorative duck marble and alabaster
Price: £30
This is a beautiful decorative duck made from highly polished green and brown marble joined with fine alabaster, eyes are also stonef
Arts and Crafts Stumpwork Firescreen 1900
Price: £25
This is a wonderful firescreen in a typical Arts and Crafts minimal design, with lovely stumpwork embroidery depicting two couple in garden
Art Nouveau Bronze Plaque c.1900
Price: £75
This is a beautiful bronze hanging plaque depicting an Art Nouveau woman in natural setting, with integrated ring to hang
Bisque Scottish boy character doll c. 1900
Price: £60
This is a very sweet souvenir doll comprising a young Scottish boy in tradition dress with a bisque head, hands and feet and a fabric body. With traditional Scottish garb. Made in Germany.
French Regency style Bevelled Amber Glass & Filigree Ormolu Casket, mid twentieth century
Price: £55
A Regency style bevelled amber glass & gilt filigree ormolu Casket, the pentagonal body with five ovoid amber glass panels with bevelled edges, the borders with an arrow form repeating geometric design, all set between gilt filigree work of stylised foliage, the three spreading feet also with floral gilt filigree work, the hinged lid with a similar circular amber glass panel surrounded by a repeating design of stylised gilt leaves, the interior lined in gold velvet studded with tiny gilt nails.
Various pieces in this style where amber glass panels are combined with elaborate gilt metal work can be found. Most were intended as dressing table ornaments, as here. Sometimes termed 'Hollywood' these items were designed to add a touch of luxury to the bedroom. They are usually regarded as French and thought to have been made between the 1920s and 1940s. This is a particularly nice example with no damage either to the glass or the metalwork.
Large brass portrait bust of Ramses II
Price: £25
This is an amusing portrait bust cast in brass with slender profile form depicting Ramses II, (Ramesses/Rameses II) the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt c1303BC - 1213BC and one of the most famous rulers of the country of whom the statues and images surviving have become iconic. He is depicted here wearing a typical bird beak helmet and a heavy metal shawl collar. The composition reflects 'Egyptian Revival ' pieces of the early twentieth century but the dating here is rather later.
Spanish red tooled leather Gentlemans trinket dish with coat of arms
Price: £20
This is a very striking square dish with a deep central well made from finely worked red leather and decorated with scrolls and Fleur-de-lis. There is very likely a royal connection here as the embossed decoration includes lions and heraldic shields and the coat of arms presents as those for the house of Castile and León.,
A Complementary Pair of Gilt Metal Art Nouveau style picture frames, 20th Century
Price: £45
Two Gilt Metal Picture Frames of differing sizes but with matching designs in mirror image modelled in typical Art Nouveau style with slender ladies holding a branch and flowering wheat sheaves and lotus, the reverses with swing mount stands
Beautiful Victorian ruby glass scent bottle, circa 1880
Price: £350
This is a lovely ruby glass scent bottle decorated with enamel flowers in a rope twist design. It has a brass top with chain and is fitted with the original stopper which is quite rare.
Very fine German silver scent bottle, c1900
Price: £225
This is an extremely fine silver scent bottle with the decoration comprising delicately formed flowers and scroll work. It has the Crescent and Crown for Germany and the makers mark 'W' for Christoph Windman. It is also marked '835' which was a typical silver purity in Germany at this time. .
A silver filigree decorative Spoon with an openwork shell shape bowl, probably Scottish circa 1900
Price: £65
This is a delicately worked filigree spoon with an openwork bowl in the form of a shell with stylised leaves, the slender handle of rope twist design with thistle leaf terminals at either end and finished with a thistle flower. Of a decorative rather than practical design, the use of thistles suggests that this piece is Scottish; dating is probably around 1900 or the the early Edwardian period.
Georgian small glass scent bottle in a fitted Etui case circa 1800
Price: £45
This is a rare small glass scent bottle that comes in a fitted etui case perfect for a gentleman's pocket. The moulded glass is finely fluted on both the body and top.
