Metropolitan Museum of Art Egyptian Hieroglyphic wall plaque c2000
Price: £20
This is a very detailed plaque that depicts an Egyptian owl. It is a replica from Tutenkhamun's tomb that was issued by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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.
Five Murano glass fish pendants
Price: £25
This is a rather random lot comprising five small Murano glass pendants. Each one has a hole in the fin so they are all ready to be worn as necklaces or to be put together as one fabulous necklace. It is all up to you! :)
Pewter and brass box and cover in the form of a Mallard Duck, Gatco, Hong Kong, 1960s
Price: £25
This is a novelty box and cover, possibly for pills or more likely trinkets made from pewter and brass in the form of a mallard duck. The details are simply but amusingly modelled with an effective contrast of the two metals used. The base, in common with other examples of this model, has an engraved mark comprising a reversed ‘3’ below an ‘8’. Other examples carry a gold ground paper label which reads ‘Made in Hong Kong’ and this is sometimes found elsewhere on brass items which also have a label for the firm ‘Gatco’, implying that this was the manufacturer here (see image 11). These amusing boxes were made in Hong Kong in the 1960s and retain their charm today.
Navajo suite of Necklace and Earrings set with sleeping beauty turquoise, 1990s
Price: £250
This is a beautiful and high quality suite of a silver necklace and matching earrings set with ‘Sleeping Beauty’ turquoise. The necklace has three linked stations employing the overlay technique of building up different layers on the design, which represents flying eagles against a background of stylised clouds. Both the necklace and earrings are fitted with bright blue turquoise bead drops, the purity and colour of the stone indicating a provenance from the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ mine, located in Globe, Arizona, which was the only source for turquoise of this type and closed in 2012 enhancing the rarity of the stone today. For many years it was extremely popular among Native American artists, particularly from the Zuni Pueblo region.
The Navajo are a Native American people of the Southwestern United States with the largest reservation in the country, mainly concentrated in Arizona and New Mexico. Their silverwork, which they began to produce in the late C19th, came to enjoy great popularity and often employed the use of turquoise. This matching suite is an excellent example of their work. The necklace is marked ‘Sterling’ for 925 silver and the same material would have been used throughout, providing a perfect backdrop to the ‘sleeping beauties’.
Japanese Awata ware Teapot and Cover, signed, circa 1900
Price: £25
An earthenware teapot of rounded cylindrical form, curving in at the base and with a flush fitting lid, the handle, spout and lid finial all modelled to imitate bamboo, the beige ground with a minute craquelure and with polychrome enamel decoration of birds and reeds, the modelled bamboo attachments glazed green and a sketchy signature in iron red at the base of the handle. The Awata district of Kyoto, Japan, was the home to many famous kilns including those run by various members of the Kinkozan family. Some of their Satsuma productions were of extremely high quality, indeed prize winning and in great demand from Western collectors which has continued until the present day. Other kilns produced more modest Satsuma wares for export and some are marked with the same maker’s name as their more illustrious counterparts. This teapot, not marked Kinkozan, is a typical example, originally deriving from a small tea service decorated in the same pattern. The signature, hastily drawn, is either that of the decorator or the merchant shop which sold the ware. These pieces too seem to have been popular with Western buyers and are still collected today.
Edwardian large text magnifying glass with horn handle, early C20th
Price: £25
This is an unusually large magnifying glass that has a buffalo horn as a handle. The large lens itself is set in brass with a brass attachment fitting to the handle. It would most likely have been used to read a newspaper by those for whom the text was too small and its size would have made it hard to misplace. Dating is probably to the early years of the twentieth century, the era of the celebrated Edwardian detective, Sherlock Holmes!
Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Egg, C20th
Price: £55
A Chinese cinnabar lacquer egg, deeply carved with peony and prunus flowers within stylised scrolling foliage, the top and bottom with geometric form ‘shou’ medallions. The technique of lacquer carving (lacquer being the sap of a species of tree native to southern China, but also found elsewhere, which dries to a plastic which can be coloured and carved) was practised by the Chinese from the 12th Century onwards and has continued even into modern times. This egg is an example of their rather later creations but reflects techniques developed over many hundreds of years. There is symbolism here, prunus representing winter and peony spring with the ‘shou’ medallions standing for long life, so perhaps a good luck charm was intended. Dating is probably to the later twentieth century, perhaps the 1970s and if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, copies of the model, rather inferior in quality, were produced by the well known firm, Franklin Mint.
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’.
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.
Large faux coral Bakelite brooch, British c1940
Price: £65
A fine quality large floral brooch made from faux coral Bakelite with a bar pin to the reverse, carefully carved to represent the rose petals in fine detail. Dating from the 1940s this piece has remarkably survived in perfect condition making it the ideal statement fashion accessory.
Pewter and brass box and cover in the form of a Mallard Duck, Gatco, Hong Kong, 1960s
Price: £25
This is a novelty box and cover, possibly for pills or more likely trinkets made from pewter and brass in the form of a mallard duck. The details are simply but amusingly modelled with an effective contrast of the two metals used. The base, in common with other examples of this model, has an engraved mark comprising a reversed ‘3’ below an ‘8’. Other examples carry a gold ground paper label which reads ‘Made in Hong Kong’ and this is sometimes found elsewhere on brass items which also have a label for the firm ‘Gatco’, implying that this was the manufacturer here (see image 11). These amusing boxes were made in Hong Kong in the 1960s and retain their charm today.
Chinese Yellow Ground Famille Rose Charger, 1950s/early 1960s
Price: £55
A Chinese circular charger, stoutly potted and with a faintly everted rim, richly enamelled in the ‘famille rose’ palette with lotus, bats, shou symbols and a central chrysanthemum head surrounded by small peony blooms, all on a yellow ground with white enamel stylised scrolling foliage, the reverse glazed white with a glazed footrim surrounding an unglazed circular band, the centre with a seven character stamped mark in iron red ‘Jiangxi’ ‘Jingdezhen’ ‘Ming 5 Ci’, ‘made at Jingdezhen [in the] Jiangxi [province], place rank 5’.
This is a fine example of the porcelains made at Jingdezhen, for centuries the chief centre of ceramic production in China, in the early years of the People’s Republic of China (1949-). Soon after the communists took control, the kilns at Jingdezhen were organised into co-operatives, each with a number. Many of their pieces were marked and the form of the mark determines the date of production. The circular marks, as here, were the earliest allowing a dating of this charger to the 1950s or possibly the early 1960s. Some of these conglomerates, for the quality can vary, retained the skills of their predecessors and produced works of high quality. This is clearly seen here in the careful and precise enamelling and the general artistry of the design employing ‘imperial’ yellow with the symbolism of happiness (bats), longevity (shou symbols), friendship and a life of ease (chrysanthemum) and fruitfulness and offspring (lotus), all combining to produce a piece well worthy of its many predecessors.
Please note that the wood stand is for display purposes only and is not incuded with this lot.
Japanese Celadon Dish decorated basket of flowers, circa 1900
Price: £45
An unusual shallow dish of lobed and fluted circular form, the rich celadon glaze decorated in underglaze blue and overglaze enamels with a basket of flowering lotus, the design slightly off centre, the reverse with a blue transfer mark representing fungus (a plant traditionally symbolising long life).
Celadon glazed wares with enamel decoration in fairly muted colours are a familiar product amongst the ceramics produced by Japanese potters at the end of the nineteenth century but examples of this type of dish are rather less commonly found. The basket of flowers is a regular decorative feature of Chinese ceramics, but given here a slightly different interpretation with the depiction of lotus, the emblem of summer. The mark probably imitates Chinese ‘commendation’ marks inscribed within the foot rim, another nod on the part of the Japanese potters towards their Chinese counterparts.
