Blackpool souvenir teapot c1920
Price: £35
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.
Long strand of Chinese cloisonne beads c1950
Price: £60
This is a beautiful strand of Chinse cloisonne beads in the unusual green colour. It has the original corresponding clasp also in cloisonne. These are very fresh for spring summer.
Victorian vulcanite anchor chain necklace with carved jet pendant c1880
Price: £195
This is quite a rare necklace as due to the type of link combined with the long length of the necklace. The links are a large anchor design combined with the finely carved jet pendant.
ABOUT VULCANITE
Exciting scientific and technological advances punctuated the nineteenth century. Growth and development with regard to jewelry-making techniques and new and innovative jewelry materials were an important part of these creative endeavors. Combining imitation gems with various imitation jewelry materials had already been en vogue since the early Eighteenth century and viable replacements for faux non-metallic jewelry materials were chiefly derived from plastics and rubber.
Uncured rubber is somewhat brittle and does not have the stamina to hold up over the long term necessary to be viable for jewelry use. It was not until Charles Goodyear patented the vulcanization process in America in 1844 and Thomas Hancock did the same in England, that jewelry production with a rubber composition was possible. Vulcanization is a high-heat process that adds sulfur to the mix and renders the result more durable than rubber or plastic alone. Both gentlemen exhibited their achievements at the Great Exhibition, displaying molds of items intended to substitute for the very popular, but exceedingly brittle jet.
One of the main purveyors of vulcanite jewellery was the Britannia Rubber and Kamptulicon Company, set up in 1854 at Cannon Street in the City, with the works in the East End of London at Bow Common, “for the purpose of manufacturing in England articles invented by Mr. Goodyear.” From 1866, they placed advertisements in The Times for ” Indiarubber chaines Benoiton, wholesale and export only,” offering a full range of industrial, household and ornamental goods including “Imitation Jet (India Rubber): Albert chains, Victoria chains, long chains, Latin, Greek, Maltese and Dagmar crosses, brooches, bracelets, earrings, waist-clasps, charms and trinkets, gauntlets and armlets, fancy black combs, and dressing combs,” assuring their customers that these items had the “the beauty of polish and deepness of colour of jet, without its dangerous quality of brittleness…You may dash a bracelet or chain of this material to the ground without injuring it.”1
Sources:
Lang Antiques (www.langantiques.com)
Gere, Charlotte and Rudoe, Judy. Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria: A Mirror to the World: London, The British Museum Press, 2010.
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!
Pendant and chain commemorating 25 years of service at Ford, London 1965
Price: £35
This is quite an interesting item. It is a pendant with three generations of Ford men depicted in profile and it says 25 years. This appears to be a company gift to an employee who worked at Ford for 25 years. Presumably this is what the women received. The men probably received a gold watch and a promotion! This is silver with full marks for London 1965 with a makers mark PP & P.
Art Deco Scottish agate necklace
Price: £125
This is a very unusual necklace comprising carved stations of different Scottish agate stones, the stones are slightly graduated and are connected by gilt brass spring like connectors. With original screw clasp.
Heavy silver curb collar necklace, Mexico 1970s
Price: £125
This is a striking necklace comprising a large curb chain connected to two bead work chains to create this statement look. It is unmarked but is quite typical Mexican silver work.
Dresden style model of a Coach and Horses, probably German early C20th
Price: £75
This is a spirited ceramic model of a Coach and Horses, the coachman himself seated at the front of the carriage with two outriders at the front and back, while inside sits a lady clearly dressed for a ball to which she is presumably being conveyed. A sense of urgency and speed is artfully conveyed, the coachman’s cloak billowing behind him, the outriders’ horses prancing and the carriage horses themselves straining at the reins (now lost) as they speed the vehicle along. The composition sits on a rococo style base with scrolling foliage which complements it well. Considerable care was taken in the manufacture of this piece which has miraculously survived undamaged apart from the loss of the original fitments which would have been made from cotton rope or wire. The detail of the modelling speaks for itself with the addition of the passenger figure cunningly placed inside the carriage. Many German factories made these ‘coach and horse’ models in the late C19th and early C20th and some of their pieces are marked which helps with identification. For all of them the style is clearly ‘Dresden’. Italian ‘Capodimonte’ (see Lot XX) examples also exist but the paste and finish of the base here does suggest German work and the ‘brassy’ effect of the gilding an early C20th dating. Clearly a shelf or mantelpiece ornament designed to be seen best from the front and an item of immediate and obvious appeal both to a contemporary and current audience.
LOT 20
Chinese style Vase and Cover decorated with ladies and courtiers in a garden scene, C20th
Estimate: £40 – 60
2d 9h 47m
£26.00
LOT 5
Compagnie des Indes style reticulated edge Armorial Plate, Chinese C20th
Estimate: £30 – 40
2d 9h 17m
£20.00
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.
Zuni Cuff Bracelet set with Kingman Turquoise, marked, New Mexico 1970s
Price: £300
This is a heavy silver cuff bracelet comprising a large oval Kingman turquoise stone set into a typical Zuni design featuring clean lines and millegrain work. The Zuni Tribe, located 34 miles south of Gallup, New Mexico, is an extensive community with over 10,000 members and renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistry, particularly in the realm of jewellery manufacture. Many of their pieces employ the use of turquoise and the colouration and features of the stone here indicate a provenance from the Kingman mine in North West Arizona. This exceptional piece has the stamped maker's mark 'CIRCLE J.W.' 'STERLING', possibly for Jack Whittaker, an artist known for other pieces in a similar style, and is a prime example of Zuni work, highly fashionable at the time of manufacture in the 1970s and highly desirable today.
Victorian Whitby jet mourning brooch
Price: £75
This is a quite large brooch in a scroll work design and Greek key edging. It is Whitby jet a fossilised wood stone that is from the Jurassic period that is found in the North York moors in northern England. Whitby jet was the main material for mourning jewellery during the Victorian age for obvious reasons.
French cockerel brooch 1920s
Price: £75
This is a very striking large brooch in hand worked brass with enamelled feathers, head and feet. It is very cleverly made to give you the effect of many voluminous tail feathers.