Victorian Chinoiserie chatelaine note pad
Price: £125
This is a gorgeous piece of ephemera - a writing pad meant to hang from a lady's chatelaine, comprising two Chinoiserie silver incised panels that open to expose 4 celluloid pages
Chinese style Vase and Cover decorated with ladies and courtiers in a garden scene, C20th
Price: £55
A Chinese style vase of ovoid form with a short neck and foot fitted with a matching dome shape cover with a plain finial, decorated with a polychrome design of two ladies in a garden scene being watched through a stylised window by two courtiers, flowering trees to the front and reverse, probably plum blossom or prunus, and typical verandah fencing, the foot, shoulder and cover with pattern designs loosely imitating those of the eighteenth century, including lotus panels, ju'i form lappets and floral borders with scrolling peony. This piece is a pastiche of Chinese work and probably dates to the 1960s. While it looks back in some respects it has a contemporary feel, particularly in respect of the shape which is simpler and more Western than that of its sources. The mark is pseudo Chinese and the manufacturer was clearly European, most probably an Italian pottery since some pieces exist with a label stating 'made in Italy'.
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.
African Carved Wood Figure of a Lady, probably mid C20th
Price: £25
A carved wood figure of a lady in abstract expressionistic style represented kneeling with her legs presumably tucked up behind her, the body smooth and with detailing to the hair which flows down onto her back, the base in the form of a sketchily modelled rock. The colour and patina of the wood suggests ebony and the style seems African - Nigerian, in fact, if the label is to be believed, although the town indicated, Takarodi, seems to be located in Ghana. Dating, though, is probably as the label suggests and this was, no doubt, one of the many pieces made by local craftsmen as tourist souvenirs.
A Pair of African Carved Wood Figure Head Plaques, C20th
Price: £45
A pair of carved wood plaques depicting the heads of a man and a woman and carved in a semi abstract style with black coloured detailing to the hair and facial features and marked ‘O’ ‘B’ to the reverse. The style of these and other similar pieces suggests African work but the provenance is uncertain. Both Senegal and Ghana are sometimes mentioned. These are certainly striking examples and probably date to the late C20th.
Two Scottish Tartan Plaques, C20th
Price: £35
Two round plaques mounted with tartan cloth of two different designs in reds and blues, both studded with metal bosses in imitation of a shield and both with circular gilt metal medallions at the centre depicting a thistle and a deer respectively, presumably the motifs associated with the two clan tartans. Identification here is for the true expert but these were presumably commissions from the firm whose name appears at the back, probably made in the 1970s/1980s. The ‘Targe’ was a shield used by Scottish Highlanders in the early modern period. From the late 16th century, until the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the Scottish Highlander's main means of defence in battle was his targe and the designs regularly included studding and a raised central boss. But these two plaques are items of peacetime and to be enjoyed as such!
Wall plaque by Giovanni Schoeman depicting classical style figures, 1970s
Price: £75
A diamond shape wall plaque comprising over 40 small tablet form plaques in various colours and sizes, moulded in high relief with Art Nouveau style classical figures. This is the work of the artist Giovanni Schoeman (1940-1981) who was born in South Africa and worked in London and America. He was well known for working in the recently developed medium of ‘Cold Cast Resin Metal’. Metal powder, often bronze, was mixed with a resin binder and poured into a mould to produce a cast with the appearance of solid metal. Different metal powders such as brass, nickel and copper were also used depending on the effect desired and this plaque is an excellent example of the effects which could be achieved.
While Art Nouveau in style, Schoeman only perfected these techniques in the late 1960s, producing pieces in the style from a studio in Kentish Town which sold well in the London outdoor art markets. In the late 1970s, Schoeman moved to America with the intention of producing large scale art but the venture foundered and he died in 1981. This plaque, of which other examples are known, must have been one of his most popular designs in those London years and is a striking example of the techniques he developed and mastered.
Chinese Silk picture of Two Birds and Flowering Plum Blossom, signed, C20th
Price: £20
A Chinese silk picture of two birds sitting on a branch of flowering plum blossom or prunus, the flowers and leaves delicately rendered, a red seal mark to the top, perhaps indicating the maker, alongside four characters of calligraphy probably describing the scene depicted. This piece is not framed but simply taped to card backing. The style and quality of the workmanship suggests a C20th dating perhaps to the mid 1950s and the composition retains great charm.