African wood figural group, Guinea c1970
Price: £35
This is a carved wood group depicitng a woman carrying water with a pig, fruit and other household implements.
An unusual pair of Art Deco style Japonaiserie ceramic vases, probably French 1920s/1930s
Price: £75
The fashion if not mania for ‘things Japanese’ in the late C19th and early C20th is well known and well documented. Sometimes pieces were produced with the aim of being more affordable and this seems to be what we have here. This earthenware pair of vases are of hexagonal form, flaring at the neck and base with a rounded foot, and covered in a craquelure glaze which graduates from black at the foot, through dark brown to mustard yellow at the top with the addition of reds and greens. On this is applied stencil decoration in black of two contrasting but complimentary scenes, on the one two geisha planting small bonsai trees and on the other a single geisha standing in a garden scene with a covered bird’s house in the distance. The reverses are plain and the foot glazed in cream, each with the numbers 1593. Modest pastiches of the Oriental style were produced in England in the 1930s (elsewhere on the site can be seen a Pair of Orientalist Staffordshire ‘Foley Ware’ vases) but this pair were more probably made in France at around the same time, where there was an equal if not an even greater enthusiasm for the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. The clean lines of the shape very much recall the Art Deco era but no parallels seem to exist, making this pair a rather ‘one off’ addition to a collection of Japanese influenced decorative arts.
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.
Long lapis lazuli bead necklace c1980
Price: £30
This is very elegant necklace that features different shaped stone beads of Lapis Lazuli. These beads are very high quality with excellent colour. They are flat pebble shaped, together with square and round beads. They are connected by gold fittings with a toggle clasp.
Large faux coral Bakelite brooch, British c1940
Price: £45
A fine quality large floral brooch made from faux coral Bakelite with a bar pin to the reverse, carefully carved to represent the rose petals in fine detail. Dating from the 1940s this piece has remarkably survived in perfect condition making it the ideal statement fashion accessory.
Chřibská Glass bowl designed by Josef Hospodka, Czech 1970s
Price: £75
An organically formed sculptural glass bowl or ashtray, of trefoil form with an undulating rim and three projecting ‘knobs’ above the flat base, the colourings merging from green to amber with clear glass at the base. This piece was made at the Chřibská glassworks in Czechoslovakia and can be seen in their 1970s catalogue with the pattern number 240/5/20. An entry in issue 12 of the 1964 Czech Glass Review confirms the designer as Josef Hospodka who was chief designer at Chřibská from 1958 to 1970 and again from 1985 to 1989. His organic, sculptural blown glass designs enjoyed great popularity and some remained in production until the factory closed in 2007. The colourings here are particularly pleasing and this is an excellent example of his work.
Islamic Silver Necklace with Niello work plaques, c1930
Price: £75
This is an interesting silver necklace, probably made in Turkey in the mid twentieth century. Four strands of wheat chain join seven circular plaques and terminate in a push pin clasp. The faces of the plaques are decorated with fleur-de-lis and scrolling foliage in a clover leaf format on a black ground and the square reverses are all stamped ‘925’. Similar decoration appears on the clasp.
The technique used is that of ‘niello’ work. (The word derives either from the classical Latin word ‘nigellum’ or the later mediaeval words ‘nigello’ or ‘neelo’.) Niello is a black mixture, usually of sulphur, copper, silver, and lead and used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal, especially silver. Added as a paste, it hardens to a black colour after firing and is then polished. Here it is the ground that formed from niello while the design shows though in silver, a less common version.
There is much skill in the craftsmanship here and the result is a piece of classic and timeless simplicity.
Pair of Beige Opaline Glass Vases, enamelled decoration, probably French late C19th
Price: £75
An elegant pair of beige glass vases of bottle form with a stepped foot, modelled collar and a tall slightly flaring neck, decorated in coloured enamels with flowering holly, the reverses plain and the top rims gilt. Opaline glass is produced by adding materials such as bone ash or lead-crystal to produce a semi opaque effect, the colour varying according to the minerals added and ranging from white through yellows, greens and blues to black. First made in Murano in the sixteenth century it was to enjoy an enormous vogue in France during the nineteenth but had also been produced in England at Bristol in the eighteenth. The delicate style of the decoration here clearly points to French work and a dating towards the end of the nineteenth century seems reasonable indeed the beginnings of the Art Nouveau can perhaps be seen here. Form, colour and decoration combine to produce a highly attractive pair of ornaments which can be enjoyed in a contemporary setting as much as they were when they were made.
Japanese Blue and White Sugar Bowl and Cover, first half C20th
Price: £25
A Japanese porcelain sugar bowl and cover of globular form, two modelled loop handles to the sides and a flush fitting lid with a squat knob, decorated in bright underglaze blue with stylised scrolling lotus, the design repeated on the lid. In common with many blue and white pieces exported from Japan in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the decoration here is not handpainted but applied with the use of a stencil which explains the slightly ‘mechanical’ effect. These sugar bowls are often paired with a cream or milk jug but do not seem to have formed part of a larger tea service. The slightly uneven profile of the handles is found elsewhere and while dating is most likely to the 1920s or 1930s this piece is still of either decorative or even practical use around a hundred years later!
Chinese Soapstone Seal with Shou Lao, C20th
Price: £45
A Chinese soapstone seal of cylindrical tubular form with the figure of Shou Lao on a pedestal, the base with incised script characters. 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) and then beyond into the twentieth century. The style of carving here, fairly coarse and lacking in detail, suggests fairly late work but is expressive, nevertheless. The figure represented is the famous god of immortality, Shou Lao. As often he is represented as an old man with a long beard, a high forehead and a bald head, carrying a peach (which represents immortality) and a staff. The pedestal is decorated with an incised stylised landscape scene and to the reverse is a circular panel containing the character ‘shou’ which means longevity. The seal characters, which unfortunately cannot be translated but probably represent the name of the owner, are stained with the red ink which would have been used when the seal was stamped.
Japanese Arita Square Sake Flask and Cover decorated flowers, C20th
Price: £25
This is a rather striking example of a Japanese sake flask of less conventional form. The slender square form rectangular body (compare lot XX) is topped with a slender slightly concave neck of gently conical form, the top capped by a stopper like cover. On one of the corners is an elaborate loop form handle and on the other a short spout. The base is flat and unglazed. The decoration is rather hybrid. The iron red and gold scrolling pattern at the top recalls kutani pieces, but the main body, with its heavily enamelled chrysanthemum heads employing a wide variety of colours, looks almost towards satsuma wares. The combination is quite arresting if not eyecatching and raises the question of whether there was once a set of cups with a matching design… The slightly ‘brassy’ look to the gilding indicates an early C20th dating but probably no later than around 1920. Best regarded, perhaps, as a functional piece of whimsy!
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.
Outstanding Egyptian Revival necklace c1960
Price: £125
This is a very unusual necklace that features a large central pendant that depicts a beautiful design of Egyptian iconography. This includes cobras, ankh symbols, Horus the bird god and Ramses II. It is all done in bright gold with enamel work. This is on its original rope style chain fashioned to allow the pendant sit on the upper chest. It is probably of American manufacture.
