Art Nouveau Bronze Tray, stamped 172 Deposé, French c1900
Price: £95
Typical of the style of the Art Nouveau era with its emphasis on organic forms, this bronze tray, perhaps intended for serving salad, is of lobed rectangular form with two handles in the form of lotus branches. Deeply and intricately cast there is a lotus spray at the top which complements the handles at the side and both are set on a wavy line ground with milled detail, perhaps intended to represent water. The underside has four small feet and is decorated with minute punch work dots. There is also a stamped mark ‘172 Deposé’ which occurs on other examples of this design. For devotees of Art Nouveau this would be a classic acquisition of an object which is truly representative if not archetypal.
Framed Watercolour, Harbour or Beachside Scene, signed, C20th
Price: £25
This is an attractive watercolour depicting a harbour or beachside scene with a sailing boat moored to the left, a lighter boat to its side and various sailing boats in the distance with mountains beyond. The tones used are mainly sepias and browns but more colours combine in the rendering of the sky with its setting sun. The artist’s signature can be seen to the bottom left but is unfortunately very hard to read. The impressionistic style is typical of mid century work - the well known English artist George Hann comes to mind and perhaps the painter here, an accomplished amateur, shares his nationality. The appeal here is obvious and not just to a collector of maritime scenes!
Chinese Straw Thread Picture on Silk, framed in original box, late C20th
Price: £45
This is an attractive picture of Chinese Junks moored by a river bank with birds settled on one and seen flying away in the distance. The technique is unusual. On a silk ground, the detail of the image is rendered in fine straw threads with some of the features coloured in underneath. Great skill would have been required to work in this medium and far fewer examples exist than of the more standard silk thread images. The composition is pleasing but the clean, almost ‘modern’ lines of the picture suggest mid to late C20th work. The picture is fitted into a contemporary Chinese fabric covered box suggesting that it was it is framed in China at the same time as its production.
Chinese Straw Thread Picture on Silk, framed in original box, late C20th
Price: £45
This is an attractive picture of Chinese Junks moored by a river bank with birds settled on one and seen flying away in the distance. The technique is unusual. On a silk ground, the detail of the image is rendered in fine straw threads with some of the features coloured in underneath. Great skill would have been required to work in this medium and far fewer examples exist than of the more standard silk thread images. The composition is pleasing but the clean, almost ‘modern’ lines of the picture suggest mid to late C20th work. The picture is fitted into a contemporary Chinese fabric covered box suggesting that it was it is framed in China at the same time as its production.
Oriental porcelain European Style Heart Shape Box and Cover, OC & CO, late C20th
Price: £15
A ceramic box and cover of heart shape, gilt metal mounted with a hinge and clasp, the base plain and the lid with a geometric design in blue and gold, a stylised floral spray within a panel set on a tasselled cushion with geometric patterns and a repeating ‘C’ shape border, the base with a gilt mark of a crown above a twisted robe with the letters ‘O C & CO’. While European in appearance, this box is, in fact Oriental and possibly Japanese of fairly recent manufacture. Although many of the Staffordshire potteries used a three loop knot, often combined with a crown, as a factory mark, this version does not appear any English pieces and is a pastiche, so far removed from the parallels that it can hardly have been intended to deceive. Various European style pieces with the same mark (or a similar one incorporating the name ‘Roselle’) can be found in a variety of shapes and all with elaborate decoration in the style of their models. The boxes are particularly attractive and the shape and decoration here is appealing.
Pink porcelain powder box, Radnor Bone China, English Staffordshire, 1950s
Price: £15
This is an attractive porcelain powder box and cover, the circular body in pink fitted with a matching cover mounted with a delicately modelled floral spray, yellow petals with green and blue below, both the box and cover with gilt rims, the base marked ‘HB’ within a crown, ‘Hand Made’, ‘RADNOR’, ‘Bone China’, ‘Staffordshire’, ‘England’, all within a floral border.
Radnor was the trade name used by Hall Bros (Longton) Ltd. Hall Brothers was a China manufacturer based at the Radnor Works, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England which traded from 1947 until its liquidation in 1972. It produced figures, birds, toby jugs and floral ware, mainly small porcelain boxes which were distinguished by their decoration of finely modelled flowers (see image XX for an advert from the 1960s). This box is a typical example and survives in excellent condition with just a very small amount of near inevitable damage to the petals.
Pink porcelain powder box, Radnor Bone China, English Staffordshire, 1950s
Price: £15
This is an attractive porcelain powder box and cover, the circular body in pink fitted with a matching cover mounted with a delicately modelled floral spray, yellow petals with green and blue below, both the box and cover with gilt rims, the base marked ‘HB’ within a crown, ‘Hand Made’, ‘RADNOR’, ‘Bone China’, ‘Staffordshire’, ‘England’, all within a floral border.
Radnor was the trade name used by Hall Bros (Longton) Ltd. Hall Brothers was a China manufacturer based at the Radnor Works, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England which traded from 1947 until its liquidation in 1972. It produced figures, birds, toby jugs and floral ware, mainly small porcelain boxes which were distinguished by their decoration of finely modelled flowers (see image XX for an advert from the 1960s). This box is a typical example and survives in excellent condition with just a very small amount of near inevitable damage to the petals.
Gilt decorated English porcelain powder box and cover, probably mid C20th
Price: £15
This is a large English porcelain powder box and cover, the circular body with a shallow domed cover, the surface glazed white with elaborate gilt decoration of embossed stylised floral bands with stylised floral gilt borders above and below. The base is unmarked but the paste of the foot suggests English manufacture and the rich gilt decoration reflects that of dinner services produced by some of the well known twentieth century porcelain producers, Minton in particular.
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.
Set of Three Japanese Lacquer Nesting Trays, mid to late C20th
Price: £45
This is a fine quality set of three Japanese lacquer trays designed in a ‘nesting’ format so that the two smaller fit into the largest. Each is finished in red lacquer with an elaborate and detailed gilt and enamel design of two peacocks in a garden scene with peony and bamboo, the rims gilt and the openwork handles with beige plastic loops, the sides and reverse in black lacquer. The art of lacquer ware (漆器, shikki) has been practised in Japan since the earliest times and pieces from the Meiji period (1868-1912) are particularly collectible today. These trays are much later, the use of plastic suggesting the 1950s or 1960s but the quality is still there and their excellent condition allows the skill of the workmanship to be fully appreciated. Highly decorative in themselves they are functional as well!
Pedestal footed Onyx Vase, mid to late C20th
Price: £25
An onyx vase the body of slender ovoid form with a tall slightly flaring straight neck, hollow inside, supported by a spreading pedestal foot, the stone with typical and colourful banding effects. Onyx is named from the Greek 'ónux', meaning “nail,” or “claw,” and is a variety of the mineral chalcedony, a kind of quartz. Onyx with flesh-coloured and white bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail and a similar effect is seen here. Found in many parts of the world, its source can never be determined with certainty but an Italian origin is likely here. The style of the piece suggests the 1960s or 1970s
Three Indian gouache paintings depicting Krishna and Radha, framed, first half C20th
Price: £150
Three Indian gouache paintings, one depicting Krishna and the other two depicting Krishna and Radha, all with lady attendants in stylised landscape scenes within elaborate floral borders. The Hindu God, Krishna, and his beloved consort, Radha, were often portrayed in Indian paintings from the early to mid C20th. The relationship between them was complex. Radha was acknowledged as the Supreme Goddess and Krishna was held to achieve fulfilment only by devotional service from her. Devotees would worship her in order to attain Krishna through her and this may be intended in some of the compositions here. This triptych probably derives from a larger set but stands on its own as an excellent and atmospheric example of Indian art. Dating is probably to the early to mid C20th but the frames are later.