Pair of Georgian Style Square Gilt Bronze Table Salts, English C19th
Price: £45
A pair of gilt bronze table Salts of square form with openwork sides decorated with stylised scrolling foliage, flaring below to a pedestal base with paw feet, one edge with milling, and above to the squared top rim. The paw feet and general solidity to the decoration suggest the Georgian style but these pieces may have been made later in the nineteenth century. The square form is most unusual and the openwork sides clearly held a container, possibly metal but most probably glass, for the salt itself. The milling to the edge of just one of the sides is something of a mystery; it has been suggested, though, that it might have been done to assist an owner with impaired vision, perhaps to distinguish one vessel from another if they were actually used to contain different condiments. Be that as it may, if not necessarily for practical use today, these pieces make an elegant accessory with a true sense of the antique.
Beautiful trinket box in the shape of a bound book, onyx and brass, Austria 1950s
Price: £55
This is a very unusual trinket box comprising two heavy onyx slabs, fitted with brass which has been cast in the form of a book's spine, pages and clasps. The brass has been patinated to give a more 'olde world' look. There are four small ball form feet to the base and a stamped mark 'AUSTRIA'. The style suggests a dating in the 1950s.
Pair of Aesthetic Movement Candlesticks Porcelain and Gilt Bronze, late C19th
Price: £75
A pair of candlesticks, the bodies comprising slender ceramic columns decorated in blue and white with birds and reeds, the widely flaring bases with small tripod feet and decorated in repoussé (a process of hammering from the reverse to create a design in low relief) with two bands of scrolling foliage on a ‘punched’ ground, the drip pans and nozzles also with floral repoussé work, the underside of one marked ‘W B’.
The design and style of these pieces recalls products of the ‘aesthetic movement’ era popular in Britain from 1860 to 1900. The object was to produce items of beauty and the furnishings and domestic objects of the middle-class home were to be of a quality that would please the eye of the artist and grace the houses of collectors and connoisseurs. William Morris, in particular, concentrated on distinctive organic forms and the floral designs of his wallpaper and tiles are reflected in the gilt bronze decoration here (see image 8) . The influences on the movement were diverse and Oriental porcelains extremely popular. Perhaps this explains the use of blue and white ceramic here, although the work looks Western rather than Eastern. The form of the nozzles also has many parallels in other contemporary candlesticks. Although there is a slightly continental feel to these pieces, the aesthetic movement was very much a British fashion so English manufacture is the most likely with a circa date in the late nineteenth century before the style lost its popularity in 1900.
Pair of framed Watercolours, Dartmoor heather fields, signed C.A.James, early C20th
Price: £45
A pair of watercolours in pastel shades depicting two landscape scenes on Dartmoor with lakes and fields of heather. The artist C.A.James, whose signature appears at the bottom of each of these paintings, cannot be identified but was clearly an accomplished amateur painter. The bleak landscape of Dartmoor is sensitively pictured in two complementary scenes of fields of heather by a lake, the lighting suggesting dawn with birds flying at the break of day. The mountainous outcrop at the back can be identified as Brent Tor, a landmark of Dartmoor which is surmounted by the church of St Michael, which can be seen in both the images. It was probably a popular subject for painters and various other paintings with a similar subject can be found. The style suggests dating to the 1920s and this seems consistent with the frames which appear to be original.
Pair of Silhouette Portraits by Enid Elliot Linder, framed, late C20th
Price: £25
A pair of silhouette portraits depicting, according to the labels on the reverse, ‘Miss Rosamund’ and ‘A Naval Gentleman’, each signed ‘Enid Elliot Linder’ with matching mounts and frames. The ‘silhouette’, as we now know it, gained popularity from the mid eighteenth century onwards. An image, often of a person, was represented as a solid shape of a single colour, usually black, with its edges matching the outline of the subject and mounted on a light background, usually white. Early silhouettes were normally made from cut black card and took their name from the French finance minister Étienne de Silhouette, who, in 1759, was forced by France's credit crisis during the Seven Years' War to impose severe economic demands upon the French people. Famous for his austere economies, his name became synonymous with anything done cheaply and so with this form of portraiture.