Myott Son & Co Art Deco style Jug, 1930s
Price: £75
A ceramic jug of bold angular form, the body an inverted cone with a wide stepped spreading foot, the spout and handle in simple geometric designs, vividly decorated with a mottled blue glaze to the surface of the body, the top rim and spout with a modelled repeating triangular pattern in light blue, the colour also used on the stepped base, a band of orange to the top interior and orange and blue detail to the spout and handle, the base countersunk and glazed in a light mustard colour, which is repeated on the interior, and with stamped grey/black marks ‘Myott Son & Co’ ‘Made in England’ below a crown ‘Hand Painted’ ‘8498’ and [repeated] ‘Made in England’ in brown. This form of marking was used in the late 1930s.
Myott Son & Co was one of famous the Staffordshire Potteries and traded for over 90 years. Founded in 1898, it began production in Stoke moving to Cobridge four years later. Its output was continuous but in 1949 the firm suffered a disastrous fire which reportedly destroyed the firm's records and pattern books and probably for this reason it relocated to Hanley. In 1969 it was bought by the American firm Interpace, but the Myott name was retained until 1976 when the company merged with Alfred Meakin Ltd, who were based in Tunstall, to form Myott-Meakin Ltd.
Myott now are best known for their Art Deco inspired designs from the 1930s. Following the success of their competitors, most notably the designs of Clarice Cliff, Myott established their own popular following and produced pieces which could rival the output of their celebrated competitors. This jug, with its clean lines and bold colours is an excellent example and like others of the same form bears the pattern umber ‘8498’. Some of their glazes were easily subject to wear and blue was less commonly used so both the condition and the colour range of this jug make it a highly desirable collector’s item.
Russian Enamel Brooch, probably Rostov Finift, mid C20th
Price: £20
This delicate brooch with its elaborate filigree work has a circular painted enamel plaque painted in greens, pinks, light brown and yellow with scrolling lotus flowers and surrounded by fine silver decoration, with scrolling rope twist strands and slender milled ribbons inset with beads. The style and composition, combining enamel and silver work, is typical of the Russian maker ‘Rostov Finift’ (‘finift’ comes from the Greek ‘fingitis’ which means ‘gleaming’) many of whose pieces can be found on the market today. The art of painting on enamel was first developed in Rostov Veliky (125 miles northwest of Moscow) in the 18th century and continued thereafter with pieces of jewellery, made by Rostov Finift and in which enamels are surrounded by elaborate filigree work, appearing in quantity after the second World War. The pieces are not signed and attribution is mainly speculative but this brooch has much in common with other pieces believed to have been made by the same factory.
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.
Figure of a Young Girl Praying, Continental, probably mid C20th
Price: £55
This is an elegant figure of a young woman at prayer, her slender body carefully modelled with upraised elongated hands and expressive detail to the face and enshrouded, niche like, in a robe green tinted on the inside and brown on the exterior, the base with an oval opening and impressed numbers ‘825’ and a stamped number ‘31’. There are no obvious parallels to this piece which has some resemblance to Goldscheider compositions but a completely different finish to the foot and none of the Goldscheider markings. And while there are some similarities it also looks later with more of a mid century feel. Italian work comes to mind, but there is no proof of this. Perhaps we are intended to see the Virgin Mary here although the young lady seems a bit too youthful for a secure identification. Whoever she is, she has been rendered with skill and charm and well deserves her admirers today.
Fairing Figurine – A Mouse A Mouse, German, late C19th
Price: £25
Fairing Figurine "A Mouse A Mouse". 'Fairings', as they are known, were ceramic figures made to be given out, sold or won as prizes at fairs, hence the name. They were a product of the late Victorian era but continued to be made until the beginning of the First World War when they fell out of fashion. Manufacture was in Germany principally by the firm Conta and Boehme who developed a mass production method that no other company could match, thereby achieving a market advantage. They exported large quantities to Britain and the United States, but their pieces have even been found in Australia along with other destinations.
The various figures were made in white glazed porcelain with coloured decoration. The compositions were sculptural and often accompanied by an inscription, as here. Many models are known. Two typical examples are 'Returning from the Ball' and 'Twelve Months after Marriage'. Here we have a composition entitled “A Mouse A Mouse!”, which shows a couple, the wife raising herself from the bedclothes while her husband crawls on the floor, having knocked over a chamber pot in the process. Notably absent is the mouse itself…
Some of the fairing figurines are marked, as here. The impressed number '1886', which would be a series number, is combined with the impressed shield mark found on Conta and Boehme pieces from the late C19th. The paste of the foot is consistent with this and the slightly ‘brassy’ look to the gilding (compare Lot 5) complements this as well. It has been suggested that this particular model type is, in fact, a modern reproduction and there are other versions of the design which do indeed look contemporary but this is unlikely to be the case here and we most likely have an amusing and period example of the genre.
Taxco brooch with abalone shell c1950
Price: £20
This is a very striking brooch comprising a central abalone stone surrounded by leaves made of crushed lapis. It is marked on reverse Taxco with an illegible "eagle" mark. It also has bail so could be used as a pendant.
Pair of Chinese Ceramic Shoes, seal mark and with fitted box, C20th
Price: £55
An amusing pair of Chinese ceramic models of shoes or clogs, modelled in the form of a kylin head with a pronounced snout, the sides of the shoe with impressed repeating geometric patterns below a band of stylised scrolling foliage, the brightly coloured glazes all with craquelure patterning, the interior glazed turquoise with an impressed seal mark and the underneath glazed in cream, also with a small circular impressed mark. The pair are presented in a fitted box, fabric covered and silk lined, which is presumably contemporary. Neither of the marks can be deciphered and dating is uncertain, probably to the late C20th, but this does not need to detract the rather humorous design which does have at least one parallel from the C18th (see image XX)and may have been intended as a brushwasher for a scholar with something of a sense of humour.
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.
Hula Pattern glass Vase by Bob Crooks, signed by the artist, modern
Price: £110
This is a striking vase by Bob Crooks, one of Britain’s most highly respected contemporary glassmakers (see image 8). Born in 1965, Crooks studied at the Humberside College of Higher Education and the West Surrey College of Art & Design where he took a BA (Hons) in 1989. After working with other studios, he set up his own in 1990, moving to Devon in 2002 where he has since been producing his distinctive pieces of art glass under the name ‘Bob Crooks: First Glass’. The vase here is from the range in the ‘hula pattern’ (the name deriving from the well known brand of crisps) and can be seen in a variety of forms and colours on his website. The version here is particularly pleasing, the irregular flattened ovoid shape enhanced by the bright blue of the body set with scattered yellow ‘hula hoops’. This is, in fact, a unique creation since each of Hobbs pieces are designed, handmade and finished by him without the use of moulds. His signature appears etched on the base in common with all his other works. The appeal is obvious and an excellent example of the skill and artistry of the maker.
Victorian Rolled Gold Necklace with Pendants, late C19th
Price: £45
This is an interesting necklace made from rolled gold (in which a thin layer of gold is applied to a baser metal) and comprising a linked chain from which are suspended a facetted rose de france amethyst bead in the shape of a heart, a ‘lucky bean’, a framed portrait medallion and a miniature whistle (that works!). The choice of the pendant ‘charms’ is not wholly clear. While the heart has an obvious meaning and the bean shape denotes good fortune (during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, beans washed up on the seashore which then went on to germinate were regarded as infused with good luck), both of which might well been associated with the young lady whose portrait photo can be seen, the significance of the whistle is not certain and was perhaps only known to the wearer. A piece of evocative nostalgia then for collectors of Victorian decorative jewellery.