Outstanding Ottoman silver marriage mirror, Turkey early 20th century
Price: £125
This is a beautiful small mirror with very fine repousse work to the reverse with marks '925' and 'ISIK' for the maker.
Turkish wedding mirrors are a traditional aspect of the marriage ceremony where they are given by the groom to the bride as part of a dowry. They are typically then hung in their home for good luck.
Indian Brass Potiche and Cover, early C20th
Price: £45
A fine quality brass potiche and cover, the body of near spherical form with a short spreading foot and a small concave neck, the top rim with a narrow inner ledge on which the flush fitting domed cover rests, the lid top with a ‘knob’ finial. The style of decoration here with gilt and red enamel raised decoration is typical of Indian work in the early C20th, although the cream craquelure effect background is more unusual. The main body is decorated with stylised flowers and there are bands of repeating stylised scrolling foliage at the top and on the lid, with a band of repeating stylised leaf design at the base. The composition of the whole is pleasing and enhances the form of the piece. Possibly intended for storage, this potiche functions as an elegant decorative vessel for a contemporary interior.
Persian Gouache painting on silk of a horseman, C 19th
Price: £25
A gouache painting on silk of a court figure riding a horse in a desert background with clouds above, the figure richly attired in a floral robe tied with a yellow sash at the waist, his headdress with a feather plume and his right hand holding a spear, the horse richly caparisoned with an elaborate headdress also with a feather plume. The beige background with a sketchy representation of rocks and sparse foliage is presumably intended to represent the desert. The composition is framed by a stylised floral border within two red lines.
The style of painting here and the use of silk as the medium are typical of Persian work, and the detail of the brushwork, notably the man’s hair and the horse’s head suggest nineteenth rather than twentieth century workmanship and while a little age worn, this is a striking example of the genre.
Please note that the silk is glued to the hardboard backing at the reverse (see image 10); the simple gilt frame is just fitted to the edge and the piece is not glazed.
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.
Very fine Indian silver repousse plaque Necklace, c1970
Price: £85
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.
Burmese Black Lacquer and Gilt Scroll Stand, C20th
Price: £25
A scroll stand, the papier-mâché body covered with black lacquer with gilt decoration, formed as a cylindrical tube imitating a scroll with ‘handles’ at each end and open at the top with two spreading feet below. The black lacquer surface is richly decorated in gold with scrolling stylised foliage either side of the body, the terminals similarly decorated and with a Burmese lion, or ‘Chinthe’, at each end; the interior is also finished in smooth black lacquer which remains in excellent condition. Other examples of this form are known, some marked ‘Burma’ underneath. While originally presumably designed for devotional use they can fulfil a decorative function as well in a contemporary setting. Dating is usually to the early C20th.
Indian carved Soapstone Figure of an Elephant and Baby Elephant
Price: £25
A figure of an elephant heavily carved from a single block of soapstone, its back with openwork which reveals a baby elephant inside. The carving of the Mother elephant employs Indian ‘jali work’ (or openwork) carving where intricate lattice work is formed with a pattern of openings. Even allowing for the use of machine tools the skill of the craftsman here is quite remarkable. One mistake and the openwork will break requiring a fresh start with a new block. These elephant sculptures are believed to have been created by the craftsmen in Agra, where the Taj Mahal is situated, who work in a tradition handed down from Mughal times. Even though contemporary, the carving process involved ensures that each piece is unique so no other example of this sculpture will be exactly alike!
Marionette Puppet of a Dancing Lady or Princess, probably Burmese late C20th
Price: £45
This is a puppet figure of a lady dancer wearing an elaborately decorated robe, intricately decorated with sequins, stitching and bead work, her hands and head white with detailing in red and blue, her feet with gilt boots and her head with an elaborate gilt helmet. Multiple gilt strings are suspended from a double bar handle piece requiring no small amount of skill from the puppet master operating the figure.
The style of the dress suggests Burmese work and very similar fabric decoration can be seen in the cloth wall hangings also included in this sale. Burma has a tradition of marionette puppetry (marionettes are a specific form of puppet where the figure is controlled by strings or rods) which dates back to the late eighteenth century and is still popular today with visitors to the country, now called Myanmar. Termed ‘Yoke thé’, the Burmese marionette tradition allowed political commentary under the guise of of an entertainment display. The standard ‘troupe’ comprised twenty seven characters, both animal and human, and this lady figure is probably the ‘princess’ (‘Minthami’). She is a fine example of the genre and probably dates to the 1990s when General Khin Nyunt of the ruling junta lent official support to marionette actors and troupes in an attempt to revive a tradition which had fallen somewhat into decline.
Large Burmese Textile with two dancing figures, probably second half C20th
Price: £110
This is a large textile wall hanging depicting a lady and a gentleman represented as dancers, their feet bare and clothed in elaborate dress intricately decorated with sequins, stitching and bead work, all on a claret colour ground with sequins depicting the stars and stitching the ground below, the composition enclosed by multiple borders, stylised scrolling foliage, bead and sequin work and stylised crashing waves.
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 which is likely to have been the case here. Dating is difficult and a mid C20th attribution here is probably sensible but an earlier period of manufacture is quite possible. The hanging has been recently mounted on board and fitted with a simple frame making it ready for display in a contemporary interior.
Marionette Figure of a Prince, probably Burmese mid C20th
Price: £45
This is a puppet figure of a man wearing elaborate dress suggestive of the royal court with billowing sleeves and a flaring skirt, the bold and striking design elaborately worked with sequins, stitching and minute bead work studded at the front with large coloured glass beads representing gems, his hands and face gilt with red and black detail, his feet clad in gilt boots and his head surmounted by a gilt and beaded conical helmet. Eight gilt strings are suspended from a double bar handle piece allowing the puppet master to operate the figure.
The style of the dress suggests Burma which has a tradition of marionette puppetry (marionettes are a specific form of puppet where the figure is controlled by strings or rods) dating back to the late eighteenth century and still popular today with visitors to the country, now called Myanmar. Termed ‘Yoke thé’, the Burmese marionette tradition allowed political commentary under the guise of of an entertainment display. The standard ‘troupe’ comprised twenty seven characters, both animal and human, and this male figure is probably the ‘King’ (‘Mintayar gyi’). Dating is probably to the mid C20th and a little earlier than the female marionette figure also included in this sale. This figure is rather more majestic as befits his regal status.
Vintage Carved wood figure of a Lady, Bali, Indonesia, second half C20th
Price: £45
A finely carved wood figure with a rich patina and veining of a young woman crouching, her head, which is elaborately coiffured, slightly inclining as she looks at the devotional stupa like object which she is holding. The style of this piece indicates that it was the work of a Balinese craftsman and the signature underneath confirms this. 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 decorative grain effects here, though, suggest mahogany and the highly polished finish is quite striking and far less commonly found today. Dating is probably to the 1960s and the artist (with the Balinese surname ‘Mudita’; his first name cannot be made out) has revealed the place of manufacture which is Sanur, a famous beach resort. These figures were often bought by tourists which explains why they are found today in Europe. Like the portrait head of a lady also included in this sale there is an aura of calm contemplation here almost reminiscent of Chinese work.