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 Deco style Glass Box and Cover decorated with a dancing Ballerina, mid C20th
Price: £35
An opaque cream coloured circular glass box and cover, the bulbous body with high domed lid which is decorated with a dark grisaille dancing ballerina poised on one leg with grass below and hanging willow above within a yellow scalloped border which is repeated on the base. The style of decoration clearly suggests the 1930s and this piece probably dates to that era although there is no certain proof of this. Presumably a powder box it retains great charm and could well find a home in a contemporary setting.
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 factory since some similar 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.
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.
Vintage Woven Straw and Raffia Beach Bag, 1950s
Price: £65
This is a roomy beach bag made from woven straw with a bold floral design to the front in raffia work using soft vintage colours in pinks, yellows, blues and light apricot with green foliage. Semi circular in shape it has a double zip with the tags marked ‘Rex’ and a simple loop handle. The edges are bound in fabric and the base protected by a sheet of clear plastic with eight metal stud feet. The interior is fabric lined with a design of repeating rose blooms on a black dot ground and there is a large pocket. A summery design from the 1950s which could find its place on a picnic today!
Scottish silver ring inset with a Chalcedony stone, 1950s
Price: £45
A Scottish silver ring with a thistle design, inset with a Chalcedony stone, marked ‘silver’ to the interior, 1950s.
Italian silver Cuff Bangle with chainmail decoration, modern
Price: £30
An Italian silver cuff bangle, heavily cast with a chain mail design, the interior marked 925, modern
Chinese Silver Bangle with Dragon Heads, C20th
Price: £45
A Chinese silver bangle of simple loop form terminating in two Dragon’s heads. One head with a small circular pad marked 925, Twentieth Century.
Chinese Cloisonne Shallow Bowl, C19th
Price: £45
A Chinese cloisonne shallow bowl of typical form with a compressed globular body, a wide opening with a gilt metal rim, a short gilt metal foot, the interior and the base enamelled in blue and the exterior decorated in cloisonne enamels with multicoloured floral blooms on a green ground with repeating a repeating fish scale border at the base and a band of ‘ju’i’ lappets at the top. The cloisonné technique, where glass derived enamels are inlaid between gilt metal outline designs, the so called 'cloisons' or 'partitions', was developed in China from as early as the fourteenth century and employed continuously thereafter, even until the present day. The weight of this piece and the quality of the decoration suggests a dating to the nineteenth century, perhaps towards the middle. Certainly, it is a much above average example of a form which was to be produced in substantial quantities in the early years of the twentieth century for export to the West. Its smaller size enhances its attraction making it an attractive collector’s item.
A Brannam Bowl, Barum ware, Terracotta and Glaze, marked C.H.Brannam, circa 1900
Price: £45
A rustic bowl with a wavy edge rim and moulded shells to the sides, terracotta with green and black 'tea dust' glazes, the foot coardely modelled and with stamped marks 'Made in England'
'C.H.Brannam' 'Barum' 'N.Devon'. Brannam Pottery was a British pottery started by Thomas Backway Brannam in Barnstaple, Devon, England, in 1848. Ownership passed through the family, Thomas' son Charles Hubert joining the firm aged 12 in 1867 and passing on direction of the business himself to his sons in 1913. It later became part of the "rustic" wing of the art pottery movement, mainly owing to efforts of Charles Hubert who began producing his own distinctive wares in 1879 and registering the name 'Royal Barum Ware' in 1886 after receiving an order from Queen Victoria in 1885. The pieces were widely sold including at Liberty in London. Many pieces were produced in terracotta, sometimes with additional glaze effects but the form
and decoration of this bowl is unusual combining the marine motifs with interesting glaze effects offset by the terracotta base. Perhaps it is not too fanciful to see the work of Charles Hubert himself here. Certainly, great care was taken with the production of this piece and the style and mark suggest a dating to around 1900.
Cranberry Glass Vase circa 1900
Price: £30
A cranberry glass (the name obviously deriving from the colour) vase the globular almost spherical body with impressed dimple effect large roundels and rising to a slender round neck with a ‘squared’ top, the flat base densely dimpled. Cranberry or 'Gold Ruby' glass is a red glass made by adding gold salts or colloidal gold to molten glass. It was produced in relatively small quantities due to the cost of the raw materials. Known from Roman times the most famous period of production was in 19th century Britain during the Victorian Era. Many pieces from that era are known with similar ‘dimple’ effects and this is clearly what we have here. The workmanship is high quality, the richly coloured glass with many interesting glaze effects (see image 4) and skilfully modelled. Perhaps just an ornament or possibly a small table decanter but either way an attractive addition to any glass collection.
Egyptian Revival statement necklace signed EBE c1930
Price: £100
This is a beautiful necklace comprising heavy brass elements and lapis glass beads. The central pendant has the Egyptian bird god Horus flanked by Tutankhamun on a serpent scroll work background. The pendant is set with lapis glass cabochons that match the beads. Most likely Czech glass elements assembled in France.
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.
Art Deco Chinese Export silver Buckle later converted to a Necklace
Price: £125
This is a beautiful necklace comprising a very detailed silver buckle that depicts a sinuous dragon encricling the characters for "Blessing", It has been converted to a necklace using a period belcher chain. Full import marks to the reverse and marked Silver.
Victorian Indian paste pendant
Price: £55
This is a very large pendant that was made in India for European taste. It comprises numerous paste stones surrounding a very large paste pear shaped stone, set in brass. The design is typical of the Victorian era with scroll work and fleur-de-lis. With rock crystal bead drops, the chain not included.
Pair of Victorian marcasite and silver earrings
Price: £25
This is a very striking pair of earrings comprising numerous small stones mounted in low grade silver, termed marcasite jewellery, Both pieces are marked for silver and the floral and leaf design is very typical of the Victorian era when pieces in this style enjoyed great popularity and were favoured even by the monarch herself. Marcasite Jewellery is actually made from pyrite ('fool's gold'), a much cheaper substitute for true diamonds!