Framed poster for Victor Bicycles, Overman Wheel Company, C20th
Price: £55
This is an iconic poster image, the original of which was created in 1896 by the famed artist Will H. Bradley for the Overman Wheel Company, famous for their innovative and high quality bicycles in the last years of the nineteenth century. The ‘Victor’ bicycle was the most famous model in their range and enjoyed enormous success after its introduction in 1883. By 1893 it was known as ‘the highest grade bicycle’ and it went on to be sold in a wide variety of models and sizes. But competition and changing economic circumstances saw the company’s business decline sharply and after a devastating fire in 1899 the business was sold in 1900.
Will H. Bradley (1868-1962) was an American artist and illustrator whose work enjoyed enormous popularity in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, indeed he became America’s highest paid artist. Some of his most elaborate and original poster and advertisement designs were produced in the last years of the nineteenth century and he was an apt choice for Albert Overman’s then thriving business. His style was quintessentially Art Nouveau and is often compared to that of the English artist, Aubrey Beardsley, indeed he was sometimes dubbed as the ‘American Beardsley'. This poster design for Overman has been much copied and reproduced over the years with original examples residing in museum collections. The dating of this particular printing is not wholly certain; the reproduction is certainly way superior to that of more modern versions and the accompanying frame also indicates some age, perhaps to the 1960s or through to the 1980s. We have, then, both an elegant decorative item and an excellent addition to a collection important poster art.
Japanese Imari Bottle Vase, circa 1900
Price: £30
A Japanese ceramic vase of slender bottle form with a near globular body rising to a narrow cylindrical neck, decorated in the ‘Imari’ palette of underglaze blue, iron red and gold with two red enamel ground stylised floral panels on a ground of scrolling peony, the neck with scrolling prunus above a band of repeating chrysanthemum heads and the base with a band of repeating stylised leaves. The paste of the foot and the style of the decoration suggest a dating to the end of the Meiji period (1868-1912) probably around 1900.
Pair of Capodimonte ceramic Wall Hanging Plaques, boy and girl praying, Italian 1960s
Price: £25
This is a charming pair of small ceramic wall plaques, the biscuit porcelain with a slight ivory tint, with moulded designs of a boy and a girl praying, their hair and robes carefully detailed, set in velvet covered oval frames with cording at the edge which also forms the loop hangers at the top. Near identical pieces often have a paper mark at the back reading ‘Porcellane Capodimonte’ ‘Made in Italy’ surrounding a crown device with an ‘N’ above. Capodimonte porcelain was first made at Naples, Italy, in the mid eighteenth century and was often marked with an ‘N’ and a crown above. The original factory was to enjoy a relatively short life but there were many imitators in the nineteenth century and beyond to the twentieth who freely used the Capodimonte name. This pair of plaques is a very modest and fairly recent (probably dating to the 1960s) example of these ‘Capodimonte’ wares but nonetheless have a distinct appeal of their own.
Pair of Capodimonte ceramic Wall Hanging Plaques, boy and girl praying, Italian 1960s
Price: £25
This is a charming pair of small ceramic wall plaques, the biscuit porcelain with a slight ivory tint, with moulded designs of a boy and a girl praying, their hair and robes carefully detailed, set in velvet covered oval frames with cording at the edge which also forms the loop hangers at the top. Near identical pieces often have a paper mark at the back reading ‘Porcellane Capodimonte’ ‘Made in Italy’ surrounding a crown device with an ‘N’ above. Capodimonte porcelain was first made at Naples, Italy, in the mid eighteenth century and was often marked with an ‘N’ and a crown above. The original factory was to enjoy a relatively short life but there were many imitators in the nineteenth century and beyond to the twentieth who freely used the Capodimonte name. This pair of plaques is a very modest and fairly recent (probably dating to the 1960s) example of these ‘Capodimonte’ wares but nonetheless have a distinct appeal of their own.
Bombay Japan pattern deep Dish, Minton or Samuel Alcock, English mid C19th
Price: £25
An earthenware deep dish of shaped oval form with moulded handles to the sides, transfer decorated in ‘flow blue’ with coloured highlights and gilt detail with a central stylised garden scene within a diaper pattern border, the rim with floral sprays and the two handles in the rococo style, the reverse plain and with a central blue transfer mark in the form of a vase with flowers and reading ‘BOMBAY’ ‘JAPAN’ with red script numbers ‘1273’. Various pieces can be found with this florid design, all with the same mark and script numbers. Attribution is either to the well known firm Minton or the factory of Samuel Alcock, whose Staffordshire pottery produced a highly popular range of pieces in the early to mid nineteenth century. Given the slightly rustic nature of this piece, the latter seems more likely. This is a serving dish from a much larger set which would have all been decorated in the same pattern. Oriental designs have been adapted to suit European taste with great aplomb and the result is both functional and attractive.
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.
Cruet set in the form of three Friar Tuck Monks on a Tray, Hummel, West Germany, 1960s
Price: £55
The portly figures of ‘Friar Tuck’ Monks seen here are perhaps rather appropriate for a set intended for the serving of condiments : salt, pepper and mustard. The three similar figures are amusingly modelled with benign expressions, the smaller ones pierced at the top for salt and pepper with plastic stoppers underneath and the larger in two parts, here complete with the original spoon. This set comes from the ‘Hummel’ range produced by the German ceramic manufacturers Goebel. Founded in 1871, the company began to enjoy enormous popularity in the 1930s when Franz Goebel, grandson of the founder, began an association with a Benedictine nun Berta Hummel who later took the name sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. Hummel had produced a range of postcard drawings of figures which Franz Goebel realised he could turn into porcelain figurines. Production started in 1935 and was immediately successful. Sister Hummel died in 1947 but the association with her covent continued and figures in her distinctive style were produced for many years thereafter. Dating is established by the format of the mark, which went through many variations. Here we see a ‘V’ with a bee within at the top and the wording W.Germany. The German word ‘hummel’ means ‘bee’ and the ‘V’ stands for ‘Verkaufsgesellschat’ or ‘Distribution Company’. This bee has sharp angular wings set parallel to the tips of the ‘V’ which was the format used between 1960 and 1972. In addition all ‘Hummel’ pieces were marked with the model number which can be seen clearly here on the base of the mustard pot, ‘S 183’. For some, the Hummel figurine might be an acquired taste but few can fail to admire the whimsy here and this set would add spice, so to speak, any dinner table conversation.
Bakelite Ivorine Mourning Brooch, British c1930
Price: £25
This is a brooch formed from bakelite intended to mimic ivory with its off white colouring. It shows a hand holding a rose and the slightly antique style reflects the fact that this was originally a Victorian design, intended to be a mourning brooch, the material of which would have been ivory (see image 4 for examples in the British Museum). Developed in New York in 1907 and patented two years later bakelite was the first plastic made from synthetic components. By the 1920s it became a popular material for jewellery and pieces were produced for some years thereafter. Dating here is probably to the 1930s or 1940s.
Framed Chinese Silk Embroidered Runner Panel, garden scenes, C20th
Price: £15
The repeating design we see here (the figure on the left reappears on the right) indicates that this textile is a section from a longer piece which perhaps acted a ceiling border for a wall. Depicted in a fairly muted palette of silk threads with an emphasis on light green and turquoise is a stylised garden scene with labourers (hoe, wheatsheaves, fruit basket) and one figure seated at leisure, all within a border comprising a mixed assemblage of the common motifs of Chinese decoration including stylised flowers, dragons, elephants, shou medallions and the endless knot (one of the eight Buddhist emblems). The stitching is not particularly detailed suggesting mid C20th work but the design is pleasing nonetheless.