Burmese wood figure of a reclining Buddha with worshipper, C20th
Price: £25
This is a charming composition of a carved wood Buddha figure reclining on the ground, one arm outstretched and his head resting on a pillow. He is dressed in flowing robes which are skilfully depicted and at his feet kneels the figure of a monk, his hands clasped together in a pose of worship. The relative scale of the two emphasises the divinity of the god and the whole composition radiates serenity, calm and devotion. The work seems to be Chinese but the depiction of the monk reveals the work of a Burmese carver. Many other similar figures can be traced to Burmese work and so this is most likely what we have here. Dating is probably to the early twentieth century and, while not Chinese, the piece corresponds closely to the carved wood figures exported to the West from China at that time. The composition of Buddha being offered devotion by a religious attendant is most unusual and particularly appealing for Buddhists and non Buddhists alike.
Wood Mask, Borneo late C20th
Price: £25
This is a striking wood mask, probably ebony, carved in a bold, semi abstract style, the facial details flanked on each side by two volute decorated ‘ears’, the back hollowed out and pierced at the top for hanging. These gargoyle like creations were made in Borneo, the island north of Java whose sovereignty is shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. They are held to be the work of the Dayak tribe and were sometimes used for harvest festival or fertility rites, soul catching and death ceremonies and spiritual dances, but were also, no doubt produced as tourist souvenirs which is most likely what we have here. The decorative appeal is obvious and the potential spiritual functions an added bonus.
Silver Butterfly form Pendant set with Abalone, Bali, C20th
Price: £95
A Balinese Art Nouveau style silver plaque Pendant in the form of a butterfly, the wings with beaded and ‘micro dot' decoration and set with four abalone panels. The plaque dates to the late C20th, probably 1970s/1980s and has been fitted with a complementary modern English silver belcher chain.
Silver Butterfly form Pendant set with Abalone, Bali, C20th
Price: £95
A Balinese Art Nouveau style silver plaque Pendant in the form of a butterfly, the wings with beaded and ‘micro dot' decoration and set with four abalone panels. The plaque dates to the late C20th, probably 1970s/1980s and has been fitted with a complementary modern English silver belcher chain.
Chinese Blue and White Vase decorated with flowering Prunus circa 1900
Price: £55
A Chinese porcelain vase of baluster form with an ovoid body flaring at the base and a short cylindrical neck, decorated with two branches of flowering prunus or plum blossom on a blue wash ground, the base glazed white with two concentric circles to the centre.
Flowering prunus or plum blossom is one of the most iconic of the decorative designs used by Chinese potters and first appears in the Kangxi period (1662-1722). Kangxi ginger jars in the pattern were highly prized by Victorian collectors with one example, the legendary ‘Huth’ jar, fetching 5900 guineas, a little over £6000, at auction in 1905, a price equivalent to over a quarter pf a million pounds today. The tree symbolises perseverance and renewal and was usually shown against a pattern of ‘cracked ice, representing the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring. Branches of plum blossom convey the ‘Five Blessings’ : longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death. The number five was an auspicious number for the Chinese and is reflected in the five petal form of the prunus flower.
Once evolved, the design was continuously repeated by Chinese potters and is even produced today. Many of late nineteenth century pieces display a rather more slapdash interpretation of the pattern as here where the ‘cracked ice’ of the eighteenth century pieces is replaced by the repeated brush strokes of a blue wash ground and the painting of the tree itself is sketchy. The style of decoration and the paste of the foot indicate a circa date to around 1900, but this modest interpretation of centuries old pattern still possesses a charm of its own.
Pair of Japanese Arita small Dishes circa 1880
Price: £40
A pair of small dishes of typical shallow saucer form decorated in underglaze blue with polychrome enamels, the centre with a roundel of a chrysanthemum flower with black petals which is surrounded by four irregularly shaped panels, two also with chrysanthemum and two with trailing willow, all with black leaves, alternating with abstract organic designs incorporating ‘ju’i’ lappets, the reverse plain with two concentric circles in underglaze blue next to the foot rim.
The town of Arita in the former Hizen Province, northwestern Kyūshū island, was a major centre for the production of porcelains in Japan. Best known for blue and white pieces it also produced polychrome wares as well, including the familiar imari colourings. While similar to Imari, the wider palette of colours used here is usually termed ‘Arita’ and the decorative appeal of the style is clear. These bowls probably come from an original set of five and with slightly coarser decoration than usual were probably made for the domestic market. The paste of the foot implies a dating to the Meiji era (1868 - 1912) probably around 1880.
Pair of Indian brass candlesticks c1900
Price: £175
These are a lovely pair of candlesticks in a cobra design. They are brass with engraving and enamel work. These cobra candlesticks are commonly found in the UK as they were brought back from India during the Raj and many families had them. This pair is a very good example of the type, in excellent condition. Their inclusion in an auction of Egyptian pieces might seem strange but few will need to be reminded of the fate of Egypt's most famous Queen!
Loetz style glass Bowl, early C20th
Price: £110
The celebrated Loetz glass factory has its origins in the nineteenth century, when the widow of Johann Lötz, Susanna, remarried after his death in 1844 and with her new husband bought in 1851 the glassworks firm Klastersky Mlyn which was henceforth named Johann Lötz Witwe (the widow of Johann Lötz). The factory was situated at Klostermühle (Klášterský Mlýn, now part of Rejštejn) in southwestern Bohemia, Austria-Hungary and then Czechoslovakia. Johann’s grandson, Max Ritter von Spaun took over the business from his grandmother in 1879 and continued to run it under the old company name, ‘Joh. Lötz Witwe’, which was later changed to ‘Lötz’ and around 1900 changed again to the anglicised version of this ‘Loetz’. Around this time, the firm began producing the range of iridescent lustre finish glass in the Art Nouveau style for which they are now so famous. Production continued until the closure of the factory in 1947.
Most of the original Loetz pieces were not signed and there were many contemporary manufacturers making pieces in a similar style. There are, furthermore, modern reproductions. The attribution ‘Loetz’, is, inevitably, generously and loosely applied but sometimes true certainty is hard to achieve. Much information and assistance can be obtained from the website Loetz.com. On that basis this attractive bowl with its crimped rim and wavy line design on a purple ground is best regarded as Loetz style but probably contemporary with the output of the Loetz factory itself. It has great decorative appeal nevertheless.
Japanese blue and white hat shape small Bowl with flowering prunus, C20th
Price: £25
An unusual tea bowl of inverted conical form with a short slightly flaring foot decorated in blue and white with a reverse outline design of flowering prunus in white on a blue ground, the base glazed white with a blue circle. The shape here, often termed ‘hat shape’ or ‘bamboo hat shape’ from its resemblance to an Oriental hat (see image 7), seems to have originated in China but was eventually taken up by Japanese potters whose work here is indicated by both the style of decoration and the paste of the foot. The decoration features branches of prunus rather differently represented to those on a Chinese vase to be found elsewhere in this sale with the white design of the branches and flowers almost employing a ‘reverse decoration’ effect, loosely imitating work found on Chinese pieces from the Ming dynasty. The result is elegant and this piece no doubt derives from a small set, probably of five pieces, made for the consumption of tea or perhaps sake. The paste and finish of the foot indicates a dating to the early twentieth century, probably in the 1920s or 1930s.