Studio Pottery Vase with Robin’s Egg Glaze marked Zambia, Modern
Price: £30
This is a stoneware vase, the pear shape body with a slender concave neck and flaring rim, covered overall with a mottled blue glaze closely imitating the Chinese ‘Robin’s Egg’ effects which extends to the interior, the foot rim unglazed and the lightly glazed base with incised marks ‘ZAMBIA’ ‘BJ’ above and (?) ‘R’ below. The stoneware body aside (and, of course the marks at the base) this vase could almost have originated in China both in respect of its shape and its glaze which almost exactly copies the Robin’s Egg colourings produced by the Chinese potters, a glaze which originated in the eighteenth century and employed the technique of blowing turquoise onto a blue glaze base to produce mottled effects. But the studio potters based England in the early to mid twentieth century often turned to their Oriental counterparts for inspiration and when studio pottery was developed in Zambia in later years, partly with the assistance of visiting European artists, it was no surprise that this influence should be repeated. Zambia now has its own tradition of studio pottery and other pieces are found marked with the country of origin just as this one is. The potters must remain largely unknown to us, despite their signature marks, but this vase shows that they are capable of producing pieces of high quality, both collectible for students of studio ceramics and decorative in their own right.
Very fine Indian silver repousse plaque Necklace, c1970
Price: £55
This is a necklace comprising a large pendant of elongated hexagonal shape with a traditional Indian repousse floral design. It has a double bale each with a rosette and is marked '925'. It is combined with a long snake chain which is later.
Japanese Kutani Dish decorated with the Thousand Faces pattern, first half C20th
Price: £45
A Japanese polychrome plate decorated with a central roundel of a gilt stylised dragon and phoenix amidst waves on an iron red ground, surrounded by nine concentric borders, the first two with geometric designs and the next six with small repeating faces, the ‘thousand faces pattern’, and the outermost with chrysanthemum heads edged with an iron red and gilt border. The reverse with an iron red mark ‘Made in Japan’.
The colourings and style of work here clearly indicate the workshops of Kutani (the word means 'nine valleys') in the former Kaga province of Japan. By the nineteenth century the majority of their pieces were decorated in iron red and gold but sometimes with other colours in addition, as here. The ‘thousand faces’ pattern (an apocryphal term and this cataloguer has not attempted to count the number of faces appearing here) seems to have been evolved around the end of the nineteenth century and then continued in production until the mid twentieth. Both plates in various sizes and even tea sets are found in the design. The mark ‘Made in Japan’ was usually employed after 1941 (in the previous twenty years ‘Japan’ was the norm) but there are exceptions and the paste of the foot rim here does suggest a slightly earlier date, perhaps around 1930. In perfect condition, with very little wear to the decoration, this piece is a fine example of a rather eccentric decorative patttern.
Taxco grape motif necklace, c1980
Price: £250
This is a wonderful example of Taxco work in the grape pattern design which was regularly used by the Taxco silversmiths from the early 20th century onwards. It is marked 'Taxco' 'TS-19' 'Mexico' '925', the second mark indicating 'T' for Taxco and 'S' for the city and the silversmith registration number, an identification system which only came into use after 1979, indicating a dating here circa 1980.
Outstanding brown swirl Bakelite Necklace with faux cameo, French 1920s
Price: £45
This is a very rare necklace comprising matched brown swirl squared tubular Bakelite stations alternating with stations of facetted French jet glass beads all linked by white metal rings with a central oval shield shape studded openwork pendant mounted with a celluloid cameo of a neoclassical style helmeted warrior, possibly Paris, and with a diamond shape drop. This piece combines the angular simplicity of the Art Deco style, in particular the squared tubular bars, with classicising elements, most obviously the faux cameo portrait head. The juxtaposition is most unusual producing a striking decorative accessory.
Large brass portrait bust of Ramses II
Price: £45
This is an amusing portrait bust cast in brass with slender profile form depicting Ramses II, (Ramesses/Rameses II) the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt c1303BC - 1213BC and one of the most famous rulers of the country of whom the statues and images surviving have become iconic. He is depicted here wearing a typical bird beak helmet and a heavy metal shawl collar. The composition reflects 'Egyptian Revival ' pieces of the early twentieth century but the dating here is rather later.
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.,
Chinese cloisonne bangle with raised enamel decoration circa 1900
Price: £35
Chinese cloisonne bangle, the exterior with raised enamel decoration of stylised scrolling foliage set on a speckled gilt ground between two bands of stylised floral sprays and clouds on a brick red ground, the interior finished in blue enamel; gilt rims to the top and bottom. The style of decoration suggests a circa date in the early twentieth century.
Classic black crocodile handbag 1940s
Price: £75
This is a very classic style bag in a square shape typical of the period. It is lined with black leather and is in excellent condition. The handle has been restored to it's original beauty and is ready for daily use. All you need are some white gloves and you are ready for anything!
Round pendant set with turquoise, Mexico, c1970, the chain later.
Price: £65
This is a large round pendant converted from a brooch depicting a figure on a burro on a background of turquoise pieces. Marked' Heche en Mexico', '925' it is attached to a later chain.
Large suede pouch bag with concertina opening c1930
Price: £65
This is a wonderfully large handbag comprising a brown suede pouch with a brass opening. It is unlined.
Constructed necklace with jade, egg yolk amber and cherry amber
Price: £250
This necklace is a wonderful design comprising cherry and egg yolk amber beads together with jade beads that end in a very large carved jade plaque. This is a vert fine example of Chinese carving with an allegorical motif of a dragons mouth around a smaller dragon. The jade is a golden spinach jade that is an unusual colour.
Necklace with FA cup pendant, Alexander Clark Co. 1976
Price: £85
This is a very unusual necklace that has a large silver pendant in the form of what appears to be the FA cup, or the The Football Association Challenge Cup which is a big thing in Britain. It is very finely made with full English hallmarks for London, 1976, makers mark Alexander Clark Co.
Victorian Grand Tour Wedding Cake glass necklace
Price: £125
These glass beads are very unusual due to their age and condition. It is a perfectly graduated set of 25 beads with original brass findings. These beads are gold in colour decorated with detailed floral and scroll work. The stations are interspersed with amber glass spacer beads.