Chinese painting on Silk, Storks and Pine, circa 1900
Price: £25
A Chinese painting on silk, the fine and detailed brushwork depicting a gnarled branch of pine with three cranes astride on a background of blue clouds with a full moon in the distance. Both the crane and the pine tree symbolise long life and longevity and so there is perhaps a hidden message here which might be uncovered in the elaborate calligraphic inscription at the top right with no less than three red artist’s seals. Great care has been taken with this composition and the overall style suggests earlier work than that found in many pieces perhaps dating to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. The board mounting is considerably foxed but the painting itself much less so and if reframed it would provide an attractive if slightly enigmatic example Chinese decorative painting.
Framed Chinese Painting of a Court Official, C20th
Price: £45
A Chinese painting on silk depicting a court official or ‘mandarin’ standing on a wooden decked veranda, dressed in his official robes with a phoenix emblem on his chest, an elaborate bead necklace round his neck and his sceptre of office by his left wrist (the hand is mysteriously lacking). A pavilion can be seen to the rear and beyond the terrace wall are reeds and flowering prunus in a stylised garden setting. The artist has caught the self important majesty of the figure who is perhaps described in the calligraphy inscription to the top right with an artist’s seal stamped in red. Perhaps a portrait but more likely a generic design, this composition probably dates to the early C20th. The frame and mount are, of course, much later but complement the image well and provide an attractive ‘ready to go’ example of Chinese decorative painting.
Chinese Calligraphy Scroll, Qing Dynasty (1636-1912)
Price: £25
This is a short scroll painting entirely composed of calligraphy. Nine lines of vertical text in flowing black ink script are flanked by two red seal marks and a black ink signature to the left and an iron red seal mark to the top right. The text is written on very thin mustard coloured silk (the colour may have darkened with time) which is mounted on a silk fabric ground with a brocade design. Below is mounted a similarly sized light aubergine panel, plain. The silk is backed by very thin light brown paper and fitted to a black lacquered wood scroll handle. From appearance this scroll, which is in rather poor condition, seems to date from at least the end of the nineteenth century but is perhaps earlier. It requires the assistance of an expert in Chinese calligraphy for further identification but may possibly reveal some hidden secrets of some interest.
Maud Frizon Handbag c2000
Price: £150
This is a lovely calfskin shoulder bag inspired by the well known shoe designer Maud Frizon. It has multiple interior compartments and a flap over front with stud detail. The zip pulls are tiny shoes with her initials MF and her name also appears on the label inside. Maud Frizon began designing and making shoes in 1969 and her innovative and hand crafted designs were an immediate success. Bridgette Bardot was a regular customer and it was said of her shoes that they 'are to footwear what Dom Perignon is to champagne'. Frizon founded her company with her husband Luigi De Marco and they worked together for thirty years before selling the business to Helene Wajnblum-Liu and her husband in 1999. The new owners broadened the range to include handbags and expanded the chain of Frizon boutiques to include Paris, Lyon, New York, Beijing and Hong Kong where they are still to be found today.
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.
Vase with signature E.Radford and numbered 1267, mid C20th
Price: £45
A ceramic vase of broad shouldered ovoid from with a wide ribbed neck slightly flaring at the top, glazed overall in light yellow with a feint craquelure, a brown band at the top and the body boldly painted with two floral sprays in shades of brown, the base with a printed script mark ‘E.Radford’ ‘England’ ‘Hand painted’ and the impressed numbers ‘1267’.
There were, in fact, two craftsmen working in the C20th British pottery industry with the name Edward Radford, father and son. Radford senior worked for Pilkington’s Royal Lancastrian Pottery in Manchester from 1903 until his retirement in 1936, acting as their main thrower. Radford junior joined his Father in 1905, but the First World War intervened, in which he won a Military Cross for his actions at Passchendaele in 1917 and afterwards he settled in Stoke on Trent, the heart of Britain’s pottery industry. An association developed with H.J.Wood’s Alexandra Pottery in Burslem who produced a range of wares bearing his name in the 1930s, although Radford himself may have acted as more a salesman than the designer. Production continued after the war and even after Radford’s retirement in 1948. The form of mark used here implies a later dating and both the shape, indicated by the model number underneath which is found on other vases with different decoration, and the decoration itself suggest the post war era, probably in the 1950s. There is, though, a modest charm here which would blend comfortably with a modern interior.
Siam silver cuff bracelet c1950
Price: £85
This is quite a rare cuff bracelet comprising heavy silver with worked silver spheres. It is marked 'Siam' 'Sterling', the typical mark for this type of silver, which is 925 grade. It is marked Siam as this was the name of Thailand until 1939 but the mark on jewellery continued until the 1970s and the pieces became quite popular souvenirs during the Korean and Vietnam wars. This specific design is found elsewhere but it is the Niello work pieces with dancers etc that are most associated with the tourist trade.
West German Pottery Lava Glaze Vase, Scheurich, 1960s
Price: £45
A ceramic vase of squat cylindrical form, the body incurving at the shoulder and the neck with a slightly flaring rim, the heavily pitted glazes combining mottled blues above and black below, the interior glazed brown and the base glazed black with moulded marks ‘215-18’ and ‘W.Germany’. This is an excellent example of ‘lava ware’, a rugged and rustic glaze effect which became very popular in the 1960s and was produced extensively by some of the West German potteries of the period. The marks here indicate 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. Similar pieces by them can be found in either form or decoration. Their pieces rarely carried the factory name but usually the model number followed by the height in centimetres with ‘W.Germany’ below, as here. The size and form of this piece makes it particularly attractive.
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.
Japanese Studio Pottery Vase, signed, C20th
Price: £75
This is a most unusual Japanese vase of elongated proportions, the slender cylindrical body rising to a narrow concave neck with a flaring rim edged in brown. The fine quality white glaze is decorated in underglaze colours of blue, copper red and green in a continuous design of flowering lotus against two horizontal double edged bands. Pronounced potting rings can be seen inside the top interior but the white glazed base is quite smooth and has a seven character mark in underglaze blue, presumably indicating the studio which produced it. Late twentieth century dating seems most likely. There are no ready parallels for this piece, although perhaps with imagination one might possibly see a form of sake bottle here, and for the time being it must be appreciated for itself as strikingly modernist example of Japanese ceramic art.
Chinese circular silk textile Panel in later European brass metal Frame, C19th/C20th
Price: £55
This is a fine quality Chinese silk embroidery circular panel, most likely cut out from an original robe as is indicated by the very feint unevenness at the edge, the black ground circular border with finely stitched blue flowers surrounding the central scene of a crane amidst tree branches with flowering lotus in the background. The detail of the embroidery work is evident throughout especially in the rendering of the crane’s feathers and the leaves of the lotus plant, implying that the original robe was a luxury production. This, combined with the fabric of the silk background, indicates that we clearly have nineteenth century work here. Perhaps the rest of the robe had not fared too well but for some reason the decision was taken to extract this sample and fit it into a glazed brass frame with its coil spring border. This has the look of the 1940s or 1950s and is probably English but its provenance cannot be absolutely certain. But the care taken at the time was entirely justified and allows us today to enjoy this fine example of Chinese embroidery work.
Framed Chinese Embroidery Silk Textile, signed, second half C20th
Price: £25
A Chinese silk textile with an embroidered design of a peacock and a peahen (the male and female peafowl) sitting on the branch of a pine tree with peony growing below in a stylised garden scene. There is a four character signature to the top left, probably denoting the artist. The style of the embroidery and the calligraphy of the signature suggest mid to late C20th work, perhaps dating to the 1960s or 1970s. The composition and the detail and colourings of the embroidery work are pleasing, combining to produce an excellent example of the genre. The frame is European and perhaps contemporary with the date of manufacture (see Lot 24).