Studio Pottery Bowl, possibly Derek Clarkson (1928-2013) with impressed mark, C20th
Price: £55
This is an elegant studio pottery bowl, the deep incurving sides above a short cylindrical foot, covered overall in an off white speckled glaze with decoration in blue, dark ‘copper’ red and grey, the exterior with leaves and berries sprouting from a branch and blue circles with a grey border, the interior with in blue, the interior with two blue circles, two berries and a grey roundel at the centre, the base with a small impressed mark.
While it is not absolutely certain the mark on this piece is possibly that of Derek Clarkson (1928-2013). Clarkson trained at the Manchester college of Art between 1944-47 and Burnley School of Art from 1959-61 and then combined a successful lecturing career with the making of his own work which is now to be found in international and private collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. In 1980 he retired from lecturing to focus on his work as a potter, continuing to produce pieces of great skill and attraction until his death in 2013. There are other pieces signed by him which strongly resemble the bowl here (see images 8,9) making it a possibility that this is his work. Certainly, the potter who created this piece and impressed his mark at the bottom was clearly accomplished and this bowl is more than worthy to stand comparison with pieces by more famous contemporaries.
Pair of Silver Filigree Bonbonnieres, probably continental circa 1900
Price: £110
A pair of bowls formed from minute and delicate silver filigree work, the shallow incurving sides with a deeply scalloped rim above an openwork foot with plain sides, the decoration in the from of leaves, perhaps those of a cabbage plant, with elaborate silver thread detail. The workmanship here is obvious but the provenance of these pieces less so. Silver filigree pieces were made in both Russia and China but there is little resemblance to those here. A much closer parallel lies in Portuguese work and there is one very similar bowl known to have belonged to one Charles William de la Poer Beresford, an Admiral and Member of Parliament who died in 1919. If there is a connection here, then this pair of bowls most likely date to the early years of the twentieth century.
Decorative pair of Chinese ceramic figures of children, Yunu and Jintong , late C20th
Price: £45
This is an amusing pair of ceramic figures depicting the two children Yunu and Jingtong, Taoist deities well known from Chinese mythology and traditional religion. They are represented with hands clasped and attached to their arms are coins or ‘cash’ (to use the Chinese word, later adopted into the European language), considered to be good luck symbols. Yunu and Jintong were the favoured servants of the Jade Emperor and the martial God Zhenwu. They acted as guides to the underworld but also became known as the paradigm of happily married couples; pictures of them are sometimes displayed during the Chinese Sprig Festival. There are accordingly many associations with good fortune here and these pairs of figures were doubtless sold as lucky charms in the later years of the twentieth century.
Past Times Art Nouveau Style Vase, Veronese Collection, 2004
Price: £45
This deceptively attractive vase which reflects Art Nouveau design in both its form and decoration is, in fact a recent reproduction sold by the once popular UK firm ‘Past Times’. The organically shaped slender ovoid body with a flaring base and a wide, open top is decorated with applied decoration of lotus, water lilies, reeds and a dragonfly, both the ground and its ornamentation intended to imitate bronze metal whereas the material is, in fact, bronze effect resin. The base has an attached felt pad with the repeating words ‘Veronese’, the name of the collection or range to which it belonged. There is also a small signature on the body and a copyright mark for the date of manufacture, 2004.
‘Past Times’ was founded in 1986 by John Beale, at first as a mail order company but then trading from physical stores and developing into a business which enjoyed enormous popularity with over one hundred shops in the early 2000s. The stock was focused on retro and vintage style items also including a wide range of licensed products, such as Harry Potter and Beatrix Potter merchandise. Badly impacted by the recession in 2008 it went into administration in 2012 and was bought by W.H.Smith a year later leading to the disappearance of its products from the marketplace.
This ‘Art Nouveau’ vase can be seen as an example of their range at its best. Manufactured with care it presents an appealing souvenir of the era it aims to recreate at a rather more affordable price than the authentic originals.
Leaded Slag Glass Bowl, C20th
Price: £45
‘Slag’ glass takes its name from a by product of steel production. When iron ore is smelted there is a residue of a glass-like, often glossy material that takes on different colours depending on the minerals and elements present in the iron. Termed ‘slag’ its visual marbling is reminiscent of slag glass which employs a wide variety of colours and tonal variation. The technique of producing it was developed in England in the late nineteenth century, one of the first patents being taken out by Sowerby in the 1870s, but the method soon spread to the United States culminating in its use by Tiffany for their famous series of lamps with their leaded glass shades. These are reproduced today, but later leaded slag glass pieces appear in a wide variety of forms including irregularly shaped bowls such as we have here. There is an Art Deco look to this piece but there are no obvious predecessors from the period so that we seem to have an inventive pastiche. Not a true ‘fake’ then but probably not as old as it might appear, even dating, perhaps, to the late twentieth century, but with considerable decorative appeal, nevertheless.
Art Deco black leather bag c1930
Price: £95
This is a very striking classic Art Deco handbag with silver tone hardware and leather handle. It is lined in taffeta.
Double sided minaudiere wrist bag 1920
Price: £20
This is a very elegant minaudiere compact formed as a small handbag, fitted for make up, coin purse, cigarettes etc. opens on both sides with mesh handle, silver plated. It has a charming clasp at the top which indicates either cigarettes or makeup to indicate what is on each side. It has a mesh handle.
Two Victorian Cranberry Glass Bowls, late C19th
Price: £75
Two cranberry glass bowls with wavy edge rims, a band of clear glass shells to the middle and clear glass ‘shell’ feet. Cranberry glass (the name obviously deriving from the colour) 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 and pieces in the colourings can be found in a wide variety of forms. Many of the makers must remain anonymous but there is one known for making pieces with ‘threading’ effects (bands of fine moulded lines), Stevens and Williams. Since they made bowls in a similar shape with this ‘threading’ effect (and also the ‘shell’ feet) they may be the manufacturers of these two bowls, but this must remain supposition. But whatever the provenance these two pieces, which remain in excellent condition, are excellent examples of a style once so popular.
Mdina Glass Vase, signed and with maker’s label, late C20th
Price: £95
A studio glass vase the ovoid body below a short slightly outward flaring neck with a wide spreading rim, decorated overall in an abstract pattern of mottled green brown and blue, signed at the base ‘Mdina’ and with the original Mdina label. Mdina Glass was founded in the Maltese town of Mdina in 1968 by Michael Harris and Eric Dobson. The town had no history of glass making but the venture proved to be a success. Its wares, free formed organic glassware, often in colours inspired from the sea, sand, earth and sky, proved very popular with tourists visiting Malta. Michael Harris left Mdina in 1972 and formed a new company, Isle of Wight Studio Glass, on the Isle of Wight, UK, leaving Eric Dobson in charge. This pattern, known as ‘Tiger’ was introduced by Dobson in the mid 1970s and in common with the designs of his one time partner Michael Harris was manufactured in the years thereafter. The style of calligraphy of the mark, more tightly etched than on later pieces, implies that this vase is one of the earlier pieces made in the pattern and both the form and decoration here are extremely pleasing, making this a fine addition to a collection of Mdina ware
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Pair of Staffordshire style Vintage Busts of Children, C20th
Price: £75
A pair of polychrome ceramic busts of children, a boy and a girl, both dressed in blue and wearing country style hats, each set on a pedestal base with blue and red ‘veining’ in imitation of marble, the glaze with a feint craquelure and the bases countersunk and pierced. Others may well disagree but, usually described as Staffordshire, or occasionally Continental, these busts were more likely made in China. The enamel work is typical of twentieth century Chinese pieces and the faces of the pair do not have a convincingly European look. More importantly the paste of the foot is closer to Chinese work than Western and even the form of the base is not found on European pieces either. Nevertheless, these two youngsters make an amusing and decorative pair whatever their history.