Art Deco Scottish moss agate ring
Price: £35
This is a very striking ring that is mounted with a very unusual Scottish agate stone that has both red and green inclusions. Mounted in an architectural Art Deco setting. Marked 925
Egyptian Silver Pill Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, marked, second half C20th
Price: £45
An oval silver box and cover, the lid with an inlaid mother of pearl design comprising geometric shapes which combine to produce a 3D ‘trompe l’oeil’ effect of solid shapes within a rope twist border, the exterior of the lid with a small stamped mark and the interior of the box with three small stamped marks. The markings here, which can be seen on other examples indicate that we have Egyptian work and there are a fair number of similar silver boxes but more commonly in a round shape. They are usually dated to the mid twentieth century. The quality of the craftsmanship is obvious and the form and decoration make this a highly desirable collector’s item.
Unusual Brass Table or Desk Set with Elephant Heads, Indian, first half C20th
Price: £240
This is an unusual table or desk set comprising a pair of candlesticks and a spherical censer like vessel, all made from fine quality brass, well cast, the candlesticks with a circular base with a gadroon edge on which sit three elephants' heads supporting the elaborate candlestick column with a gadroon edge drip pan at the top and an urn like candle holder above, the central vessel with a similar base supporting a near spherical container with a hinged lid, its sides modelled to match the candle holders and the lid decorated with stylised leaves and with a pine cone finial, the inside with a loose brass container and cover.
The craftsmanship of this set is self evident both in the quality and weight of the brass and the casting techniques used. Its purpose is less certain and there are no easy parallels. The central vessel might have been designed for incense (although the cover is solid rather than openwork) in which case we could have a table ornament here, but the interior of the vessel can seem to resemble an inkwell in which case we might have a desk set. It's new owner will have to decide! Style of decoration suggests India in the early part of the C20th and this set would then be one of the many pieces exported to the Britain from India at that time and which became very much a feature of contemporary domestic interiors.
Chinese Scroll Painting of a Merchant and his Client, C20th
Price: £45
A scroll painting depicting what appears to be a scene in a Chinese merchant’s shop where there can be seen scales and a box containing coins on a table in the background. The elderly trader is seated next to a younger gentleman, presumably his client. One attendant stands watching and another bears an object on a tray which may well be the subject of a bargain to be made. The painting is colourful and expressive, with the faces carefully delineated. The style looks to be early twentieth century work and resembles that of reverse glass paintings from the period. The scroll is offered with a complementary scroll box, European with chinoiserie scenes in gilt, which considerably enhances the decorative effect.
Suite of Taxco - necklace, bracelet and earrings c1960
Price: £475
This is an outstanding suite of jewellery made in the Taxco silver district in Mexico. It comprises graduating fine links of turquoise and silver. Both the necklace and bracelet of a fluidity that shows the beautiful quality of this jewellery. It bears the Birmingham assay import mark and initials LR presumably for the company that imported it to the UK. It also is marked 925. There are no Mexican hallmarks although the origin of these pieces is not in doubt. The necklace and bracelet have the signature box clasp and each is fitted with a safety chain.
Art Deco Czech glass necklace with enamel and glass stones, 1930s
Price: £45
This is a stunning statement necklace that is typical of Czech glass jewellery. It is inset with stones to emulate aquamarine. It also has unusual enamel work set on an architectural design that is quintessentially Art Deco. It is brass that would have been more gold in colour in its time.
Art Deco Scottish bloodstone brooch
Price: £25
This a petite brooch comprising one piece of work bloodstone.
Graduated set of Three Chinese Blue and White Ginger Jars and Covers, 20th Century
Price: £45
A set of three Chinese Blue and White Miniature Ginger Jars and Covers of graduated sizes and typical form with globular bodies and domed covers, decorated in the 'Ming Style' in underglaze blue with lotus heads and stylised scrolling foliage, a band of lotus form panels to the base and ju'i form lappets to the neck, the design repeated on the cover.
Although of relatively recent manufacture, the quality of these pieces continues the Chinese ceramic productions of the late nineteenth century and together they form an attractive decorative ensemble for the contemporary interior.
Three Chinese Canton Enamel Dishes, Nineteenth Century
Price: £45
Three Chinese Canton Enamel Dishes, all with very similar designs with a central lotus flower in famille rose enamels on a coloured enamel ground (green, turquoise and pink respectively) with lotus flowers and stylised scrolling foliage, the edges with repeating ju'i form lappets, the rims bound in copper and a copper foot to the base, the undersides in off white enamel. The style of decoration suggests a nineteenth rather than eighteenth century date of manufacture (compare the dish in the following lot 7) but the quality is good and while not a set as such the three pieces complement one another well.
West German Vase with drip glaze decoration, Scheurich, 1960s
Price: £45
A ceramic vase of upright cylindrical form with a compressed concave neck and a galleried rim, the cream coloured ground with light craquelure in places and with drip glaze decoration in shades of brown, the interior glazed brown and the cream coloured glazed base with moulded marks ‘517-30’ ‘W-GERMANY’.
Although not marked as such, this vase has all the hallmarks of the firm Scheurich Keramik which started production in 1954, rather later than most of its competitors, but soon became the largest producer of commercial art pottery in Germany. Their pieces rarely carried the factory name but usually the model number followed by the height in centimetres with ‘W-Germany’ below, as here. Model ‘517’ can be found in a variety of different glazes but the colourings here with the contrast between browns and cream are particularly successful. Dating is to the 1960s.
Vintage Carved wood figure of a seated Man, Bali, Indonesia, second half C20th
Price: £75
A finely carved wood figure with a rich patina of a seated man in deep contemplation wearing traditional headdress. The style and quality of this piece indicate that it was the work of a Balinese craftsman. The island of Bali in Indonesia has a rich tradition of wood carving dating back hundreds of years. Known in the Balinese language as 'Batuan', wood carving has its roots in Bali's Hindu-Buddhist culture. Typically, the pieces are made from hardwoods with a coarse grain including teak, chempaka wood and sandalwood. The highly decorative grain effects here suggest teak and the patterning complements the composition perfectly. Dating is probably to the 1950s or 1960s. Similar pieces are said to have been purchased around that time.
