Decorative Arts & Ephemera
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.
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.
Mounted aquatint engraving of a Courting Couple, signed, probably French C20th
Price: £45
The aquatint process is similar to that of engraving but it is powdered resin rather than a needle which is used to create the desired print effect and it is areas of colour which are produced here rather than an outline design. Often, though, the two techniques are combined, as in this print. Within an oval frame are depicted in pastel tones of blue, yellow and green a courting couple in eighteenth century dress. Boucher springs to mind but perhaps we are closer to Fragonard since the scene depicted is not wholly innocent. The lady’s right breast is clearly exposed and her right hand rather artfully placed. Perhaps this explains the slightly surprised expression on the young man’s face. The general style indicates much more modern work of course, perhaps to the mid C20th, but the artist, who signs his name as ‘Ceilli’, could well have been of the same nationality as his more famous predecessors. Certainly, he has produced a work of impish charm.
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.
Framed Watercolour, Harbour or Beachside Scene, signed, C20th
Price: £25
This is an attractive watercolour depicting a harbour or beachside scene with a sailing boat moored to the left, a lighter boat to its side and various sailing boats in the distance with mountains beyond. The tones used are mainly sepias and browns but more colours combine in the rendering of the sky with its setting sun. The artist’s signature can be seen to the bottom left but is unfortunately very hard to read. The impressionistic style is typical of mid century work - the well known English artist George Hann comes to mind and perhaps the painter here, an accomplished amateur, shares his nationality. The appeal here is obvious and not just to a collector of maritime scenes!
Chinese Straw Thread Picture on Silk, framed in original box, late C20th
Price: £45
This is an attractive picture of Chinese Junks moored by a river bank with birds settled on one and seen flying away in the distance. The technique is unusual. On a silk ground, the detail of the image is rendered in fine straw threads with some of the features coloured in underneath. Great skill would have been required to work in this medium and far fewer examples exist than of the more standard silk thread images. The composition is pleasing but the clean, almost ‘modern’ lines of the picture suggest mid to late C20th work. The picture is fitted into a contemporary Chinese fabric covered box suggesting that it was it is framed in China at the same time as its production.
Mods at Clacton 1964, Photograph by Terry Disney for the Daily Express
Price: £45
Easter 1964 saw a gathering of two wheeler transport fanatics in the sea town of Clacton, Essex. These were the ‘mods’ and ‘rockers’ famous at the time, the ‘mods’ with their sharp suits and scooters and the ‘rockers’ with leather jackets and motorcycles. Relationships between the two groups were less than friendly and the inevitable resulted. But if the two rival ‘gangs’ disliked one another, they disliked the police even more and when officialdom stepped in, the chaos increased. Exactly what happened has been debated ever since. The press called it anarchy (see image 6) but the local council was not so sure.
It was, though, a newsworthy confrontation and press photographers were sent in to record events. The most notable of these was Terry Disney who worked for the Daily Express newspaper. Disney was a distinguished and prolific photographer from the 1960s onwards and many of his striking images survive, not least those capturing the major personalities of the entertainment world at the time, including the Beatles themselves. His images of the ‘mods’ (he seemed less interested in the ‘rockers’) capture the atmosphere of the scenes vividly and this photograph is an excellent example of his work on that Easter weekend (for another see image 5). Often only obtainable under licence, this print is an ideal opportunity for a collector to acquire a near iconic image. It is offered with a very basic frame which might well be replaced with something which would enhance the photograph more sympathetically.
Framed Picture of Two Elephants signed Mary Beth Zeitz and dated 2003
Price: £25
This attractive composition was, in fact, drawn on a serviette as the label at the back indicates and can easily be seen from the material itself. Depicted are a pair of confronting elephants with colourful saddle hangings and open top howdahs. The painting is skilful and there is much detail in the representation of the fabric hangings and the sides of the howdahs. But then, this is the work of an accomplished and known artist, Mary Beth Zeitz, whose signature appears at the bottom right hand corner (see another example of her work [image 7] for comparison). Born in the C20th in Louisville, Kentucky, she was raised in Wilmington, Delaware from the age of 3 and then went on to study French at the University there following this with a spell the Universite de Montpellier while she was living in the South of France. Her work is distinguished by detailed subjects and antique-style textures which are often to be seen in her watercolours. Her paintings have found their way into several galleries and have been purchased by private and corporate collectors. The recipient of this gift was lucky then and received a decorative object of great charm and skill.
Pink Alabaster Box and Cover, Italy late c20th
Price: £25
An attractive box and cover of circular form made from pink alabaster, each section mounted in gilt metal and attached by a hinge, the lid with a finely detailed design of flowering lotus. Italy is a prime source for alabaster and many similar boxes have a sticker on the base saying ‘Made in Italy’ giving us the country of origin here. Dating is probably to the 1980s/1990s.
Burgundy Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £95
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in red burgundy leather. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid bevelled at the front and back and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ with the original key and the lid an inset brass handle, the surface of which would have been suitable for the engraving of the owner’s initials. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery and a circular holder for a watch. The linings of the box and trays are in burgundy leather and velvet. There are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. The box most likely dates to the early 1900s and would clearly have been sold by a purveyor of ‘luxury’ items for a wealthy clientele. It retains, of course, its functionality today.
Green Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £55
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in green leather with a graining effect. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ (lacking its original key) and the lid a leather strap handle with fine stitching. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery, and the bottom of the box is divided into two compartments. The linings of the box and trays are in green leather and velvet with moiré silk to the inside of the lid. As with the previous lot, there are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. This box perhaps dates to a little later than the previous one, more to the 1930s but is no less of a ‘luxury’ item which equally well retains its functionality today.