Known first as ‘profiles’ or ‘shades’ silhouettes became a common form of portraiture before the development of photography but continued to be made well after and indeed into the C20th. This pair of portrait heads, two from a series of twenty according to the label on the reverse, were produced in a studio set up by Enid Elliot Linder in the 1970s. Starting in a room at the back of a house in Babbacombe, Enid Linder, an artist with a great talent for painting silhouettes, began production in 1972 and, within the space of a few months, helped by her husband and four assistants was producing 500 pictures a week, necessitating a move to larger premises on the Teignmouth Road. By 1980, the ‘Pennyfarthing Galleries’, as they had become known, had sold an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 pictures all around the world. All were all produced at the Teignmouth Road premises, and checked and signed in pencil by the artist. Various series were produced and this pair of portraits come from what seems to have been a series of generic images of early nineteenth century figures. The influence of Jane Austen is obvious and these two silhouette heads are an attractive reminder of a tradition of portraiture with long historical associations.
Victorian ships inkwell with original fitted ink pots c1900
Price: £55
This is an unusual inkwell that originally would have sat on an officer's desk on a ship. It is made from oak wood with brass fittings and decoration, to include a carrying handle and four feet. Two square recesses contain the original inkpots which have remarkably survived intact. There is also a long narrow channel to hold a pen. Both were intended to ensure stability if the waters grew choppy! Decorative in itself, this piece perhaps provides the ultimate gift for the office even if it is unlikely to find itself in daily use.
Powder Compact, British Empire Exhibition (1924-1925), dated 1925
Price: £45
The success of the Franco-British Exhibition held at the White City, London, in 1908 stimulated plans for an exhibition to showcase the arts, scientific achievements and commerce of the British Empire itself, the largest in the world at the time. Arrangements began to be made in 1913 with the exhibition to be held at the same venue but were put on hold by the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. However, at the end of this in 1918, the project was revived culminating in the opening of the ‘British Empire Exhibition’ on the 23rd April 1924, this time at the Wembley stadium where the Cup Final had been held for the first time in 1923 when the building was completed. Planned to close on the 1st September, the exhibition enjoyed such popularity that it reopened in 1925 for a second season. Over the two years it received 27,102,498 visitors.
Souvenirs and medals were produced, amongst which were silver plated powder compacts as here. The round container for the powder has a hinged lid revealing the powder well below, originally fitted with a mauve ribbon tasseled powder puff, and a mirror above. On the surface of the lid, which has a tab for lifting, is a stylised brass lion, a symbol of the British Empire, vitreous enameled in black, red and blue with the wording ‘British Empire Exhibition 1925 ’ There is a short rounded handle and the back has an engraved mark ‘Rd [registered] 689177’ for the patent number. While many were doubtless made (and there is another version with a more slender handle, with a ring at the end, and the background colourings of the lettering reversed) few of these compacts seem to have survived making this a desirable addition to a collection of British memorabilia.
Czech rhinestone jewelled glass metal filigree Perfume Bottle and Stopper, C20th
Price: £20
This is an elaborately decorated perfume bottle of a type produced by Czech workshops in a variety of similar but differing designs. The blue glass bottle is encased with elaborate gilt filigree work which does not cover the entirety of the reverse as is quite common. The intricate filigree design is enhanced by studded rhinestones, or imitation diamonds, in greens and blues, which adds to the opulence of the piece. There is a removable gilt cap fitted with a glass wand which remains intact. Definitely an addition to the handbag for a very special occasion!
Papier Mâché Tray with Millefiori Decoration, Kashmir, C20th
Price: £55
A Papier Mâché Tray of octagonal form with rounded indented corners profusely decorated in rich and detailed colourings with small floral blooms, the ‘millefiori’ (thousand flower) pattern, a central roundel and four hemisphere panels at the corners all set on an orange ground, the border with bands of floral spray and repeating geometric design in gilt, the reverse plain showing the black lacquer ground. Trays and boxes in this distinctive style were made in Kashmir in India and some carry the label for Srinagar, a city famous for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts like the Kashmir shawl, papier mâché, wood carving, carpet weaving, and jewel making, which is most likely the place where this tray was made, probably in the 1920s. It is a superb example of the type with exquisite detail in the decoration and a strikingly attractive use of colour.