Perfume Bottle and Stopper, Island Studio, Guernsey, late C20th
Price: £30
A perfume bottle and stopper, the globular almost spherical body with short collar fitted with a rounded stopper, the glass blown with purple and white flecking effects merging into a swirling design at the top which continues to the stopper. Similar pieces can be found with the label 'Island Glass, Guernsey', and one of these also has the moulded mark on the bottom which appears here and may represent trees and waves. Island Glass was a glass studio based in Guernsey which seems to have had a very short existence in the late C20th. It is believed that one of the employees there was Chris Dodds who was later to set up his own studio in Selkirk, Scotland. Little is known of this firm but they were clearly capable of making pieces of high quality and appeal.
Four Art Deco style small Glass Vases with silver decoration, possibly Murano 1930s
Price: £55
Four Art Deco style small Glass Vases with silver overlay decoration, possibly Murano 1930s
This is a set of four complementary small coloured glass vases (green, blue, amethyst, turquoise) each with applied silver decoration now slightly tarnished. The clean lines of the shapes, two of baluster form and two with conical bodies suggest the Art Deco era and the decoration, which features gondolas and palaces, suggests Venetian origin and therefore manufacture at the Murano glassworks there. This has to remain slightly speculative and the pieces might be slightly later but the group provides a highly decorative ensemble for collectors or decorators alike.
English silver filigree floral necklace
Price: £35
This is a lovely filigree necklace comprising 17 small floral filigree stations. Unmarked silver
Stunning opera length string of rock crystal beads
Price: £35
This is a very long strand of approximately 95 graduating facetted rock crystal beads that have been recently restrung using pink cord. This necklace is difficult to date but judging form the type of beads it is most likely early 20th century or could be Victorian.
Art Deco glass bead necklace
Price: £20
This is a simple and elegant necklace comprising clear and green glass beads
Triple strand of amber Bakelite beads, British 1930s
Price: £750
This is an imposing three strand necklace comprised of assembled graduated marble effect butterscotch amber beads joined at the head with a silver clasp. The beads have recently been restrung with wire to make the whole more robust and safer to wear. The three strands interlock perfectly and the selection of beads has been carefully chosen in respect of colouring and size to produce a striking ensemble which is bound to impress.
Three Powder Boxes, gilt metal, alabaster and porcelain, mid C20th
Price: £45
A group of three contrasting powder boxes all probably dating to the mid twentieth century. (1) Gilt metal with elaborate stylised floral designs, the lid with a petit point floral tapestry, English (2) Alabaster with a design of roses to the lid, Italian (3) Porcelain with a courting couple depicted on the lid, deep red ground with gilt floral decoration and gilt tripod feet, French, Limoges and marked underneath ‘Table et Décor’ ‘LIMOGES’ ‘FRANCE’.
Art Deco Shagreen Picture Frame, 1930s
Price: £110
A rectangular picture frame, the broad border inset with strips of beige and dark grey shagreen skin laid on a wooden surround the edges with short narrow strips stained beige to match the border with graining in imitation of bone, the back stained dark brown with patterning effects designed to imitate animal skin, the central insert hinged and held with fastening clasps to reveal the glass underneath and also fitted with a hinged support.
Shagreen is a natural hide, typically from shark, stingray or dogfish, worked through special processes to produce a granular surface effect. Known in China and Japan from the earliest times and popular in Europe in the eighteenth century Shagreen enjoyed its greatest popularity in the Art Deco period where it was used as a covering for writing desks and well-dressed cabinetry and smaller items such as the picture frame we have here. The clean lines of this piece and the palette of colours employed fit exactly with the ethos of the Art Deco period and a dating to the 1930s is extremely likely. A luxury item at the time it could be used now to provide enhanced presentation of a favourite image adding to it a hint of true elegance.
Caithness Glass Perfume Bottle and Stopper, late C20th
Price: £30
A perfume bottle and stopper, the broad pear shape body with a flaring neck and fitted with a ball shape stopper, the glass blown with swirling flecking effects in apricot and white and the stopper plain. The pattern and design of this perfume bottle is typical of pieces made by the Caithness glass factory in Scotland and similar pieces can be found with their label attached. The Caithness glass factory was established in 1961 at Wick, Caithness by Robin Sinclair, 2nd Viscount Thurso and soon taken over by George Mackie, Baron Mackie of Benshie in 1966 who remained its Chairman for twenty years. Set up to provide additional employment in the area, the company also was intended to exploit the availablity of sand for glassmaking in Caithness, although this did not prove suitable for the manufacture of clear glass. Paperweights became a speciality and the firm received a Royal Warrant from the Queen Mother in 1968. Twice driven into receivership in the early years of this century, it was eventually bought by Dartington Crystal in 2006 and continues the manufacture of paperweights today.
Victorian large 9ct gold brooch set with amber c1900
Price: £200
This is a very rare brooch comprising a very large oval piece of egg yolk amber with inclusions that show fossilised organisms. This is set in a typical Victorian 9ct gold setting. It is unmarked.
Pair of Taxco Mexican silver earrings, c1980
Price: £75
This is a stunning pair of earrings comprising large oval malachite stones set in silver with beading and rope twist work around the edge. They are from Taxco, the silver district in Mexico, and date to the 1980s. Marked 'Mexico', 'TZ-16', '925', they have been adapted from clip to post earrings to make them more easily wearable.
American Art Deco silver and marcasite brooch
Price: £35
This is a very interesting brooch in an Art Deco architectural design. It comprises marcasite and paste stones set into silver. It is marked Sterling which indicates that it is American. A real find the vintage collector.
Chinese Pale Celadon Jade Bangle, probably Nineteenth Century
Price: £45
A Chinese Pale Celadon Jade or Jadeite Bangle, of typical stout circular form, the mottled stone of a pleasing pale celadon colour with typical dark grey and black inclusions.
Jade is usually divided into two types, nephrite jade and jadeite jade. The latter is heavier and slightly harder, making it more difficult to scratch. The weight of this piece suggests that we do have jadeite here. The stone was selected for carving on the basis of its attractive appearance and the finish, which bears no trace of machine tooled manufacture, suggests a pre twentieth century dating, but certainty in these matters is notoriously difficult
The size of this piece is unusually large, suggesting that it would have been intended for a male wearer. This too suggests an earlier rather than later time of manufacture. The stone is exceptionally pleasant to the hand and would have been an elegant accompaniment to any wardrobe.