Rectangular Green Onyx Box and Cover, 1960s
Price: £35
Rectangular Green Onyx Box and Cover, 1960s
A box and cover of rectangular form constructed from joined sections of green veined onyx, the lid with a gilt metal hinge. 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-coloured and white bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail which explains the name but is obviously not in evidence here. These boxes are usually attributed to Italian makers with a mid twentieth century dating which seems reasonable here.
Rectangular Footed Green Onyx Box and Cover, G.S.E. Ottone Garantito, 1960s
Price: £45
A box and cover of rectangular form constructed from joined sections of light green veined onyx, the base and lid gilt metal mounted with four small claw feet, markings on the bottom and side ‘G.S.E. Ottone Garantito’ (‘guaranteed brass’). 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-coloured and white bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail which explains the name but is obviously not in evidence here. The mark confirms an Italian origin and a mid twentieth century dating seems likely.
Rectangular Box and Cover, Basanite Jasper, C20th
Price: £95
A rectangular box and cover constructed from joined slabs of basanite Jasper, both parts with the rims metal mounted and joined by a hinge at the rear, the base with four short feet. The material here is a form of Jasper, a naturally formed rock which can appear in a variety of colours and patterns. One of these is ‘picture jasper’ where the outline of scenes or images can be seen on the polished surface and another ‘basanite jasper’ known for its black streaked tones. Both of these can be seen here, particularly the apparently mountainous design of the lid and the two side panels, front and back. Jasper is found in a wide variety of locations, including Russia but it is not possible to determine the origin here. Dating is equally uncertain, but the piece has a strong ‘Art Deco’ look with its clean lines and simple geometric feet and this may well point to the timing of its manufacture. Colour and form, though, combine to produce a striking decorative item well suited to the most contemporary interior.
Tubular Onyx Box and Cover, 1960s
Price: £35
A box and cover of tubular form, the circular body with a flush fitting flat lid, the onyx stone with typical veining and striation in shades of amber and brown. 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-coloured and white bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail and similar effects can be seen here. Its use is known since ancient Egyptian times and it has also been commonly employed during the twentieth century. Similar pieces are usually attributed to Italian makers with a mid twentieth century dating. The clean lines of this piece are certainly consistent with that and it combines elegance with practicality.
Pink porcelain powder box, Radnor Bone China, English Staffordshire, 1950s
Price: £15
This is an attractive porcelain powder box and cover, the circular body in pink fitted with a matching cover mounted with a delicately modelled floral spray, yellow petals with green and blue below, both the box and cover with gilt rims, the base marked ‘HB’ within a crown, ‘Hand Made’, ‘RADNOR’, ‘Bone China’, ‘Staffordshire’, ‘England’, all within a floral border.
Radnor was the trade name used by Hall Bros (Longton) Ltd. Hall Brothers was a China manufacturer based at the Radnor Works, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England which traded from 1947 until its liquidation in 1972. It produced figures, birds, toby jugs and floral ware, mainly small porcelain boxes which were distinguished by their decoration of finely modelled flowers (see image XX for an advert from the 1960s). This box is a typical example and survives in excellent condition with just a very small amount of near inevitable damage to the petals.
Gilt decorated English porcelain powder box and cover, probably mid C20th
Price: £15
This is a large English porcelain powder box and cover, the circular body with a shallow domed cover, the surface glazed white with elaborate gilt decoration of embossed stylised floral bands with stylised floral gilt borders above and below. The base is unmarked but the paste of the foot suggests English manufacture and the rich gilt decoration reflects that of dinner services produced by some of the well known twentieth century porcelain producers, Minton in particular.
Souvenir White House Enamel Box and Cover
Price: £15
A box and cover of ovoid form, the blue enamel ground with raised cloisonne enamel style decoration depicting the White House with the US flag atop, trees to the left and right and a profusion of stars which are repeated on the base with a single star on the interior. Doubtless to be found in the White House gift shops but available here without the need for a trip to Washington!
Bone parquetry box decorated in the manner of Fornasetti, Venetian, mid C20th
Price: £85
A rectangular box with a hinged lid, the surface covered with small bone rectangular slabs laid in a parquetry technique and decorated on the sides with an architectural design in black, the interior showing the wood body of the piece. These boxes with their bone tessera like patterns combined with scenes of buildings were made in Venice probably from the 1950s to the 1970s. Some examples have a more stylised representation, as here, and some a more realistic depiction of Venetian palaces. The stylised architectural designs recall closely the work of the Italian artist Piero Fornasetti whose atelier produced ceramic vases with very similar decoration (see image 8 for an example) although it is not suggested that these boxes were the work of Fornasetti himself. The combination of building designs on a ground of what could be held to be building blocks is ingenious and the result stylish and attractive.
Framed Watercolour of a Countryside Scene, C20th
Price: £45
This is a highly attractive watercolour painting of a countryside scene. A river winds from left to right with a mother and child walking along a path in the foreground and trees and buildings to the rear. On the river sails a barge drawn by a horse which has just passed under the brick built bridge to which the couple are approaching. This is certainly a ‘period’ composition suggesting the nineteenth century but the artist, an accomplished amateur, was clearly working in the twentieth. If the frame is contemporary, then this indicates a dating to the 1960s or 1970s but this is admittedly something of a guess. But the charm of the piece is obvious and it would be an appealing addition to a modern home.