Renaissance Revival Brass Desk Set, English c 1900
Price: £55
A brass desk set, comprising an inkwell and a pair of candlesticks, all with square bases and short feet, the inkwell of pagoda like form with a hinged lid above a square surround, the candlesticks with urn like candle holders and loop handles again with a square surround, all with heavily cast decoration of floral scrolls and and mask heads. The solidity of the shapes here with an element of the architectural in the design and the style of the decoration which loosely recalls pieces from the classical period both reflect one of the design fashions of the late nineteenth century which looked back to and developed variants on renaissance art. The ‘renaissance revival’ style could be found in many areas of the arts including architecture and interior decoration. Accessories were also produced to match of which this desk set is an excellent example. The pieces are unmarked and the maker cannot be determined but the well known firm of William Tonks and Sons, whose 1890 catalogue still exists, produced many pieces in a similar style which allows the late nineteenth century dating here. This set is probably now rather more decorative than practical but would certainly add a touch of opulence to interior furnishings.
Townshend & Co : Butler’s Crumb Tray and Matching Brush, Birmingham c1900
Price: £75
This is a brass tray with a matching brush designed for the clearing of crumbs from the dining table. It might have been used by a butler, hence the apocryphal term, or possibly a maid or even by a member of the household depending on the grandeur of the establishment. The tray is unusually cast in the form of a pair of confronting sea serpents below a stylised openwork shell, the surface of the tray engraved to represent the scaly bodies of the beasts. The edge of the tray is scalloped and the curving design is repeated in the wooden brush which is decorated with an applied brass sea serpent complementing its companions on the tray. The back is stamped ‘Townshend & Co’ one of the marks used by the manufacturers, Townshend, whose premises were on Earnest St, Holloway Head, Birmingham and who made quality brass and copper art metalware for up-market retailers. (see www. oldcopper.org). This particular trademark was used from around 1890 until the beginning of the first world war after which demand for art metal ware seems to have declined. This fits with the design of the piece whose emphasis on organic forms reflects the productions of the art nouveau style so popular at the time. But while other crumb trays from the period are known, Townshend produced one of the most upmarket examples and this example, rarely a complete and matching set, probably began life in a very grand house indeed. A relic of the past perhaps but not without a practical function, even today!
Renaissance Revival Letter Opener and Stand, English, c1900
Price: £25
This is a desk set item comprising a rectangular brass stand on four short feet with a pair of double scalloped supports on one of which can be set a brass letter opener. Both pieces are heavily cast with stylised scrolling leaf work and mask heads, a style of the decoration which loosely recalls pieces from the classical period and reflects one of the design fashions of the late nineteenth century which looked back to and developed variants on renaissance art. The ‘renaissance revival’ style could be found in many areas of the arts including architecture and interior decoration. Accessories were also produced to match, of which this and the desk set also included in this sale are prime examples. Although the letter opener is stamped with a registered number (‘Rd No 22695’) the manufacturer cannot be determined, but was almost certainly English with a production date of around 1900. The form of the supports implies that two items were displayed on the stand, the second probably being a book knife for slitting pages edges as was commonly required over one hundred years ago. If so, its loss is regrettable but not fatal. Modern books thankfully require less exertion from their readers!
Pair of Silver Plated Fish Servers with fitted box, probably Edwardian
Price: £45
A pair of silver plated fish servers of typical form, one in the shape of a large fork and the other a flat slice, both elaborately decorated with engraved scrolling acanthus, the slice with openwork detail, and bordered with a repeating rectangular geometric design, the modelled handles, which appear to be dyed bone, set in ropework sockets. There is certainly quality here but no maker’s mark so origin and dating have to be guessed. The rather florid style suggests Edwardian rather than Victorian work and relates to the ‘renaissance revival’ style which features elsewhere in this auction. English manufacture is therefore the most likely. Certainly a touch here of the grand elegance of a bygone era and the set retains its original box which is in excellent condition.