Monochrome tubular bead necklace, Modern
Price: £95
This is a rather fabulous necklace that feature very large tubular beads that are half crystal and half onyx. They ae paired with smaller crystal beads with black inclusions. The large beads adre very unusual. It has a silver clasp.
Doulton and Slaters Patent Jardiniere circa 1890
Price: £750
A Doulton Jardiniere of squat form, the body tapering sharply towards the base with a short slightly flaring neck, decorated with a fabric derived design, the brown biscuit body with an impressed floral design over which are applied gilt flower heads and carefully modelled strands of lotus in blue and aubergine enamel, a band of light blue beads at the top and the interior glazed in dark blue, the base unglazed and with a series of impressed marks including ‘Doulton Lambeth’.
The Doulton factory began production in 1815, first at Vauxhall and later moving to Lambeth. In 1882 it opened an additional factory at Burslem, Stoke on Trent in the centre of the English pottery. Known at first mainly for utilitarian works it began to develop decorative wares more extensively in the 1860s and soon gained a reputation for its distinctive designs. As the mark indicates, this piece was made at the Lambeth factory and the absence of ‘England’ in the Doulton mark, which has the typical design of interlocking ‘D’ at its centre, indicates that it dates to before 1891. The decorative technique, employing impressed designs was known as ‘Chine’ ware and protected by the patent ‘Doulton and Slaters Patent’ which is clearly marked underneath. Pieces of linen, lace, net or other fabrics were pressed onto the unfired soft clay shortly after potting, leaving a corresponding pattern behind. This piece has elaborately modelled lotus strands in addition as well as gilt flower heads, an unusual combination which does not seem to often occur. On the base are found stamped numbers and letters which should indicate the pattern number and artist decorator but it has not been possible to identify these accurately. Dating though is confirmed and this was clearly a deluxe item amongst the range of pieces produced at that time.
Bay Ceramic Ewer No 268-30, West Germany, 1960s
Price: £55
A ceramic ewer stoutly potted with a bulbous body above a short straight foot, the slightly concave neck terminating in two slightly flaring bands and fitted with a simple loop handle, the light mustard coloured glaze with moulded decoration of palmette leaves separated by an abstract geometric design and with bands of a repeating ovoid bead work pattern resembling a wheatsheaf, the interior glazed brown and the base with modelled marks ‘Bay’, ‘W-Germany’ ‘268-30’.
Bay Ceramics was founded by Eduard Bay in the 1930s and based in Ransbach Baumbach, the heart of the main West German pottery producing region. Their productions included vases in a wide variety of shapes and designs which continued in production until the 1980s. Bodo Mans was amongst their most famous designers working in the 1950s and 1960s. He seems to have concentrated on organic semi abstract designs and ewers in this form, with the same pattern number but in a variety of different glazes, are attributed to him. This monochrome mustard glaze seems particularly attractive and complements the design very successfully producing a striking and decorative item which might enhance a wide variety of interior settings.
Two Burmese Textiles, mid C20th
Price: £55
A pair of Burmese wall hangings, heavily embroidered with circular panels, one depicting the ‘Burmese Lion’ and the other two fish, both elements in the Burmese Signs of the Zodiac, which follow the Western Zodiac closely, suggesting that these two hangings may derive from an original set of twelve, the decoration sewn onto a brown fabric backing which forms the border.
The distinctive style of embroidery and applied work here is typical of Burmese work known as ‘Kalaga’ which means ‘curtain’ in Burmese and is used to refer to heavily embroidered appliqué tapestry sewn with a technique called ‘shwe gyi do’. First produced around 150 years ago, Kalagas are generally linen, silk, cotton or velvet background fabrics embellished with sequins, embroidery, beads, coloured stones, tiny pearls, coral, braids and metal threads, the choice of materials depending in part on the client’s budget. Cotton padding was used to produce the ‘3D’ effect seen here and on many other examples of the work. The elaborate decoration meant that some of the larger pieces could take many months to produce. These two panels are an excellent example of the genre with the lavish use of gold thread. They have survived in excellent condition and can decorate an interior today in the same way that they graced the interiors of the makers’ contemporaries. Dating is difficult and a mid C20th attribution is probably sensible but an earlier period of manufacture is quite possible.
Striking continental silver modernist bracelet c1960
Price: £55
This a very beautiful and detailed bracelet comprising panels with organic shapes in front of coral like designs. It is marked Sterling Foreign 925. It seems that it should be attributed to a particular jewellery designer as it is so unique and high quality.
Cherry amber Bakelite necklace, Germany 1920s
Price: £125
This is a very beautiful necklace comprising graduated bright and clear facetted cherry amber Bakelite beads, strung with braided and knotted orange thread and with a spring ring clasp. These necklaces are quite rare and the clear red colour here, enriched by the faceting, is one of the most desirable.
Exceptional strand of Scottish Moss agate beads
Price: £45
This is a lovely example of these Art Deco beads as they have very clear stones where the inclusions are bright and noticeable. They are graduated with a silver clasp.
Scottish Agate bar brooch
Price: £35
This is a very simple and elegant brooch comprising on stone of the typical black and white banded agate.
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
Taxco bracelet with Aztec mask motif, 1940s
Price: £65
This is very unusual bracelet comprising stations of heavy silver masks connected with five silver rods. It is marked 'Made in Mexico' and 'Silver' and would have been made for export to the USA.
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.
Egyptian Revival Czech statement necklace set with real beetles c1920
Price: £150
This is an unbelievably rare example of early Czech costume jewellery. It is set with real beetles and faux lapis glass cabochons and beads. There is even a beetle on the central drop. Between the beetles are Egyptian icons, enamel flies and gilt leaves set on a cartouche design plaque.