French Souvenir Verre Eglomise Box and Cover, Sacre Coeur de Montmatre, circa 1900
Price: £55
This box, and others like it, was probably made in France as a tourist souvenir in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. Formed as a small casket, the base is of pressed brass with relief decoration and four small pad feet. The lid has a ‘verre eglomise’, or reverse painted glass, bevel edged panel set in a brass mount and the box is lined inside. Some of the decoration of the lid is probably transfer with other elements hand painted on the back of the glass in true ‘verre eglomise’ style. The scene depicted is the well known Basilica of Sacre Coeur situated on the top of Montmatre, one of the most frequently visited sites in Paris and therefore eminently suitable as the subject for a memento of the ‘great city’. This is the ‘Grand Tour’ style rather towards its end with cheaper materials and a more mechanical method of production but an authentic example of a period souvenir to tempt the traveller.
Abstract Heart Shape Ceramic Sculpture, Pier One Imports, late C20th
Price: £25
This is an unusual ceramic sculpture formed in the shape of a heart and glazed in a lustre finish of copper brown. These pieces appear to have been sold by the American firm Pier I Imports which traded as a physical presence from 1962 to 2020. Offering a stylish range of home furnishings the company had up to 1000 stores at its peak, but changing market conditions forced it into liquidation in 2020, eventually being bought out by Retail ECommerce Ventures (REV) which now operates the brand online as Dallas-based Pier 1 Imports Online, Inc. Towards the end of its trading history from its stores, a new range of items was brought in to appeal to a new and wider audience. This piece may well be one of them and, if so, is a quirky souvenir of the original business.
Vintage Needlepoint Picture of a Garden Scene, framed, second half C20th
Price: £25
This is a charming embroidery on canvas employing the so called ‘needlepoint’ technique in which over half a dozen stitching techniques are used as opposed to ‘cross stitch’ which uses only one. The varieties of technique employed here can be clearly seen in the detail images (3), (4) and (5). The picture depicts a garden scene with a bird bath and path in the foreground leading to a gate with a pergola like floral arch over it and, in the distance, a thatched cottage. The attraction of the design speaks for itself. Dating is difficult but most likely post war and the frame suggests the mid to late twentieth century.
Vintage Needlepoint Picture of a lady dressed in a crinoline, framed, probably 1930s
Price: £25
Like the previous lot this embroidery picture employs the so called ‘needlepoint’ technique in which over half a dozen stitching techniques are used as opposed to ‘cross stitch’ which uses only one. The varieties of technique employed here can be clearly seen in the detail images (2), (3) and (4). We have another garden composition, this time a lady dressed in a crinoline gathering flowers and standing on a paved terrace (note the weeds between the paving stones!) with roses and hollyhocks. There are other similar examples of this scene which are thought to be from the prewar era and the slight foxing of the canvas and the form of the frame itself are consistent with this.
Framed Oil Painting on Board of a Winter Landscape Scene, C20th
Price: £55
Clearly the work of an accomplished amateur artist, this dramatic landscape painting of a snowy winter scene shows a gabled house set by a river with reeds and trees in the foreground and craggy snow capped mountains in the background. The location is really a matter of guesswork but the building resembles some found in Holland which might indicate a Dutch setting. The grandeur of the scene is obvious with the mountainous outcrops graphically depicted. The board surface used and the style of the frame suggests a mid to late twentieth century dating but this picture would grace a room setting of any age.
Egyptian table decoration depicting a Pharoah and Attendant, c1940
Price: £45
This is a Egyptian souvenir table decoration depicting aPharoah and attendant. The sun is radiating down to indicate his divine rule. It is made from bovine buffalo bone, a material commonly used for Egyptian decorative objects.
Pair of Indian brass candlesticks c1900
Price: £175
These are a lovely pair of candlesticks in a cobra design. They are brass with engraving and enamel work. These cobra candlesticks are commonly found in the UK as they were brought back from India during the Raj and many families had them. This pair is a very good example of the type, in excellent condition. Their inclusion in an auction of Egyptian pieces might seem strange but few will need to be reminded of the fate of Egypt's most famous Queen!
Arts and Crafts Brass and Cobalt Glass Salt and Pepper, early C20th
Price: £55
An unusual pair of condiment servers for salt and pepper in which cobalt blue glass, more normally associated with the liners for pieces of a condiment set, is combined with brass metal in curious almost water-dropper like form, the ovoid glass body encased in non-functioning hinged brass mountings with a spreading foot, open at the base, narrow necks and screw top stoppers with a single hole for salt and multiple holes for pepper. There are few parallels for this design but it has characteristics of pieces produced by craftsmen working in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ movement which flourished in Britain from the late nineteenth century to the 1920s. Ornament "must be secondary to the thing decorated", declared the designer Owen Jones, and said there must be “fitness in the ornament to the thing ornamented". The rather austere design here, which admits decoration but concentrates on function, seems to follow the precepts laid down and provides an interesting example of the movement’s style.
Two small metal perfume Flasks and Stoppers, 1920s
Price: £35
Two small metal flasks, the first in brass of rounded rectangular form with a ball shape stopper, the surface plain, and the second in copper of ovoid form again with a ball shape stopper and also a loose ring handle, the surface with beaten decoration of a repeating design of small circles. The shapes of both of these are usually described as perfume bottles which makes sense here where the stoppers are both screw top. The copper example was perhaps intended for attachment to a belt and the size of either would have made them suitable travelling accessories. Dating is probably to the 1920s and the beaten decoration of the second is a feature of pieces made under the influence of the ‘Arts and Crafts’ movement which flourished in Britain from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century.