A pair of stamp collage Postcards, Alsace and Nice, framed, early C20th
Price: £45
These are a fine example of collage pictures where the image is made up or mainly made up from fragments of stamps. The technique was used in various parts of the world including America and China but we obviously have French work here. The artist, whose signature appears on both pieces, has chosen to represent two ladies dressed in local costume, that of Alsace and Nice. The first is seen holding flowers which fits with a rural location and the second standing on a rock looking out to sea which suits a maritime one. The heads and hands are painted and the costumes made from stamp fragments. Eagle eyed philatelists might be able to date these pieces form the stamps used but the amateur has to rely on the style and ‘feel’ of the representations and we are probably looking at the 1920s or 1930s. The frames and mounts, though, are likely to be slightly later. The appeal is obvious and while there may be other parts of France represented in the same way, this pair of pictures are most likely ‘one off’ and would be an individual addition to the decoration of an interior.
Kiralpo ware Dressing Table Set, marked, 1930s
Price: £35
This is a dressing table or vanity ware set comprising a tray with a ring holder and two jars for cosmetics all decorated with similar designs of birds and flowers within blurred edge pink borders, the glaze with a slight craquelure. Most likely there would have been in addition a pair of candlesticks. The tray has a gilt mark comprising a circle surmounted by a crown with the words ‘KIRALPO WARE’ ‘ENGLAND’ between two dots and within this a shield device with the letters ‘K&Co’ ‘E’.
Kiralpo ware was one of the trade names used by Kirkland and Co, earthenware and ceramic manufacturers based at the Albion Pottery, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, England who traded from 1891 to 1938 when the business was bought and renamed by Mr A.E.Gray. The format of the mark gives a dating between 1928 and 1938 with ‘E’ standing for Etruria. Kirkland and Co made various modest but colourful decorative items to furnish the home. In a 1907 guide they are described as ‘general earthenware, fancy goods, and majolica manufacturers’. Their designs were not sophisticated but obviously had a popular appeal and this set with its bold transfer decoration of birds set within a rather vivid pink border is typical of their work.
Japanese Kutani Part Tea Service circa 1920
Price: £75
This is a set of three serving items (teapot, sugar basin and cover and cream jug and cover) originally from a tea service decorated in the same pattern which would also have included six or eight cups and saucers. Many tea services in similar florid designs were made and exported by the Japanese in the early years of the twentieth century and examples today are found with a wide variety of manufacturers’ marks. The makers here came from the Kutani district, home to a wide variety of potteries with a history of production extending back to the seventeenth century. Kutani wares, finely painted in gold and orange were a staple export commodity in the second half of the nineteenth century but after 1900 the quality dropped and also a wider palette of colours was used. Thus we have here landscape scenes in grisaille and gold and elaborate handles, finials and spouts in the form of scaly dragons and enamelled in green and gold with a hint of orange and yellow. Each of the three pieces, and doubtless the rest of the service, carries a two character gilt mark identical to that often found in iron red on nineteenth century work. The characters read ‘Ku’ ‘tani’ standing for the place of manufacture and translating as ‘nine valleys’. Presumably popular in their time, these pieces might be an acquired taste now but there is no denying a certain virtuosity displayed in their manufacture.
Novelty ceramic Wall Vase in the form of a Gretsch Guitar, English, 1950s
Price: £25
This is a fun ceramic wall vase in the shape of a guitar with an opening at the top for flowers or perhaps pens or stationery items and a string cord, which may well be original, for suspension. The shape is taken from one of the designs produced by the famous American guitar manufacturers Gretsch who began the manufacture of electric guitars in the 1950s, eventually reaching tremendous popularity in the 1960s after the Beatle, George Harrison, used one of their models during the band’s first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. This piece predates that and was most likely made in the 1950s. There is no mark for the manufacturer beyond ‘Made in England’ but it is possible that this is an example of Brentleigh ware, a firm which produced ceramic novelty pieces such as the pair of shoes to be seen elsewhere in this sale.
Novelty ceramic Wall Vase in the form of a Gretsch Guitar, English, 1950s
Price: £25
This is a fun ceramic wall vase in the shape of a guitar with an opening at the top for flowers or perhaps pens or stationery items and a string cord, which may well be original, for suspension. The shape is taken from one of the designs produced by the famous American guitar manufacturers Gretsch who began the manufacture of electric guitars in the 1950s, eventually reaching tremendous popularity in the 1960s after the Beatle, George Harrison, used one of their models during the band’s first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. This piece predates that and was most likely made in the 1950s. There is no mark for the manufacturer beyond ‘Made in England’ but it is possible that this is an example of Brentleigh ware, a firm which produced ceramic novelty pieces such as the pair of shoes to be seen elsewhere in this sale.
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.
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.
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!
Set of four Petit Point needlepoint stitch framed floral Wall Hangings, mid C20th
Price: £45
This is a set of four needlepoint designs comprising colourful floral spays (peony and chrysanthemum) stitched onto canvas. The fine stitching here is a version of needlepoint termed ‘petit point’ because of the small size of stitches used. In general needlepoint designs are stitched onto fine canvas using a simple tent stitch, a small, diagonal stitch that crosses over the intersection of one horizontal and one vertical thread of the canvas forming a slanted stitch at a 45-degree angle. Petit point uses the same technique but with much finer stitching and thread on a much finer canvas often requiring magnification for the work to be carried out. It allows more intricate designs and shading effects as seen here on some of the petals and leaves. The petit point technique dates back to the seventeenth century and was particularly popular in France amongst the aristocracy in the early eighteenth century but its use has continued to the present day. This set is most likely English work, doubtless that of an accomplished amateur, and has to be dated by the frames on the assumption that they are contemporary. The use of hardboard at the back, so popular in England in the 1950s, suggests, then, a mid century dating but this set would happily grace a contemporary interior.
Set of five small landscape paintings attributed to Charles Boyland Turner, C20th
Price: £110
While ‘antique’ in appearance, both in respect of the frames and the style of the paintings themselves, this set of small landscape compositions most likely date to the mid to late years of the twentieth century. As the inscriptions on the backs indicate, all five display Norfolk scenes and are attributed to the artist Charles Boyland Turner. Charles Turner seems to have painted many Norfolk landscape scenes and his pictures sometimes appear at auction. The style is always similar, traditional and with a nineteenth century ‘feel’, but Charles Turner worked in acrylic rather than oil paint, a much more modern medium, and was the author of a book on the subject, ‘Painting Miniatures in Acrylics’, published in 1990 whose cover displays an image very similar to these. Accordingly, while little is known about him, his work is relatively recent which is not to say that it is without its attraction. The five scenes depicted here are extremely pleasing. Many, but not all, of his pieces are signed but these are not, perhaps because of the size, and we have to take the labelling on trust. The close similarity with signed works, though, gives little reason to doubt the attribution.