Signed Watercolour of Farm Buildings, Richard Akerman (1942-2005), dated 1981
Price: £110
In this focus auction we are offering a signed watercolour by Richard Akerman (1942-2005). After many years of study and sheer hard work including a stint selling on the famous artists’ railings at Kensington Gardens in London, Akerman enjoyed immense popularity and prints of his work rivalled those of Monet in the volume of their sales. These are often found today but signed originals of his work are less common and our example was possibly painted by the artist for his own enjoyment. Certainly no reproduction seems to exist. A very special item, then, for collectors of watercolours and devotees of post war British art.
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Richard Akerman was born in London in 1942. He attended the Hornsey College of Arts and Crafts in the early 1960s, studying a general fine art course which incorporated printmaking and sculpture. His first exhibition was at the Obelisk Gallery in Crawford Street, London, where his work was displayed alongside works by famous surrealists such as Man Ray and Salvador Dali, implying that the style of his early work matched that of his more famous contemporaries. Years of travel followed in both Europe and the Far East and this seems to have turned him to painting in a more coventional style. A succession of watercolours was to follow with subjects ranging from still life and flowers to garden and architectural subjects. His work became immensely popular through the prints made from his original paintings, indeed such was the demand for them that he rivalled Monet as a subject for reproduction in this medium becoming, in a sense, quite a household name with exhibitions of his work internationally.
The path to success, however, was not straightforward and one account of him, written by his son Marcus, mentions running a hot dog stand alongside joining the artists with their weekend displays of works for sale on the railings at Kensington Gardens. Convivial and outgoing (a self portrait captures him well : see image 9), Akerman was married with three children and spent the latter years of his life in Spain where he sadly died after an accident in 2005.
But his work survives him and the prints produced in his lifetime can still be obtained today, giving an accesible overview of his output. The style is approachable with an attractive use of colour and often slightly impressionistic brushwork. But there are works executed in a more precise style, for example a signed watercolour ‘Hot House Flowers’, exhibited by the Edinburgh Gallery in 1994 (see image 10) and this is seen in the work we have on offer. The location of this group of farm buildings is uncertain but Akerman painted similar scenes which appear to be located in Kent and this may well be the case here. Original watercolours by Akerman are not so easily found but what increases the rarity and interest of our picture is that the artist’s signature, done in a slightly more precise hand than the signatures found in the reproduction prints, has the date in addition (’81). We have been unable to find any other example of this and it leads to the possibility that this is a work which the artist painted for himself. Certainly there are no reproductions of it. If so, then it is of particular interest and more than worthy of inclusion in a collection C20th British watercolourists with the addition of being an original creation by an artist who enjoyed such great popularity with the general public.
Chinese Soapstone Brushwasher decorated with flowering Lotus, early 20th Century
Price: £45
A Chinese soapstone Brushwasher, carved in high relief with two vase like vessels and a shallow bowl all surrounded by flowering lotus and set on a ground of stylised rockwork, the back flat carved and the base hollowed out at the interior. Various similar pieces can be found with one or more vases surrounded by flowers or sometimes animals and presumably intended as brushwashers. Soapstone was first used by the Chinese over three thousand years ago but began its popularity in the Ming dynasty (1368 -1644) with the height of production during the ensuing Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911) when a stone mined in the Shoushan village in northern Fujian was most commonly used. Shoushan soapstone is noted for its smooth texture, bright colours and fine grain and a wide variety of objects were carved from it. Production continued into the 20th Century which is what we have here but the quality of the work, with sparing use of the drill, suggests a dating in the early 1900s.
Vintage Gilt Metal Powder Box with a Tapestry Panel, probably French, 1930s
Price: £10
A gilt metal powder box with embossed niello work designs in a variety of repeating stylised floral patterns, three paw feet to the base and the lid with a glazed tapestry panel depicting a floral spray of peony and lotus, opening to reveal a mirror on the underside of the cover and a container for the powder with a fine gauze sifter. The work resembles similar pieces in the French 'Hollywood' style of the 1930s and a similar provenance and dating is likely here.
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Gilt brass and glass stone bangle bracelet 1930s
Price: £25
This is a stunning costume bracelet comprising an ornately designed central raised part that has been attached to a simple brass bracelet It has the original green glass stones and is in immaculate condition. Probably French or Austrian.
Edwardian silver fleur-de-lis collar necklace circa 1910
Price: £85
The ‘fleur-de-lis’, a stylised form of lily symbolising fertility and purity, has been used as decorative motif for centuries and is particularly associated with the French royal family. It is more normally found as a single pendant necklace but the Victorians produced various collar necklaces in silver with the motif. These tend to be slightly heavier in construction than the example here suggesting a slightly later dating probably to the Edwardian era and most likely English manufacture. The finely cast silver fleur-de-lis leaves are joined by links and terminate in a spring ring closure presenting a delicate accessory, perhaps for a young lady.
Please note that the necklace is not marked for silver and has not been tested.
Show stopping suite of necklace and earrings c1960
Price: £85
This is a dramatic necklace comprising five strands of aurora borealis glass beads with the matching clip earrings. The beads are graduating and are facetted with gold tone spacer beads. The clasp is original in a matching design. The earrings are clusters of the same beads and the clips are quite sturdy.
Watercolour by Elisabeth Castle, Kent Landscape Scene, framed, late C20th
Price: £45
An original watercolour painting by the British artist Elizabeth Castle (1930 to 2011, according to the inscription on the reverse). Although a resident of outer London, Castle seems to have concentrated on Kentish landscape scenes and the composition of this picture, with oast houses and slightly abstract trees, is typical of her work. With a fairly muted palette of colours her paintings are always easy to the eye and a restful addition to an interior. Her work seems not to be signed but was always equipped with a printed label as here headed ‘Original paintings by Elizabeth Castle’ followed by her address and telephone number. (The format of the telephone number, used in London up until 1990 gives some idea of the date of the picture.) The gilt wood frame complements the painting well and both combine to produce a relaxing decorative accessory.
Statement necklace in the manner of Lalaounis c1990
Price: £75
This is a wonderful quality necklace comprising two tiers of Etruscan design elements and numerous acorn form drops. This is made to emulate the designs of Lalaounis a very popular jewellery designer and goldsmith who worked in Greece until his death in 2013. It has three tiers of drops and the swirl design is the main design element. The origin of this necklace is unknown but it is amazing quality and is drenched in buttery gold plating.