Two Corgi Silver Jubilee Toys Boxed, (41) State Landau, (417) London Bus, 1977
Price: £45
The silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 stimulated the production of a near avalanche of commemorative items. Mettoy, the manufacturers of the well known brand of Corgi toys, played their part in this producing a model of the 1902 state landau used in the royal processions and an accompanying model of a silver jubilee London bus with its special silver livery colour. The state landau is an example of their rather more ambitious pieces with the carriage rendered in great detail and the figures of the Queen and Prince Philip realistically modelled. The designer also allowed himself to include a corgi dog, appropriate for two quite distinct reasons. The bus is a typical example of the ‘Corgi Toys’ collected by so many during the years of their production and indeed thereafter. The typical ‘Corgi Toy’ was finely cast with detailed modelling and colouring accurately reflecting the features of its original. The two together, then, complete with their original boxes and in in good condition are a souvenir in themselves of a whole area of collecting.
Pair of Arts and Crafts Pewter Salts, early C20th
Price: £45
A pair of small salts, pewter and of circular form with brass bands to the top and bottom and inset glass beads in green, red and blue. The rather austere and slightly mediaeval appearance of these salts indicates the influence of the ‘Arts and Crafts’ movement which flourished in Britain from the late nineteenth century to the 1920s. Ornament "must be secondary to the thing decorated", declared the designer Owen Jones, and said there must be “fitness in the ornament to the thing ornamented". Certainly, there are few traces of florid decoration here as is the case with the salt and pepper set elsewhere in this sale. These pieces may date slightly later and there are silver serviette rings in the same format which are hallmarked for 1933 which may explain why they also have a slightly Art Deco feel in their simplicity of design.
Set of Three Japanese Lacquer Nesting Trays, mid to late C20th
Price: £45
This is a fine quality set of three Japanese lacquer trays designed in a ‘nesting’ format so that the two smaller fit into the largest. Each is finished in red lacquer with an elaborate and detailed gilt and enamel design of two peacocks in a garden scene with peony and bamboo, the rims gilt and the openwork handles with beige plastic loops, the sides and reverse in black lacquer. The art of lacquer ware (漆器, shikki) has been practised in Japan since the earliest times and pieces from the Meiji period (1868-1912) are particularly collectible today. These trays are much later, the use of plastic suggesting the 1950s or 1960s but the quality is still there and their excellent condition allows the skill of the workmanship to be fully appreciated. Highly decorative in themselves they are functional as well!
Octagonal Agate Mortar Bowl, C20th
Price: £25
Truly Art Deco in style, the form of this bowl, octagonal with flaring sides and an upright bevel edged rim, deeply cut out to a rounded interior, is however normally regarded as a mortar shape and would have been used with a pestle, probably in the same material. Commonly used in a laboratory context for grinding samples these agate pieces are very much fit for purpose since the stone is much harder than porcelain, thus reducing the level of impurities introduced during the grinding process. Found in a wide variety of locations including Italy, Africa and Brazil, agate, a form of chalcedony with a wide variety of banding effects, was used for jewellery from the earliest of times but has also had practical uses because of its hardness. This bowl shows the typical banding effects of the stone but perhaps because most likely intended for practical use an impurity in the piece used has been left visible (see image 5).
Pedestal footed Onyx Vase, mid to late C20th
Price: £25
An onyx vase the body of slender ovoid form with a tall slightly flaring straight neck, hollow inside, supported by a spreading pedestal foot, the stone with typical and colourful banding effects. 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-coloured and white bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail and a similar effect is seen here. Found in many parts of the world, its source can never be determined with certainty but an Italian origin is likely here. The style of the piece suggests the 1960s or 1970s
Steiff Hedgehogs : Macki and Mucki, 1950s/1960s
Price: £120
The German toymakers Steiff are synonymous with luxury soft toys and especially their ‘Teddy’ bears named after Theodore Roosevelt. Their range is considerable and even encompassed a small family of hedgehogs Mecki and Micki and their children Macki and Mucki who appear in this Focus auction as amusing and striking examples of a long and distinguished tradition of toy making.
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The firm Steiff was begun by Margarete Steiff in 1880. A seamstress by training Margarete recognised a strong demand for some fabric elephants which she had made and intended for use as pincushions but soon became adopted as toys. Many other animals followed and a felt factory was founded in Giengen, Germany, in 1893 soon to be followed two years later by the first consignment of her wares to Harrods, London. In 1897, Margarete’s nephew Richard joined the firm and went on to design the first plush bear with movable arms and legs for which a substantial order was received of 3000 examples in 1903 from an American buyer who sensed a growing demand for these animals as a result of the US President Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt being shown in a photograph with a young cub in The Washington Post of the previous year. By 1907 a little under one million of these bears were being produced and turnover went on to increase substantially. Steiff bears can be purchased today and the earlier examples are actively sought after by collectors.
In the 1930s, Steiff began to collaborate with the Walt Disney company and characters from their films were reproduced starting, unsurprisingly, with Mickey Mouse and going on to include some of the most famous creations even up to the present day with ‘Nemo’ and ‘Woody’ from Toy Story being recent and popular additions.
The Hedgehog family, comprising Mecki and Micki with their children Macki and Mucki first appeared in 1951 and continued in production until the 1990s. These four characters are often found, sometimes with the characteristic round Steiff tag bearing their name and with the wording ‘Steiff–Original–Marke’ with an arrow pointing to a teddy bear’s head, but other hedgehog models which can be regarded as ‘cousins’ were made for a brief period in the 1960s. The nuclear family, though, comprised these four and they are sometimes illustrated together on postcards. Some of the round tags have additional wording ‘nach Diehl Film’ (‘from/after the film [maker] Diehl’) which refers to a German film company set up by three brothers Ferdinand, Hermann and Paul Diehl in 1937. They specialised in the ‘stop motion’ technique which involves the minute movement of model figures which, when photographed and with the images displayed in quick succession, allows the illusion of movement, now familiar today in the films featuring Wallace and Gromit.