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.
Poole Pottery Maya Pattern Bottle Vase, early C21st
Price: £85
A Poole Pottery bottle form vase, the slender ovoid body rising to a short narrow neck, the rim slightly everted, glazed overall in a mixture of mottled green and blue ‘wave’ designs which blend into one another, the base glazed green with a raised mark for ‘poole’ ‘england’ and two painted initials ‘JB’.
This fine quality vase is from the Maya range made by Poole Pottery, some of the pieces still being in production today and described in the maker’s catalogue as follows “Poole Pottery’s Maya collection is inspired by British landscapes and earthy tones. The greens and blues in this stunning range represent the earth meeting the sky in a natural yet bold design. Here at Poole Pottery, all our Maya ceramics are hand-cast and made using our signature reactive glaze in the famous Middleport Pottery in Staffordshire. The distinctive pieces you see here are created via our Living Glaze technique, where layers of colourful glazes react with one another to create a unique, glossy and dynamic finish.” But this particular form does not appear in the current catalogue and does not seem to be otherwise available. The form of the mark appears on other Poole pieces of more recent manufacture and dating is probably to around twenty years ago. The initials are for the artist’s signature and Poole write “Items are personalised with the artist's own individual mark, adding value to the collectability of each piece.” Given its scarcity, this vase would make an interesting addition to a collection of Poole Pottery aside from being a highly decorative item in its own right.
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.
Japanese Celadon Ground Tazza with Chinese Nanking decoration, late C19th
Price: £25
This is an unusual and hybrid piece combining elements of both Japanese and Chinese decoration. The stoutly potted footed bowl, or tazza, is Japanese porcelain employing a fine quality stone like clay, visible on the underneath of the three feet, often found in these celadon glazed pieces made for export towards the end of the nineteenth century. The pedestal feet support a stubby bulbous column which in turn supports the circular serving dish on top. The underside of the dish has moulded decoration and its edge is slightly shaped. The celadon glaze is enhanced with blue and white decoration and the dish itself is wholly decorated in blue and white with a landscape scene closely resembling the designs on Chinese export wares of the late eighteenth century (see the previous lot in this sale for a typical example) and often known as ‘Nanking’ ware in Europe, Nanking being the Chinese port from which it was shipped to the West. The elaborate border with cell and diaper work and stylised flowers also copies the Chinese exemplar. The shape is a Japanese interpretation of a European form and was clearly intended as a serving dish, perhaps for a small desert service of pieces in a similar pattern, but it can stand on its own today as a piece both decorative and practical.
Large Islamic silver necklace with heart shaped box c1920
Price: £85
This is a very large statement necklace comprising a detailed pendant that is a tubular piece set with malachites stones with handing drops. There is a very large hard shaped pendant attached that is a box with a red fabric interior. This may have some religious signficance such as a prayer box. This is set with beautiful agate stone that is also heart shaped. The pandant has filigree work on both the pieces of the pendant. It comes with its original herringbone style chain. This does not appear to be silver like the pendant. The pendant is 800 silver so a slightly lower grade fo 925 or sterling silver.
Mexican silver dolphin bangle bracelet c1990
Price: £65
This bracelet has a fun depiction of a dolphin in the ocean with the sun and waves. It is marked Mexico 925.
Outstanding Taxco silver bracelet c1960
Price: £295
This is a heavy and substantial bracelet made in the style of William Spratling (1900-1967) the father of Taxco who opened his workshop there, Taller de las Delicias, in the early 1930s . His designs continued to dominate the Taxco silver districts of Mexico and this piece is an excellent example of this. Its design elements reflect the Art Deco styles of the 1930s and 40s that are softened by the scroll work. This bracelet is marked 'Mexico', '925', 'C-11'. C-11 is the registration number of the silversmith and all Taxco silversmiths had these registration numbers. It has a very sturdy integrated clasp.
Silver prayer beads with seventeen Beads, 20th century
Price: £75
This is a lovely set of prayer beads made from solid sterling silver. The 17 beads are heavy and have decoration at the ends. They are strung on a chain with aslider and tassel at the end. These are hallmarked, most likely with continental silver marks.
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.
Art Deco Flower Vase, Frog and Stand, Bagley Glass, Spinette Range, 1930s
Price: £45
A flower vase and stand of angular form, the green glass diamond shape body with a spreading foot and fitted with a matching black glass stand below, the interior of the vase with a removable display stand or 'frog' with diamond shape apertures for the presentation of flowers and the body of the vase with pressed glass decoration of stylised fans. The form of this piece appears in the catalogues of the Bagley glass factory in the 'Spinette Range' and with the model number 3180 allowing a secure dating to the 1930s which is fully consistent with the Art Deco inspired design of the piece.
Bagley Glass was established in Knottingly, England (south east of Leeds) in 1871. Bottle makers at first they branched out in 1912 and opened a department 'The Crystal Glass company' which made crystal and pressed glass. But it was for the latter that Bagley were to become famous and they became the biggest manufacturer of pressed glass in England in the years before and after the war. Many of their designs were influenced by the Art Nouveau styles and this flower vase, unusually presented complete with its frog and stand, is a classic example of their range.
Indian wooden toy model of a Horse with metal fitments, early C20th
Price: £25
This is an amusing wood model of a horse, its right leg raised and the head looking expectantly forwards, the finely grained wood with metal fitments in brass and copper representing the ears, muzzle, saddle, saddle bags and tail, all with fine detailing and small nail fastenings. Many examples exist of these wood and metal horse figures which are usually held to have been made in India at Jodphur, Rajastan, in the early C20th. Presumably more intended for the local colonial audience these pieces have an obvious and wider appeal. The smaller sizes were probably intended as toys and perhaps the original owner of this piece played with it a little too vigorously which might explain the damage to the right front leg!
Sold silver and enamel Panda pendant necklace c1980
Price: £55
This is a super cute pendant in the form of a panda bear playing with a beach ball.The bear is made from solid silver with a texture to resemble his fur and black enamel detail. The beach ball is also enamel and the piece is marked 'SILVER'.
Victorian book chain with locket c1900
Price: £350
This is an outstanding example of a book chain with its locket. These types of necklaces were very popular during the Victorian period and each one has different ornate links ending in a central drop, as you see here. The link is a star link with silver balls attached. The locket has engraving and small silver balls around the edge to mirror the chain. The chain is very sturdy and is held together by two silver ring clasps.
Pair of large hoop earrings with stone drops
Price: £45
This is a pair of statement earrings comprising to large silver hoop that have a chalcedony and a carnelian drop. The pendants were originally for necklaces and they have been repurposed here. Marked 925.
Chinese Cloisonné Square Vase on Stand, C20th
Price: £25
A Chinese cloisonné enamel vase of slender squared baluster form flaring towards the base and with a concave neck, decorated with panels of a lady standing on a veranda reading a scroll and two ladies standing on a bridge over a river, the designs repeated, on a black ground with stylised scrolling foliage in blue, the base with a border of gilt repeating fish scale pattern and the rim with a border of repeating stylised lotus leaves, the interior and base in blue enamel. The vase is fitted with a matching wood stand which is probably contemporary.
The cloisonné technique, in which glass derived enamels were set in wire outlines (the so called ‘cloisons’ from the French word), was developed in China in the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and then used throughout, right up until the C20th, indeed pieces are still produced today. The style of enamelling here with fairly bold outlines to the decoration and the use of bright enamel colours suggests a dating here to the mid twentieth century which corresponds to the probable date of the accompanying wood stand. Perhaps intended as a desk ornament or possibly a flower vase, this piece could certainly find a home in a contemporary setting.