Burmese Lacquer Three Section Betel Box, early C20th
Price: £95
This is a typical example of the so called ‘betel box’ which was a feature of so many of the homes in Burmah in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The betel nut, in fact a form of berry, comes from the Areca palm and, wrapped in betel leaves, often with added ingredients, is chewed as a stimulant, although both addictive and with potentially adverse side effects it is not necessarily conducive to good health. ‘Betel boxes’ were used to store the ingredients for making a betel ‘quid’, the leaves being stored in the lower compartment and the upper compartment filled with small tins, often made of silver in the wealthier homes, containing various other ingredients such as the betel ‘nuts’ themselves, slaked lime, anise seed and a varying range of other spices (see image 16). A guest would be offered the host’s box to sample along with tea and cheroot.
The betel box seems to be mainly confined to Burmah, now Myanmar, and was normally made using the lacquer techniques for which the country was so well known. A woven bamboo, or sometimes cane or wood, base (which can be seen here where the lacquer has flaked away : see image 12) was covered in multiple layers of lacquer paste, each allowed to dry and then polished, and finally the piece was decorated. The format here is typical : an upper section with a tray on top covered by a lid which fits on to a lower section also with a tray on the top. The trays are coloured red on the inside and black on the outside, the lid and the boxes orange on the inside. The exterior decoration of the two section body and the base of the lid employs a wide mixture of narrow bands, some indented and some raised, with a broader band of repeated stylised floral decoration at the top and another with modelled vertical line decoration below. The base is slightly flared and the lid slightly very slightly domed. The top of the lid has a densely packed design comprising temples and dancing figures and the base a design of circles and waves. As with many of these boxes great care was taken in the ornamentation and this example was, perhaps, made for one of the wealthier households.
Dating of these boxes is put in the early years of the twentieth century and they survive as a memento of a tradition which is still practised, but with less elaborate accessories, in the present day.
Modernist Silver White Anthurium Brooch, Mexico, 1970s
Price: £25
This is a very unusual brooch that has two white anthurium flowers and gilt stamens. It is marked 'Made in Mexico'.
Taxco Silver and Copper Bracelet, c1940
Price: £55
This is a striking bracelet comprising Mexican or Mayan iconographic designs in silver and copper work surrounded by crushed turquoise, lapis and other stones and with Greek Key pattern borders. It is marked 'Hecho en Mexico', '925', and with an Eagle stamp '3' and an illegible maker's mark.
Taxco Mayan Sundial earrings, c1980
Price: £25
This is a lovely and delicate pair of stud earrings that depict a Mayan sundial, They are marked Mexico 925.
Taxco bracelet with rivet details c1980
Price: £85
This is an outstanding bracelet that feature heavy stations of silver set with brass rivet decoration. It boasts a typical box clasp that is also set with this rivet detail. This motif is quite rare. It is marked TM-79 Mexico 925
Taxco Fish Brooch c1940
Price: £25
This is very delicate small silver brooch that depicts a charming and cheerful fish. It has a textured surface and the eyelashes are detailed. It is marked with a maker's monogram 'JG' or possibly 'GG' and in addition there is an "Eagle" mark '3' below the words 'Heche en Mexico', indicating a dating to the 1940s.
Taxco leaf shape brooch set with Abalone, c1950
Price: £45
This is a very lovely silver brooch that is leaf, or just possibly feather, shape, the veining set with abalone. It is has an oval mark 'RLC' surrounded by 'Taxco Mexico 925' and dates to the 1950s
Classic Taxco cuff bracelet, c1980
Price: £75
This is a striking bracelet in a typical Taxco diamond design. It is a cuff shape so brilliant for most wrists and easy to wear. It is marked Mexico TF-15 925. This mark indicates the Taxco silversmith.
Taxco silver elephant cuff bracelet c1970
Price: £85
This is an incredibly fine bracelet that features mother elephants and their babies. It is 3 dimensional with so much detail. Although it does not bear any makers mark it is most likely from the Taxco region due to the quality of the silver and the type of work. It is marked 925. There are times when due to the silver work there is no room for a makers mark so they leave it off. This seems to be the case here.
Native American Zuni silver cuff bracelet c1970
Price: £125
This is a stunning bracelet made by Zuni silversmiths in the area of New Mexico. It comprises a large mosaic of turquoise, mother of pearl and coral that is indicative of Zuni design and work. This mosaic is set into a silver halo of a flower and leaves, also a typical design. It is marked Sterling 925
Pair of Navajo Kingman turquiose earrings, signed, 1970s
Price: £65
This pair of earrings boasts 10 large cabachons of Kingman turquoise. The Kingman mine located in Arizona, is the last commercial turquoise mine in the US. It is known for its intense colour and unique matrix. These earring where produced by a Navajo silver maker. They are signed MJ which indicates the specific workshop. Marked Sterling for 925 silver.
Taxco suite of necklace and earrings, malachite and onyx stations, 1990s
Price: £250
This is a quite rare suite of necklace and earrings that come from the Taxco region of Mexico. Both comprise stations of malachite and onyx that go all the way around each piece. The stations are each individually hinged which gives these pieces a fluidity and quality that only comes from the Taxco workshops. Both have the typical box clasp and are marked 'TN-57' 'Mexico' '925'. The TN number indicates the workshop although there is no definitive list regarding the numbers attached and an exact provenance cannot be determined.
Taxco silver bangle with onyx and sodalite mosaic decoration, 1990s
Price: £75
This is a beautiful bangle comprising a very heavy and thick band of silver set with sodalite and onyx in an inlay mosaic design. It has a typical push closure and is marked 'TS-98' '925' 'Mexico'. The TS letters stand for the specific workshop in the Taxco region but here is no definitive list of the numbers attached, so an exact provenance is difficult to determine.
Zuni suite of necklace and earrings, New Mexico, 1990s
Price: £95
This is a suite of earrings and necklace by the Zuni silversmiths of New Mexico. They are known for their detailed mosaic work incorporating many different types of stone. Here we have mosaics on both the earrings and the pendant with turquoise, lapis, onyx and coral stones. There are also dangling feathers attached which is again typical of Zuni design. The chain is in a basket weave pattern and marked' 925'.
Modernist Taxco brooch 1980s
Price: £45
This is a lovely and substantial brooch that is fashioned in a stylised bow design. It could also be worn as a pendant. It is marked 'TC-132' 'Mexico' ' 925'. The TC letters stand for the specific workshop in the Taxco region but here is no definitive list of the numbers attached, so an exact provenance is difficult to determine.
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’.
A group of twenty assorted artists Stamps in H&R Johnson sample Box, C20th
Price: £75
This is a most interesting group of stamps, possibly intended for tiles, nearly all with naturalistic designs of trees or stylised floral emblems. Twelve are mounted on thick clear plastic or perspex blocks while the remainder are mounted on wood. Examples of the pressed designs can be seen in images 1 and 2 and their appeal is obvious. The stamps are contained in a wooden box with the name of the well known tile manufacturers H&R Johnson Ltd printed on the front with the words ‘ceramic glazed tiles’ below. H&R Johnson began trading in 1901 and are still producing tiles in imaginative and innovative designs today. The box was clearly for tile samples rather than stamps and was presumably adapted by the owner of these stamps to hold his small collection. Perhaps this is why the three central dividers are missing (the grooves for them can be clearly seen in image 3); their presence would not have allowed all the stamps to fit inside! This assembled collection with its impromptu container was clearly used by an enthusiastic amateur artist. Both the box and the stamps look to have been made in the 1950s or 1960s and were clearly well used. Printing block stamps can be much in demand today and there is a family firm, Stamped in Tradition, based in London and Devon who produce a truly vast selection of handmade pieces in bronze, some of which are similar in design to some of the stamps in this box (see images 9,10). The tradition truly lives on then, and this collection allows the opportunity for experimentation today in an age old craft.