Mecki and his family were popular characters in some of the films the Diehl brothers made and first made their appearance in 1949 designed as mascots for a German periodical called ‘Hor Zu’ which began publication in 1946 and covered radio and television news. Some of the tags attached to members of the family allude to this and Macki’s here reads at the back ‘Redaktionsigel von Hor Zu’ (‘the hedgehog editor of Hor Zu’). This explains the blue stain on Mucki’s skirt which is clearly meant to represent ink. Other members of the family also display marks on their clothes as a sign of being hard at work. Sensing the popularity of these characters, Stieff negotiated an exclusive right to produce dolls of them in 1951 and the hedgehogs became a staple of their output. The Diehls’ last film was made in 1970 and the hedgehogs featured in more than one over the years, becoming much loved characters in Germany during the 1950s and 1960s.
The techniques of production of the figures varied over time as did the attached labels. The earliest were made from 60% wool and 40% cotton with the faces formed from rubber like latex over a straw filling. Such example of these as survive are in rather poor condition. The very latest versions, made from 1968 to 1990 have a different form of chest name tag and a different ‘button’ label. (From the earliest times, Steiff toys had a yellow rectangular label listing the materials used and the country of origin and sometimes the price, attached by a small button marked ‘Steiff’. Unfortunately, these are missing here but the chest tags are intact and in good condition which does not always occur.) Dating of these two examples is therefore midway and probably to the late 1950s or early 1960s and they survive in near pristine condition making them an excellent addition to a collection of Steiff soft toys and a fine memento of almost iconic companions to so many children in post war Germany.
Toy Wicker Chair, mid C20th
Price: £35
A masterpiece in miniature, this is a small size wicker chair of tub shape, the arms merging into the back rail, the seat and lower sides closely woven with the upper sides and back in openwork and the legs with loop stretchers. Dating is probably to the mid twentieth century and this may be the work of an accomplished amateur, perhaps as a gift for their child. Certainly, these model chairs are much less commonly found than their full size counterparts and do not seem to have been manufactured widely. The perfect display item for a treasured Teddy!
Pair cast iron Doorstops, Basket of Fruit, probably American mid C20th
Price: £45
This is a pair of doorstops made from cast iron in the form of an urn containing fruit including orange, lemon, peach and grapes, combined with foliage and flowers. Hollow at the backs, these pieces were most likely mould cast and then cold painted. Various similar compositions are found with the impressed numbers ‘456’ and a few identical ones marked ‘DONSCO’ ‘JOHN WRIGHT CAST IN USA’. ‘456’ was a model number used by the well known manufacturer of metal products, Hubley, which, like John Wright, had its premises in Pennsylvania, USA. These doorstops (at least that is how they are always termed; the weight of the pieces seems quite light to retain a heavy door) seem to have been made in the 1950s and this pair most likely originate from a manufacturer operating in the same area as the two named ones. As a pair, which is unusual, they also have decorative potential and remain in excellent condition for their age.
Arts and Crafts Hand Mirror with Repousse Decoration, circa 1900
Price: £55
A very unusual hand mirror of shaped paddle form, the wood body with applied hammered pewter decoration, the back with an overall design, very finely worked, of flowering lotus and a butterfly on a minutely hammer punched ground, the plain border with studded nail head fixings, the front with a small pewter panel to the handle, similarly decorated and secured, and with a single red cabochon bead to the head, the frame of the mirror in plain wood.
Elements of two contrasting contemporary styles combine here with features from both the Arts and Crafts and the Art Nouveau movement. The hammered pewter with the almost rustic nail head fixings and the red bead reflect the former but the elegant depiction of the lotus and butterfly, with more than a hint of the Orient, reflect the latter. The maker is anonymous but doubtless British and clearly a highly skilled craftsman. Much thought and expertise went into the design of this piece which would be a desirable addition for collectors of either or both of the pieces made under the influence of these two highly popular design movements.
Commemorative Ware Silver Jubilee Plate, James Kent Ltd, England, 1935
Price: £35
A small circular serving dish the shallow concave centre surrounded by a shaped and modelled edge with gilt decoration, cream glazed with polychrome transfer decoration in honour of the Silver Jubilee of King George the Fifth in 1935. He is shown with his wife Queen Mary in an elaborate composition of shields and flags with the royal crown and the motto ‘honi soit qui mal y pense’. At the back is the mark ‘SILVER JUBILEE WARE’ ‘James Kent Ltd’ ‘England’. James Kent Ltd were long established earthenware and porcelain manufacturers based in Stoke on Trent, England. For the 1935 Jubilee they produced a range of wares including mugs and plates. This serving dish seems to be a slightly more unusual form and would be a useful addition to a collection of these commemorative wares.
Reproduction Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Teapot, Modern
Price: £35
The sixty years of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1897 were marked by various commemorative wares produced at the time but this celebration of her Diamond Jubilee, which it does not actually mention by name, is rather later, indeed it is most likely of near contemporary manufacture. Like the ‘Limoges’ box elsewhere in this auction, it was most probably produced in China and there is another example which can be found which has an iron red stamped circular mark underneath indicating exactly that provenance. As with the box, some form of laser printing seems to have been used here as can be seen in the detail of the Queen’s head (image 6). The wording used is found nowhere else so the Chinese producer was certainly not aiming for an accurate copy intended to deceive!