Art Deco Guilloché Copper Ash Tray and matching Cigarette Holder, boxed, c1930
Price: £35
This matching set comes from an era when the cigarette was seen as an elegant accessory rather than a danger to health. The ash tray and the end of the cigarette holder are made from copper, burnished to two contrasting colours in respect of the tray, decorated in the guilloché technique whereby precise and intricate patterns are engraved onto the surface using a machine. Here a wavy line design was applied to the centre of the tray and the end of the cigarette holder and contrasted with stylised floral sprays at the border created by the repoussé technique in which the metal was hammered from the reverse to create a design in low relief. The mouthpiece of the cigarette holder, formed from celluloid, is deliberately plain. The set comes in an original blue leather fitted box and the combination here is found much less often than the ash trays themselves.
Matching Trio of a Bakelite plaque and a pair of Salts, Italian Fontanini, mid C20th
Price: £25
A pair of Bakelite table salt dishes in the form of two cherubs wearing a quiver and holding a bow and arrow and standing on shell with a rococo style plinth at the edge and three supporting feet underneath. Both pieces are marked 'DEPOSE 186 ITALY' with a small spider mark in addition. This signifies the Fontanini workshop which made a variety of small polychrome resin figures in a rather charming rococo (the term itself derives from the French 'rocaille' which means 'shell work') style of which these are an excellent example. The small spider emblem is often seen on their pieces. Dating is probably to the 1950s. These are offered together with a small wall plaque in the form of a cherub's head, similarly marked, but with the number 67, and of the same period, the complementary set providing an amusingly decorative trio.
Victorian Black Watch iron doorstop c1890
Price: £25
This is a whimsical doorstop in the form of a Black Watch soldier. It is made of cold painting iron.>p
The Royal Highlanders, also referred to as the Black Watch, was a famed Scottish regiment of the British Army. Part of its notability is due to its longevity, having been initially conceived in 1725.
Toulouse Lautrec poster entitled Jane Avril c1950
Price: £125
This is a very good example of the Jane Avril poster by Lautrec. This is originally was printed in 1893. This print is very true to the original and is not a current reprint. It has been photographed out of the frame to show its age and the trueness of the colours.
African wood figural group, Guinea c1970
Price: £35
This is a carved wood group depicitng a woman carrying water with a pig, fruit and other household implements.
Edwardian large text magnifying glass with horn handle c1910
Price: £25
This is a very usual large magnifying glass that has a buffalo horn as a handle. It would have been used to read the newspaper, as the text was so small. It is brass.
Art Deco piano sconces c1920
Price: £75
This is a pair of Art Deco sconces comprising brass and mahogany elements. The shape and the detail on these is geometric but with the wood elements it softens the design. These would have been mounted on either side of a piano to help read the music.
Japanese satsuma style match stick holder c1940
Price: £35
This is a lovely little figure of a Japanese man holding a vessel that is used to hold matches. It is done in a satsuma style motif and is marked Made in Japan on the bottom. A lovely souvenir from a trip long ago.
Blackpool souvenir teapot c1920
Price: £30
This is a wonderful souvenir teapot from Blackpool with a pewter cover. Blackpool was a very popular holiday destination for brits back one hundred years or so. Blackpool is a seaside resort on the Irish Sea coast of England. It's known for Blackpool Pleasure Beach, an old-school amusement park with vintage wooden roller coasters. Built in 1894, the landmark Blackpool Tower houses a circus, a glass viewing platform and the Tower Ballroom, where dancers twirl to the music of a Wurlitzer organ.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Egyptian Hieroglyphic wall plaque c2000
Price: £15
This is a very detailed plaque that depicts an Egyptian owl. It is a replica from Tutenkhamun's tomb that was issued by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
French Orientalist etching aquatint - Paris La Rue Saint Rustique
Price: £30
This is a beautile small etching aquatint that is signed. One reverse is the printers label of "Georges Hautecoer & Co. Gravures Encadements 172 Rue de Rivoli Paris". It is a scene of a very famous street in the Monmarte district of Paris. The signature is illegible but it is lovely quality.
English cold painted iron childs bookstand c1930
Price: £55
This is an English childs bookstand that is formed as a duck in a landscape. This has been coldpainted and the colours are still very vibrant. This was very well cared for as items like this tend to be in poor condition. This is a lovely example.