Four Papier-mâché Trinket Boxes, Kashmir, mid C20th
Price: £35
Four papier-mâché boxes, one circular and three of rounded rectangular form, all decorated in typical colourful floral designs, the circular example resembling quite closely the Chinese ‘mille-fleur’ pattern, the bases and the interior in black lacquer. The well known papier-mâché technique, in which items are formed from pulped paper dried to form a hard surface, is nearly ubiquitous, but Kashmir in India was a famed centre for the technique usually held to have commenced in production there in the 15th century when King Zain-ul-Abidin invited papier-mâché artists from Central Asia to practice their craft in his kingdom. These examples are much later, of course, and were probably made some time in the twentieth century, perhaps towards the middle, when the Kashmiri craftsmen were exporting their wares expansively. Their decorative appeal is obvious but, as storage items for trinkets they can perform a practical function as well.
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 Amelia Art Glass Vases, Apple and Pear
Price: £30
Two art glass vases, one in the form of an apple and one in the form of a pear, both with delicate glass stems and black patterning to the white bodies. These are part of the ‘Amelia Art Glass’ range and are both hand blown. Perhaps intended a paperweights they have an obvious decorative appeal suitable for the contemporary interior. It is remarkable that they have both survived intact!
Indian wooden toy model of a Horse with metal fitments, early C20th
Price: £25
This is an amusing wood model of a horse, its right leg raised and the head looking expectantly forwards, the finely grained wood with metal fitments in brass and copper representing the ears, muzzle, saddle, saddle bags and tail, all with fine detailing and small nail fastenings. Many examples exist of these wood and metal horse figures which are usually held to have been made in India at Jodphur, Rajastan, in the early C20th. Presumably more intended for the local colonial audience these pieces have an obvious and wider appeal. The smaller sizes were probably intended as toys and perhaps the original owner of this piece played with it a little too vigorously which might explain the damage to the right front leg!
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.
Pair of Art Deco style Wall Pocket Vases, Poole Pottery, mid C20th
Price: £55
A pair of wall pocket vases of urn form with scrolling handles, a crimped base and a scalloped top, the backs flat with one pierced hole for hanging, kiln spur marks and impressed marks ‘POOLE ENGLAND’ ‘879’ and a stamped mark ‘C 54’, both glazed in shades of cream and brown. Poole Pottery began production in 1873 and continued into and throughout the twentieth century, suffering vicissitudes and even periods of liquidation in more recent years but still continuing production to this day. The design of these wall pockets has an Art Deco feel and may have been originally created in the 1930s but was still being made into the 1950s. The two colour or ‘twintone’ decoration was also first produced in the 1930s and the form of the marks here, where the just the factory name appears without the ubiquitous dolphin, may well indicate a pre war rather than post war dating. The impressed numbers indicate the model number and the stamped mark the colour scheme. Pairs of these wall pockets in good condition are not often found and the particular colour range here, which is rather pleasing, is unusual. Desirable items, then for collectors of Poole Pottery but also with a general decorative appeal.
Abstract Design White Glaze Vase, probably British mid C20th
Price: £25
This is an unusual vase of slender ovoid form, glazed in white and with an abstract geometric design to the front with vertical rows of dots and dashes, the reverse plain. The paste of the foot suggests British manufacture and the geometric patterned design recalls pieces from the 1950s and 1960s, although there are no exact parallels for the decoration here. But the elegant shape combined with truly minimalist decoration together produce an object of decorative appeal, highly suitable for the most contemporary of interiors!
Aseda Glasbruk Blue Glass Bottle and Stopper by Bo Borgstrom, 1960s
Price: £55
This is a glass bottle, or possibly decanter, and stopper, the pear shape body heavily formed from blue glass with a stepped shoulder and a turnover rim and with irregular modelled shapes often held to resemble thumbprints, the ovoid stopper in clear glass with heavily indented ribbing. This piece was made by the firm Aseda Glasbruk which was a Swedish glass factory located in Aseda, Kronoberg County. It began production in 1947 and continued through until 1975 when it was incorporated into the Royal Krona group, which unfortunately then went into liquidation in 1977. Aseda Glasbruk's chief designer was Bo Borgstrom, who graduated from Stockholm's Swedish School of Arts and Crafts in 1951. Known as an artist in ceramics Borgstrom joined the firm in 1961 and perhaps his earlier work influenced his later creations for his new employers and can be seen here in what is certainly rather a sculptural piece and which appears in the firm’s catalogue with the number 991/1. As with another of Borgstrom’s pieces also in this sale dating is to the 1960s or early 1970s.
Indian Brass and Copper Inkwell, C20th
Price: £55
This is a finely worked inkwell in brass and copper, the square lobed edge base with shallow walls and a lidded pot attached to the centre, also in brass but with a copper body. Both elements have precisely cast stylised floral decoration with elaborately curved tendrils which shows strong Persian or Islamic influence, but the work is most likely Indian and probably the product of the workshops in Kashmir. Dating is most likely to the early twentieth century and this piece probably formed part of a desk set with a pair of candlesticks in addition, made either for local market, perhaps to be bought by colonial settlers, or for export.
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.
Blue Ground Empire Style Powder Box and Cover, Jean Pouyat, Limoges circa 1900
Price: £75
This is a fine quality powder box and cover made by the firm Jean Pouyat who were based in Limoges, France. The piece comprises two flattened bulbous sections which form the base and lid. The rich deep blue glaze, sometimes known as Mazarine blue (the name possibly deriving from Cardinal Mazarin, prime minister of France, 1601-62) is combined with heavily modelled gilt decoration of repeating laurel leaves, the imperial symbolism continued in the gilt eagle with arrows on the lid which was the military standard of France in Napoleonic times. On the underneath can be seen a slightly worn gilt mark with a stylised brick structure (a kiln?) with the letter ‘P’ visible to the right and ‘FRANCE’ below. Other clearer versions of the mark show a ‘J’ to the left and this was a factory mark for Jean Pouyat a celebrated manufacturer of porcelain at Limoges in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. His work was of high quality and exported worldwide, particularly to America. Other pieces, for example a comport, are known in this pattern which must have been a deluxe production in its time and retains its opulence now.
Butler and Wilson Skull Necklace, boxed, modern
Price: £125
There is certainly a hint of the macabre in this ‘halloween’ necklace made by the well known British firm, Butler and Wilson. Founded by Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson in 1969 and initially trading from the once famous Antiquarius antiques market in Chelsea, the company is best-known for its crystal costume jewellery and their pieces have been worn by celebrities and even members of the Royal Family. The firm still trades today and their current range does include a number of skull design pieces but this necklace is around 15 years old. Silver metal and crystals are used to create five skull heads, the largest acting as a pendant with five skull drops. These are linked by a chain which terminates in a spring closure which has a circular medallion embossed with the firm’s name. The necklace comes with its original box which remains in excellent condition. Not perhaps to everyone’s taste but certainly a statement accessory!
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.
Korean Najeonchilgi lacquerware jewellery Box, C20th
Price: £25
This is an example of Korean lacquerware known as ‘Najeonchilgi’. The technique, derived from both China and Japan, involves the inlay of shellfish derived small pieces onto a lacquerware base. ‘Najeon’ means ‘mother of pearl’ and ‘chilgi’ lacquerware. These wares were produced quite early on in Korea’s history with a ‘golden era’ during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) but continued to be made until quite recent times. This box, then, made in the late C20th, comes at the end of a long run of a traditional manufacturing process but retains some of the hallmarks of its predecessors. The shape is rectangular with a bowed front, the hinges and clasp fastening in polished metal and the interior lined in red fabric with a mirror fitted to the underside of the lid. The highly polished black lacquer surface is inlaid with mother of pearl decoration, flowers to the front and a moonlit scene of storks to the lid, symbolising long life. Highly decorative in itself, this box is also extremely practical as storage item for a small jewellery collection and would be an elegant addition to the dressing table.