Vintage Leather Map Case, probably 1940s
Price: £45
Although resembling a rather oversize wartime identity label holder, this leather case, with a large clear celluloid covered open panel, a flap at the back with a fastening button and a long shoulder strap with loop attachments seems to have been intended as a map holder. Similar examples can be found dating back to the First World War and many have a grid printed onto the celluloid. This particular piece probably dates to the Second World War and is most likely Russian or German. It remains in excellent condition with the fine quality stitching and celluloid panel intact and the strap with minimal wear, making it a desirable acquisition for a collectors of militaria from that era.
Pair of Opera Binocular Glasses in green leather Case, French, first half C20th
Price: £25
Pocket size binoculars intended for use at the opera to gain a close up view of the stage and the singers for those seated in the rather more distant seats were made in various countries from the early 1900s onwards. Some are marked, as here where ‘PARIS can be clearly seen, indicating manufacture in France. Their form is typical, the curved brass frames with a central ridged adjustment knob which causes the lenses to expand or contract in order to achieve the desired focus. This pair come with a fitted case in green leather, plush lined with gold tooling to the edges at the cover and a small engraved brass push button closure device, all features of high quality manufacture. The design of the case looks to the 1920s and probably gives an indication of the date. These would have been a luxury item at the time and, surviving in excellent condition, remain highly collectible today.
Trade+Aid Enamel Teapot, No.292.UK, 1990s
Price: £25
This is an intriguing enamel teapot, the rectangular body curving in towards the lid and with a loop handle and spout. It is brightly decorated in coloured enamels on a yellow ground with a large sheaf of sunflowers on each side. The base is marked ‘Trade+Aid’ ‘No.292.UK’ with three Chinese characters below. It comes from a range of teapots produced for ‘Charlotte di Vita Collections’ under the trading name ‘Trade+Aid’. These were hand crafted items using traditional techniques whose sale benefited charitable projects and initiatives worldwide. The various designs were usually limited editions and some are quite collectible today. The decoration on this piece is inspired by the famous painting ‘Sunflowers’ by Gustav Klimt making it one of the more interesting models produced.
Reproduction Limoges Porcelain Box with Scent Bottles, Modern
Price: £25
Presenting itself as production of the celebrated ceramics factories in Limoges, France, this elaborately decorated porcelain box containing four glass scent bottles is, in fact, a contemporary reproduction and most likely made in China. While it looks hand painted, close examination shows the microdots of laser printing (see image 7) a technique commonly used by the Chinese now to create high quality looking but machine made ceramic items. The mark, employing a single ‘L’ in a style sometimes found beginning the word ‘Limoges’ inscribed on genuine pieces, is found nowhere else on true Limoges items and seems to have been a flight of fancy on the manufacturer’s behalf. But this particular box certainly looks the part and could perhaps find its place as a purely decorative item for the dressing table!
Two Avon Perfume Bottles, Lady and a Girl, 1970s
Price: £20
These are two from the series of perfume bottles in the form of ladies or young girls issued by Avon in the 1970s. The first represents a figure in 1920s dress and is sometimes found with a label (missing here) which reads ‘Roaring Twenties’ followed by the name of a perfume. The second is a country girl complete with its label which reads ‘Avon’ ‘Nearness’ but the same model is found with other labels, indicating that both these containers were used for more than one brand of perfume. These bottles were an amusing marketing ploy which doubtless contributed to many successful sales.
Pair of Brass Wall Plaques of Jousting Knights, Peerage Brass, mid C20th
Price: £45
This is a decorative pair of wall plaques with two brass jousting knights on horseback in mirror image on a black background with a simulated wood grain effect. The decoration is in cast metal and the square metal sheet continues to the back where it is folded over at the edges on top of the hardboard backing. While there are no markings beyond ‘Made in England’ on the hanging loops, these pieces were, in fact manufactured by ‘Peerage Brass’ who produced many quality brass decorative items from 1946 onwards. There is one group where they are joined by a larger rectangular plaque with similar mediaeval inspired decoration and which has a label reading “Peerage” ‘Brassware at its Best’ ‘Regd’ ‘Needs no Cleaning’ ‘England’ (see image 7). Peerage Brass was the successor to ‘Pearson-Page’, manufacturers of high quality brass and copper reproductions who enjoyed considerable commercial success before the Second World War. The trade name ‘Peerage’ was first adopted in 1946 and this pair of plaques would have been produced in the years thereafter.
Mintons Coronation Plate, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth 1937, boxed
Price: £25
This was a rather deluxe souvenir amongst the many produced to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on May 12th 1937. It was made by the famous porcelain manufacturers Mintons, who specialised in high quality pieces, particularly dinner services. The plate shows many distinctive features of their work with fine quality enamelling and gilding (see images 5 and 4). Marked with an inscription on the reverse beneath the Mintons trademark, this plate was number ‘89’ of a limited edition of 1000. It comes complete with its original presentation box which unusually has the coat of arms of Oman (see image 10) stamped in gilt on the underside of the lid implying that it might have been a gift to the Omani royal family at the time.
Wedgwood Calendar Plate, 80th Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, 2006
Price: £10
From the 1970s to the early 2000s the Daily Mail newspaper commissioned a series of ‘Calendar Plates’ from the celebrated manufacturers Wedgwood to be offered for sale to their readers. The themes chosen were varied, but in 2006 the Queen’s Eightieth Birthday was the subject and this blue and white decorative plaque produced. The central image of the smiling Queen is surrounded by the twelve calendar months and there is a brief description on the reverse. These plates were issued in boxes coloured in the distinctive ‘Wedgwood Blue’ and this example retains its original packaging.