A green glass paperweight, Tweedsmuir Glass, Chris Dodds, late C20th
Price: £25
A green glass paperweight, stoutly blown with a clear glass bubble above a green rock like formation with small bubbles perhaps intended to represent some form of marine surface, of round shallow form, a paper label to the base reading 'Tweedsmuir Glass' 'Handmade in Scotland' with a printed signature 'Chris Dodds'. Tweedsmuir is a village in the Scottish borders and Chris Doddds set up a factory there in 1993. Before that time he worked for Selkirk Glass and afterwards at Heron Glass in Cumbria. By 2008 he was reported to be in poor health and not working any more. He seems to have concentrated on pieces with a naturalistic style, as here. This paperweight is heavy and therefore practical; it also handles well.
It is sold with a matching contemporary illuminated stand which enhance the decorative effect considerably and provides a modest light display installation for the home (see image 6).
Victorian Silver Buckle set with Paste Stones, German circa 1900
Price: £85
This is a striking silver buckle of rectangular form with two bands of brilliant paste stones surrounding four stylised flower head paste stone clusters, the reverse plain and marked 900 which implies manufacture in Germany where the standard for silver was a minimum of 800 parts to 1000 with 900 parts to 1000 as one of the alternatives (as opposed to the more usually found 925). There is in addition a double mark with a star and a wheel which may well be the maker's mark, but this is hard to identify.
The sparkling stones and high quality mounting (there is a considerable weight of silver in this piece) would have made this buckle a notable addition to the Victorian ladies' wardrobe and it could equally well catch the eye today.
Ring Tail Lizard Skin Minaudiere with a strap handle marked JD, 1930s
Price: £95
The Minaudière is a women's fashion accessory intended to substitute for an evening bag. A case with compartments, it allows storage for several items in a small space, such as a makeup compact, lipstick, watch, reading glasses, or keys.Minaudières appeared during the 1930s and their invention is attributed to Charles Arpels, of Van Cleef & Arpels, but many jewellers and haute couture designers have created their own models.
This example opens out on one side (the clasp is rather stiff) to reveal a mirror and two lidded powder compacts (complete with the guaze liners) and a holder for a comb (now missing) and on the other where there is a cigarette holder and a compartment presumably for matches. On the lid of this is a pouch doubtless intended as a purse. At the end is a pull out lipstick holder with a small strap and the piece hangs from a strap handle marked with the initials JD.
The piece is in remarkable condition for its age and recalls an era of elegance which a contemporary user might emulate on some special occasion.
Silver Brooch in the form of a Butterfly, Taxco 1940s
Price: £65
A silver Brooch in the form of a Butterfly with modelled wings set with beads in metal and turquoise, the slender body terminating in two antennae. Marked Made in Mexico, Sterling with the maker's mark AE in a heart shape. There is also an Eagle mark which indicates the Taxco workshop but this is difficult to identify.
Victorian rolled gold and black and white agate Brooch, English c1920
Price: £50
An attractive brooch in which an agate stone of rounded rectangular octagonal form, the grey surface with clearly defined striations in grisaille and white, is framed by an elaborate rolled gold mount with a rococo style border, scrolling milled cord joining two stylised leaf shape panels at each end with round balls in gold tones in between, the bottom with a gold chain loop and a hanging drop and the reverse with a bar clasp. As with the other rolled gold and agate brooch in this sale, the design of the mount suggests the 1920s
Mint Coronet Rapid camera with case 1950s
Price: £45
Coronet Rapide is a folding 120 film camera model of Coronet Co., Birmingham, England. It was also manufactured under license by Tiranty Company, Paris, France and produced in late 1940s and early 1950s. This one is particularly interesting because of its condition and the condition of the case. They appear to be unused or very well cared for. It has a Meniscu lenz. This camera has not been tested so we cannot guarantee it works although the condition would indicate that it does work.
Massive natural coral beads
Price: £175
This is an unbelievable bit of set of graduated coral beads that are natural in both colour and shape. They are ready to be strung to your taste, either as a choker style like Iris Apfel or possibly to mix it with other beads. This size of bead does not come up often and they are only getting more rare.
Silk Print of a Bird, Bianchini-Ferier, France, early C20th
Price: £25
A silk print of a bird perched on a branch of flowering acorns. The design of the bird itself employs ‘flock work’ technique where slender coloured threads are laid onto the fabric surface to produce a slightly raised effect but the remainder of the image is printed onto the silk using grisaille colouring. Similar examples are known, some depicting birds and some flowers, but all are marked at the bottm ‘Bianchini-Ferier’ ‘Made in France’.
Bianchini Ferier was a silk weaving manufacturer based in Lyons. Founded in 1888 by Francois Atuyer, Charles Bianchini and Francois Ferier, it first produced fine silk damasks mainly for the clothing industry. After gaining a silver medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889 it went on to enjoy great success and many well known artists created designs for it in the early C20th, most notably Raoul Dufy. Production continued until the early 1990s when the firm was acquired by Tissages Bauman.
This print resembles designs in the firm’s archives from the late C19th and was probably created in the early C20th. It was designed for framing and the dotted line definition of the composition can be seen at the edges. Presented now in a modern surround it provides an excellent example of the firm’s work and a reflection of the Art Nouveau style so popular when it was produced.
Chinese Reverse Painted Glass Globe depicting tigers, Modern
Price: £45
A Chinese Glass globe with thick walls, hollow inside and with a round opening at the base, reverse painted in great detail with three tigers in a landscape setting with bamboo, the base with an inscription 'Dick and Sadie'. Reverse painting is a technique often used by the Chinese for the decoration of snuff bottles where the brush is inserted through the opening at the top and the decoration applied. Here the decorative technique has been used on a rather larger object but with no diminution in the skill of the craftsman indeed the much larger 'canvas' must have proved quite demanding. By repute the decorators require at least one day to create a single example. Heavy and of extremely high quality glass, these pieces, of which various examples are known (there is another one as the following lot to this) may have been intended as paperweights or more likely simply as decorative objects. Some are found with modern wood stands. This piece is sold with a contemporary illuminated stand which, when lit, serves to enhance the decorative effect (see image 8).