Korean Najeonchilgi lacquerware jewellery Box, C20th
Price: £25
This is an example of Korean lacquerware known as ‘Najeonchilgi’. The technique, derived from both China and Japan, involves the inlay of shellfish derived small pieces onto a lacquerware base. ‘Najeon’ means ‘mother of pearl’ and ‘chilgi’ lacquerware. These wares were produced quite early on in Korea’s history with a ‘golden era’ during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) but continued to be made until quite recent times. This box, then, made in the late C20th, comes at the end of a long run of a traditional manufacturing process but retains some of the hallmarks of its predecessors. The shape is rectangular with a bowed front, the hinges and clasp fastening in polished metal and the interior lined in red fabric with a mirror fitted to the underside of the lid. The highly polished black lacquer surface is inlaid with mother of pearl decoration, flowers to the front and a moonlit scene of storks to the lid, symbolising long life. Highly decorative in itself, this box is also extremely practical as storage item for a small jewellery collection and would be an elegant addition to the dressing table.
Victorian Silver Mounted Banded Agate Brooch, late C19th
Price: £100
An oval brooch formed from banded agate, the brown surface with amber and mustard colour striations, mounted in silver with a bar clasp to the reverse, the rounded border with four engraved collar devices. Found in a wide variety of locations, agate, a form of chalcedony with a wide variety of banding effects, has been used for jewellery from the earliest of times and was extremely popular in the late nineteenth century. The source here is probably Scotland which may imply that the mount is Scottish too, which would certainly not be inconsistent with its style but there is no firm proof of this.
Green Chalcedony silver mounted brooch with marcasite stones, 1940s
Price: £45
This is a silver mounted brooch, the central oval green chalcedony or chrysoprase stone bordered with an elaborate rounded hexagonal frame, the stylised flowers with scrolling foliage and a milled border, all set with marcasite stones, a bar clasp to the reverse and an engraved mark ‘925’ for silver. Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony distinguished by its shades of green and has been used for jewellery since antiquity. Maracsite, a brittle, metallic, semi-precious stone is also often used in jewellery and sometimes known as ‘white iron pyrite’ or more colloquially ‘fool's gold’. Its use here, combined with the elaborate design of the mount, suggests a dating to the 1940s
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.
Chinese provincial double spout Teapot, early C20th
Price: £55
This is a rather unusual teapot, the near spherical body with two spouts, a large angular loop handle and a rounded conical cover with a flattened ball knob, the interior with a central dividing wall and the lid with two cut outs to accommodate this, the glaze slightly off white with a fine craquelure and sketchily painted with typical lakeside scenes including pavilions, trees and rocks. Blue and white teapots with two spouts and a central interior division were made for export during the Kangxi period (1662-1722) but this example is much later, probably dating to the early twentieth century, and, to judge from the coarse decoration, made for the domestic market, but, even if utilitarian ware, there do not seem to be many parallel examples. By tradition, teapots designed with two halves were intended to promote a harmonious relationship between a husband and wife as each could enjoy their favourite type or strength of tea, although it has equally been suggested that they were rather intended for use in tea shops so that differing tastes could be catered for at the same time. A new owner might like to carry out some experiments!
Chinese agate carving with onyx beads, 20th century
Price: £35
This necklace is a lovely design with a large carved banded agate carving. It is paired with onyx beads and agate beads. It is elegant and undestated due to the monochrome palette but definitely makes a statement.
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.
Japanese Celadon glaze vase with enamel decoration, late C19th
Price: £25
A Japanese vase of ovoid form with a short slightly concave neck, the celadon glaze with raised enamel decoration in green, white and pink of flowering peony, the base glazed in white. Many pieces of enameled celadon ware were produced by the Japanese potters for export to the West in a variety of forms including vases, jardinieres and garden seats, the latter implying, perhaps, a destination of the conservatory. Their appeal is obvious and the work is of high quality. This vase, one, no doubt, of an original pair is a typical example with its rich celadon glaze enhanced by the floral decoration. Dating is most likely towards the end of the Meiji period (1868-1912) around 1900. The provenance of these pieces is uncertain, although sometimes Seto ware, better known for its productions in blue and white, is suggested.
Chinese Small Blue and White Potiche and Cover with wood stand, late C20th
Price: £45
A small Chinese porcelain potiche and cover, the straight sides curving out slightly to the top and the overhanging lid slightly domed with a wide knob finial, decorated in underglaze blue and white with a continuous scene of birds and flowers and rocks, the flowers repeated on the lid as floral sprays. The design here is unusual for Chinese ceramics and rather ‘modern’ in appearance which fits with a probable dating to the late twentieth century. While the porcelain is of good quality the paste of the foot suggests fairly recent manufacture (see image 9) and the painting appears to depend partly on stencilled outlines (see especially the bird in the first image). But the wood stand suggests at least some age and the ensemble can be enjoyed its own right as a modest decorative item with the potential for practical use.
Lustreware Vanity Box, Lady in Crinoline, probably continental early/mid C20th
Price: £35
A ceramic figure of a lady dressed in a crinoline formed in two parts, the upper section comprising the body and head of the figure of a lady dressed in a full multicoloured crinoline, which she draws to one side with her right hand while her left holds a fan, the lower section with a flat base on top of which is a deep vessel, presumably for storage, the underneath glazed and with a small impressed mark. While other examples are generally described as English Staffordshire ware, this piece has more of a continental look to it, very possibly German which would be consistent with the paste of the foot rim. Dating is probably to the 1920s or 1930s but if the provenance is slightly uncertain the function is clear and we have here an amusing storage item, perhaps intended for the dressing table. Truly a boudoir item!
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.
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.
Pair of Lovatt and Lovatt Langley Mill Vases, early C20th
Price: £85
A pair of earthenware vases of tapering ovoid form, with globular necks and a flaring rim, the bodies decorated with peach enamelled impasto flowers and green leaves with gilded accents on a dark blue background with ‘threaded’ textures, the neck and rim glazed brown, the bases unglazed and with impressed marks ‘Lovatt’, ‘Langley Mill’, ‘England’, ‘12’ and a scratched mark ‘18’ with ‘LEADLESS GLAZE’ slightly below.
The Langley Mill Pottery was located in Langley Mill, Derbyshire on the Derbyshire – Nottinghamshire border. From its establishment in 1865 to its final closure in 1982, it went through five distinct periods of ownership, producing a wide range of stoneware ranging from utilitarian items and to high quality art pottery. This pair of vases dates from the third company that traded there, Lovatt and Lovatt. The Lovatt family had entered into partnership with the owner of the founding business at Langley Mill, James Calvert. From 1895 the business was in sole control of the Lovatt family and traded as ‘Lovatt and Lovatt’ until 1935. The early years of the twentieth century proved to be something of a zenith for them and a wide range of art pottery pieces were made which enjoyed great popularity. Production techniques were streamlined without a reduction in quality and in 1905, leadless glazes were introduced. These are proudly announced on the base of this pair of vases which are an excellent example of the Lovatt and Lovatt style and probably date to 1912, indicated by the impressed numbers for that year.