Queen Victoria Golden Jubilee Jug, 1887
Price: £10
1887 marked fifty years of Queen Victoria’s reign and her Golden Jubilee was commemorated by a wide variety of gift items including this jug form with transfer decoration in ‘grisaille’ colourings. The manufacturer is not known but was presumably one of the Stafforshire potteries. The form chosen, a flat circular body with a ridged face, the handle and spout with crisp modelling and a short spreading foot below, is quite unusual and does not seem to have parallels with other commemorative wares. The Queen’s head is shown in semi profile, with her titles above and an ivy wreath, symbolising everlasting life, below. On the reverse is the imperial crown.
Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra, Silver Wedding Jug, 1888
Price: £25
1888, the year after Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, marked the Silver Wedding Anniversary of her first son, Edward, later to become King Edward VII. This was commemorated by a transfer printed jug in exactly the same form as one produced for his Mother in 1887 (see Lot 3). This shape, a flat circular body with a ridged face, the handle and spout with crisp modelling and a short spreading foot below, is unusual and the manufacturer was clearly the same. Other examples of the 1888 model are marked ‘Made in Germany’, which is not the case with this one, but is a clear pointer to the country of origin. Perhaps the manufacturers had some blanks left over and found an ingenious way to reuse them. The Prince and Princess are shown in portrait form and on the reverse is the distinctive feathered coat of arms of Edward as Prince of Wales. These jugs are much rarer than the Golden Jubilee examples and this example is in excellent condition for its age.
VE Day, 50th Anniversary Commemorative Mug, 1995
Price: £10
On Tuesday 8th May 1945, the Allies of World War II accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany’s armed forces. Celebrations broke out everywhere, particularly in London where the Prime Minister Winston Churchill joined the royal family in an appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace before cheering crowds. The day was known as ‘Victory in Europe Day’ or ‘VE Day’ and has been celebrated on its anniversary in the years thereafter. Special commemorations took place 50 years later and this mug is one of the souvenirs produced at the time. Depicted are the US President Franklin D Roosevelt, who died shortly before on April 12th, Winston Churchill and General Montgomery who accepted the surrender of the Germans in 1945, all prime movers in the victory that was achieved. The form of the mug loosely recalls Georgian tankard shapes which is not inappropriate for a souvenir commemorating British endeavour.
Two Beakers : Wedding of the Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, 1981
Price: £15
The wedding of ‘Charles and Diana’ in 1981 was the occasion for a flood of commemorative items celebrating what seemed at the time to be such a happy and auspicious event. Chinacraft Ltd are retailers of decorative chinaware with shops in London, at one time occupying prestigious premises in Regent Street. These beakers were a commission by them from the pottery manufacturers Caversall China, based in Stoke on Trent. The polychrome transfer decoration has oval framed portraits of the couple on the face with floral wreaths and an inscribed scroll and a depiction of Highgrove on the reverse, the private home of Prince Charles. 5000 were produced and these are numbered ‘86’ and ‘228’. For some reason, the portraits chosen of the couple seem less than cheerful which unfortunately, if accidentally, was to be prophetic of events to follow.
Two Wood Boxes : Marriage of Charles and Diana, Birth of Prince William, late C20th
Price: £15
These two wooden round boxes, doubtless intended for trinkets, announce their purpose on the respective covers, to commemorate (i) The Marriage of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer on 29th July 1981 (ii) The Birth of Prince William on 21st June 1982. Both have the initials of the subjects inset on the covers and the first has an incised mark underneath (see image 6). If these were produced commercially, no other examples seem to exist, which just possibly suggests that they were the work of a skilled amateur or trial pieces for a range which was never produced.
Cup : Marriage and Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, 1911
Price: £10
A china cup with flaring sides and a simple loop handle, transfer decorated with portraits of King George V and Queen Mary in beaded frames with flowers, the union jack and royal standard flags, the royal coat of arms and inscribed scrolls commemorating the royal marriage in 1893 and coronation in 1911, the reverse marked ‘In Commemoration’ below the royal crown. The base has an indistinct mark which appears more clearly on other pieces and can be read as ‘England’ ‘The Paragon China’ below a crown and a cipher with interlinked letters which read ‘S C Co’ for ‘The Star China Company’, China manufacturers at the Atlas Works, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England from 1899 to 1919 who introduced the trade name ‘Paragon China’ in 1903.
Production of this piece was presumably contemporary with the coronation in 1911 and many similar pieces were made by other factories at the time, more often in a straight sided mug shape. The form here suggests that there might have been an original saucer but none seem to have survived.
Porcelain Mug : Buckingham Palace 1997
Price: £10
A bone china mug, slightly flaring at the rim and base and with a modelled loop handle, richly decorated in gilt with swags and floral wreaths, the front marked ‘Buckingham Palace’ and the reverse ‘1997’, the base with a circular floral wreath surrounding a crown and the wording ‘Buckingham Palace’ ‘1997’. This mug is one of a series produced from 1993 to 2010 for sale in the Royal Collection souvenir shops. Each year was given a different design and all were dated. The manufacturer is unkown. The design and decoration of the ‘1997’ model seems particularly pleasing.
Teapot and Cover : Golden Jubilee Queen Elizabeth II, 2002
Price: £10
A ceramic teapot and cover transfer decorated and with gilt detail, the front with a single and the reverse with a double portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, both sides inscribed ‘Golden Jubilee’ ‘1952-2002’. While crowned in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne on the death of her Father, King George VI, in 1952. 2002, therefore, marked fifty years of her reign and various souvenirs were produced in commemoration her Golden Jubilee of which this piece is one. This teapot was sold either as an individual item in a matching box or as part of a set of four items, packed in polystyrene and fitted also into a box (see image 5). In both cases the boxes were marked ‘Limited Edition Collectable’ but the numbers produced might have been rather greater than the wording implies.
Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee China Mug, 1977
Price: £10
A china mug, the white glazed concave body flaring towards the top and bottom, each edged with moulded decoration and the base of a wavy design forming eight feet, a simple loop handle to the side. The front with transfer decoration depicting the Queen in a roundel with flags and wording commemorating her Silver Jubilee in 1977, the reverse with similar decoration displaying ‘EIIR’ within an oval frame, a crown and the wording ‘1952 1977’ ‘Jubilee’, the base with a crown and a printed mark, slightly indistinct, ‘English’ ‘Bone China’. These mugs were originally sold with deep red colour fitted boxes but few of these survive. Most are marked as here but some carry a different mark ‘St George Fine Bone China Made in England’ below an image of the knight holding a sword and this may be the manufacturer here.
Cup : the Silver Wedding Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1972
Price: £25
A bone china loving cup with two silver decorated lion handles made by the Paragon China works to commemorate the Silver Wedding (1947–1972) of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1972. The front has the royal coat of arms between a lion and a unicorn and the reverse a cipher, intertwined ‘E’ ‘P’, within a wreath below a crown and sceptres, the blue scroll work reading ‘Love and Unanimity in Married Life’. Lettering in puce at the top and sides celebrates the Royal Wedding in Westminster Abbey in 1947.
The Paragon China Company, formerly the Star China Company (see Lot XX), produced high quality gift items from 1920 to 1971, at first independently and then in alliance with other companies, finally being absorbed by Royal Doulton in 1972 who kept the ‘Paragon’ name until 1991. Commemorative wares were a speciality and this cup is a fine and typical example.
Mug Commemorating the Coronation of Edward VIII in 1937
Price: £25
This bone china mug, with straight flaring sides and a moulded handle, was made to commemorate an event which never took place. Due to be crowned on the 12 May 1937, Edward, the eldest son of King George V, who died in January 1936, abdicated in December of the same year in order to pursue his plan to marry the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson, and was succeeded by his brother, known as ‘Bertie’, who became King George VI. Plans for the coronation were well advanced and the same date was kept. But the makers of commemorative wares had already started production and accordingly ‘coronation’ souvenirs for the never to be crowned King Edward are found today. This piece was made by the firm Roslyn China whose mark appears underneath and was decorated in typical style with transfers depicting the King and the Union Jack on the front and a lion beneath the royal crown on the reverse. The wording ‘Long Live our King’ seems poignant now although Edward did outlive his brother, dying twenty years after him in May 1972.
Cup Commemorating the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary in 1935
Price: £55
A bone china loving cup with two handles decorated with modelled roses and thistles made by the Paragon China works to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary in 1935. George V acceded to the throne in 1910 and was crowned the following year. He was to see the Silver Jubilee of his reign but died early the following year. The twenty five years of his reign were commemorated in various ways and this cup is an example. Portraits of the King and Queen are on the front and the royal coat of arms on the reverse. Above are the words ‘To Commemorate The Silver Jubilee Of Their Reign’. As the celebrations continued during that year, few could have anticipated the turbulent events that were to follow, leading to the start of the second world war four years later.
The Paragon China Company, formerly the Star China Company (see Lot XX), produced high quality gift items from 1920 to 1971, at first independently and then in alliance with other companies, finally being absorbed by Royal Doulton in 1972 who kept the ‘Paragon’ name until 1991. Commemorative wares were a speciality and this cup is a fine example.
Ceramic Tankard celebrating the Marriage of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986
Price: £10
A ceramic tankard of bell form and with a shaped loop handle glazed in blue inside and out, the front with titled silhouette portraits of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson between the royal coat of arms and the reverse with an image of Westminster Abbey and wording marking the event of their marriage in 1986. The base has the mark for Prinknash Pottery in gold. The Prinknash Abbey Pottery was started in 1942 by the Benedictine monks there when they found a seam of clay during some building work. Situated in the abbey at Granham in Gloucestershire their pottery continued production until 1997 when it was sold to the Welsh Porcelain Co. Their blue glaze commemorative wares stand apart somewhat with something of a ‘regal’ feel.
Pair of Ceramic Goblets : the Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981
Price: £20
A pair of ceramic goblets blue glazed with a bulbous body above a spreading foot, the front with silhouette portraits of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer within a circle of wording commemorating their marriage below the Prince of Wales feathers, the reverse plain and the interior gilt. Inside the foot is the mark for Prinknash Pottery in gold. The Prinknash Abbey Pottery was started in 1942 by the Benedictine monks there when they found a seam of clay during some building work. Situated in the abbey Granham in Gloucestershire their pottery continued production until 1997 when it was sold to the Welsh Porcelain Co. Their blue glaze commemorative wares stand apart somewhat with something of a ‘regal’ feel.
Pair of African Wood Figures of a Man and a Woman, probably mid C20th
Price: £25
A pair of wood figures of a man and a woman carved in an abstract style with slender proportions, the man holding a long staff and the woman balancing a vessel (presumably for water or wine) on her head, the clothing of both with etched patterned decoration and their complementary bases with contrasting geometric designs. The patina and colour of the wood suggests ebony and the style is African. As with the previous lot there is a label indicating manufacture in Nigeria and Kaduna is the capital city of Kaduna State, and the former political capital of Northern Nigeria. It was a trade centre and a likely source of artefacts made for tourists of which these are most likely an example. Dating is probably as the label indicates and many other similar pieces were produced at that time.