Mounted aquatint engraving of a Courting Couple, signed, probably French C20th
Price: £45
The aquatint process is similar to that of engraving but it is powdered resin rather than a needle which is used to create the desired print effect and it is areas of colour which are produced here rather than an outline design. Often, though, the two techniques are combined, as in this print. Within an oval frame are depicted in pastel tones of blue, yellow and green a courting couple in eighteenth century dress. Boucher springs to mind but perhaps we are closer to Fragonard since the scene depicted is not wholly innocent. The lady’s right breast is clearly exposed and her right hand rather artfully placed. Perhaps this explains the slightly surprised expression on the young man’s face. The general style indicates much more modern work of course, perhaps to the mid C20th, but the artist, who signs his name as ‘Ceilli’, could well have been of the same nationality as his more famous predecessors. Certainly, he has produced a work of impish charm.
Egyptian table decoration depicting a Pharoah and Attendant, c1940
Price: £45
This is a Egyptian souvenir table decoration depicting aPharoah and attendant. The sun is radiating down to indicate his divine rule. It is made from bovine buffalo bone, a material commonly used for Egyptian decorative objects.
Mintons Coronation Plate, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth 1937, boxed
Price: £25
This was a rather deluxe souvenir amongst the many produced to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on May 12th 1937. It was made by the famous porcelain manufacturers Mintons, who specialised in high quality pieces, particularly dinner services. The plate shows many distinctive features of their work with fine quality enamelling and gilding (see images 5 and 4). Marked with an inscription on the reverse beneath the Mintons trademark, this plate was number ‘89’ of a limited edition of 1000. It comes complete with its original presentation box which unusually has the coat of arms of Oman (see image 10) stamped in gilt on the underside of the lid implying that it might have been a gift to the Omani royal family at the time.
Wedgwood Calendar Plate, 80th Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, 2006
Price: £10
From the 1970s to the early 2000s the Daily Mail newspaper commissioned a series of ‘Calendar Plates’ from the celebrated manufacturers Wedgwood to be offered for sale to their readers. The themes chosen were varied, but in 2006 the Queen’s Eightieth Birthday was the subject and this blue and white decorative plaque produced. The central image of the smiling Queen is surrounded by the twelve calendar months and there is a brief description on the reverse. These plates were issued in boxes coloured in the distinctive ‘Wedgwood Blue’ and this example retains its original packaging.
Queen Victoria Golden Jubilee Jug, 1887
Price: £10
1887 marked fifty years of Queen Victoria’s reign and her Golden Jubilee was commemorated by a wide variety of gift items including this jug form with transfer decoration in ‘grisaille’ colourings. The manufacturer is not known but was presumably one of the Stafforshire potteries. The form chosen, a flat circular body with a ridged face, the handle and spout with crisp modelling and a short spreading foot below, is quite unusual and does not seem to have parallels with other commemorative wares. The Queen’s head is shown in semi profile, with her titles above and an ivy wreath, symbolising everlasting life, below. On the reverse is the imperial crown.
VE Day, 50th Anniversary Commemorative Mug, 1995
Price: £10
On Tuesday 8th May 1945, the Allies of World War II accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany’s armed forces. Celebrations broke out everywhere, particularly in London where the Prime Minister Winston Churchill joined the royal family in an appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace before cheering crowds. The day was known as ‘Victory in Europe Day’ or ‘VE Day’ and has been celebrated on its anniversary in the years thereafter. Special commemorations took place 50 years later and this mug is one of the souvenirs produced at the time. Depicted are the US President Franklin D Roosevelt, who died shortly before on April 12th, Winston Churchill and General Montgomery who accepted the surrender of the Germans in 1945, all prime movers in the victory that was achieved. The form of the mug loosely recalls Georgian tankard shapes which is not inappropriate for a souvenir commemorating British endeavour.
Two Beakers : Wedding of the Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, 1981
Price: £15
The wedding of ‘Charles and Diana’ in 1981 was the occasion for a flood of commemorative items celebrating what seemed at the time to be such a happy and auspicious event. Chinacraft Ltd are retailers of decorative chinaware with shops in London, at one time occupying prestigious premises in Regent Street. These beakers were a commission by them from the pottery manufacturers Caversall China, based in Stoke on Trent. The polychrome transfer decoration has oval framed portraits of the couple on the face with floral wreaths and an inscribed scroll and a depiction of Highgrove on the reverse, the private home of Prince Charles. 5000 were produced and these are numbered ‘86’ and ‘228’. For some reason, the portraits chosen of the couple seem less than cheerful which unfortunately, if accidentally, was to be prophetic of events to follow.
Two Wood Boxes : Marriage of Charles and Diana, Birth of Prince William, late C20th
Price: £15
These two wooden round boxes, doubtless intended for trinkets, announce their purpose on the respective covers, to commemorate (i) The Marriage of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer on 29th July 1981 (ii) The Birth of Prince William on 21st June 1982. Both have the initials of the subjects inset on the covers and the first has an incised mark underneath (see image 6). If these were produced commercially, no other examples seem to exist, which just possibly suggests that they were the work of a skilled amateur or trial pieces for a range which was never produced.
Cup : Marriage and Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, 1911
Price: £10
A china cup with flaring sides and a simple loop handle, transfer decorated with portraits of King George V and Queen Mary in beaded frames with flowers, the union jack and royal standard flags, the royal coat of arms and inscribed scrolls commemorating the royal marriage in 1893 and coronation in 1911, the reverse marked ‘In Commemoration’ below the royal crown. The base has an indistinct mark which appears more clearly on other pieces and can be read as ‘England’ ‘The Paragon China’ below a crown and a cipher with interlinked letters which read ‘S C Co’ for ‘The Star China Company’, China manufacturers at the Atlas Works, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England from 1899 to 1919 who introduced the trade name ‘Paragon China’ in 1903.
Production of this piece was presumably contemporary with the coronation in 1911 and many similar pieces were made by other factories at the time, more often in a straight sided mug shape. The form here suggests that there might have been an original saucer but none seem to have survived.
Porcelain Mug : Buckingham Palace 1997
Price: £10
A bone china mug, slightly flaring at the rim and base and with a modelled loop handle, richly decorated in gilt with swags and floral wreaths, the front marked ‘Buckingham Palace’ and the reverse ‘1997’, the base with a circular floral wreath surrounding a crown and the wording ‘Buckingham Palace’ ‘1997’. This mug is one of a series produced from 1993 to 2010 for sale in the Royal Collection souvenir shops. Each year was given a different design and all were dated. The manufacturer is unkown. The design and decoration of the ‘1997’ model seems particularly pleasing.
Teapot and Cover : Golden Jubilee Queen Elizabeth II, 2002
Price: £10
A ceramic teapot and cover transfer decorated and with gilt detail, the front with a single and the reverse with a double portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, both sides inscribed ‘Golden Jubilee’ ‘1952-2002’. While crowned in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne on the death of her Father, King George VI, in 1952. 2002, therefore, marked fifty years of her reign and various souvenirs were produced in commemoration her Golden Jubilee of which this piece is one. This teapot was sold either as an individual item in a matching box or as part of a set of four items, packed in polystyrene and fitted also into a box (see image 5). In both cases the boxes were marked ‘Limited Edition Collectable’ but the numbers produced might have been rather greater than the wording implies.
Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee China Mug, 1977
Price: £10
A china mug, the white glazed concave body flaring towards the top and bottom, each edged with moulded decoration and the base of a wavy design forming eight feet, a simple loop handle to the side. The front with transfer decoration depicting the Queen in a roundel with flags and wording commemorating her Silver Jubilee in 1977, the reverse with similar decoration displaying ‘EIIR’ within an oval frame, a crown and the wording ‘1952 1977’ ‘Jubilee’, the base with a crown and a printed mark, slightly indistinct, ‘English’ ‘Bone China’. These mugs were originally sold with deep red colour fitted boxes but few of these survive. Most are marked as here but some carry a different mark ‘St George Fine Bone China Made in England’ below an image of the knight holding a sword and this may be the manufacturer here.
Cup : the Silver Wedding Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1972
Price: £25
A bone china loving cup with two silver decorated lion handles made by the Paragon China works to commemorate the Silver Wedding (1947–1972) of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1972. The front has the royal coat of arms between a lion and a unicorn and the reverse a cipher, intertwined ‘E’ ‘P’, within a wreath below a crown and sceptres, the blue scroll work reading ‘Love and Unanimity in Married Life’. Lettering in puce at the top and sides celebrates the Royal Wedding in Westminster Abbey in 1947.
The Paragon China Company, formerly the Star China Company (see Lot XX), produced high quality gift items from 1920 to 1971, at first independently and then in alliance with other companies, finally being absorbed by Royal Doulton in 1972 who kept the ‘Paragon’ name until 1991. Commemorative wares were a speciality and this cup is a fine and typical example.
Mug Commemorating the Coronation of Edward VIII in 1937
Price: £25
This bone china mug, with straight flaring sides and a moulded handle, was made to commemorate an event which never took place. Due to be crowned on the 12 May 1937, Edward, the eldest son of King George V, who died in January 1936, abdicated in December of the same year in order to pursue his plan to marry the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson, and was succeeded by his brother, known as ‘Bertie’, who became King George VI. Plans for the coronation were well advanced and the same date was kept. But the makers of commemorative wares had already started production and accordingly ‘coronation’ souvenirs for the never to be crowned King Edward are found today. This piece was made by the firm Roslyn China whose mark appears underneath and was decorated in typical style with transfers depicting the King and the Union Jack on the front and a lion beneath the royal crown on the reverse. The wording ‘Long Live our King’ seems poignant now although Edward did outlive his brother, dying twenty years after him in May 1972.
Cup Commemorating the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary in 1935
Price: £55
A bone china loving cup with two handles decorated with modelled roses and thistles made by the Paragon China works to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary in 1935. George V acceded to the throne in 1910 and was crowned the following year. He was to see the Silver Jubilee of his reign but died early the following year. The twenty five years of his reign were commemorated in various ways and this cup is an example. Portraits of the King and Queen are on the front and the royal coat of arms on the reverse. Above are the words ‘To Commemorate The Silver Jubilee Of Their Reign’. As the celebrations continued during that year, few could have anticipated the turbulent events that were to follow, leading to the start of the second world war four years later.
The Paragon China Company, formerly the Star China Company (see Lot XX), produced high quality gift items from 1920 to 1971, at first independently and then in alliance with other companies, finally being absorbed by Royal Doulton in 1972 who kept the ‘Paragon’ name until 1991. Commemorative wares were a speciality and this cup is a fine example.
Ceramic Tankard celebrating the Marriage of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986
Price: £10
A ceramic tankard of bell form and with a shaped loop handle glazed in blue inside and out, the front with titled silhouette portraits of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson between the royal coat of arms and the reverse with an image of Westminster Abbey and wording marking the event of their marriage in 1986. The base has the mark for Prinknash Pottery in gold. The Prinknash Abbey Pottery was started in 1942 by the Benedictine monks there when they found a seam of clay during some building work. Situated in the abbey at Granham in Gloucestershire their pottery continued production until 1997 when it was sold to the Welsh Porcelain Co. Their blue glaze commemorative wares stand apart somewhat with something of a ‘regal’ feel.
Pair of Ceramic Goblets : the Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981
Price: £20
A pair of ceramic goblets blue glazed with a bulbous body above a spreading foot, the front with silhouette portraits of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer within a circle of wording commemorating their marriage below the Prince of Wales feathers, the reverse plain and the interior gilt. Inside the foot is the mark for Prinknash Pottery in gold. The Prinknash Abbey Pottery was started in 1942 by the Benedictine monks there when they found a seam of clay during some building work. Situated in the abbey Granham in Gloucestershire their pottery continued production until 1997 when it was sold to the Welsh Porcelain Co. Their blue glaze commemorative wares stand apart somewhat with something of a ‘regal’ feel.
Pair of African Wood Figures of a Man and a Woman, probably mid C20th
Price: £25
A pair of wood figures of a man and a woman carved in an abstract style with slender proportions, the man holding a long staff and the woman balancing a vessel (presumably for water or wine) on her head, the clothing of both with etched patterned decoration and their complementary bases with contrasting geometric designs. The patina and colour of the wood suggests ebony and the style is African. As with the previous lot there is a label indicating manufacture in Nigeria and Kaduna is the capital city of Kaduna State, and the former political capital of Northern Nigeria. It was a trade centre and a likely source of artefacts made for tourists of which these are most likely an example. Dating is probably as the label indicates and many other similar pieces were produced at that time.
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.
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.
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.
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! :)
Czech glass faux turquoise brooch c1930
Price: £65
This is a very rare brooch comprising a central faux turquoise glass stone surrounded by smaller beadwork set into white metal. This is a typical Czech glass design for makers such as the Neiger Brothers.
Czech glass faux turquoise brooch c1930
Price: £65
This is a very rare brooch comprising a central faux turquoise glass stone surrounded by smaller beadwork set into white metal. This is a typical Czech glass design for makers such as the Neiger Brothers.
Bead necklace with jade carnelian and silver beads c1990
Price: £75
This is a very beautiful necklace comprising graduating beads that are yellow jade, bi colour jade and carnelian. There is a long drop comprising four strands with beads suspended on it to give it a many layered effect. The origin of this necklace is uncertain. it is super quality and is most certainly made by a jewellery designer. Marked 925.
Egyptian Nefertiti and Talisman necklace on long chain c1970
Price: £95
This is a group of two large Egyptian pendants on a long box chain. The pendants are a plaque or talisman that has Hieroglyphs the other is the head of Nefertiti. These go perfectly together and look great on the long chain. Both pendants have Egyptian silver hallmarks.
Two watch fobs 1912 and 1923
Price: £35
This is a group of two gentleman's watch fobs. One says "Senior Rounder 1912" and the other "WLOC 1923". These would have been very meaningful to the person who had it on their watch chain. Unfortunately these details have been lost over time. Rounder was a game that resembled baseball so persumably that person played Rounder. These are very fine silver and are a piec ef ephemera that can be worn as a pendant.
Gentlemans waistcoat pin set with four watch fobs 1930s
Price: £150
This is a bespoke waiscoat pin with four hanging watch fobs. The owner was someone called R.S. Hollands as they all bear this name. They all have dates 1927, 1936 x 2 and 1934. There are different places on them and two have the designation of "Senior Rounder" and S.C.A.B.A. One also has the name Boosey and Co a company that manufactued brass instruments. Rounders is a game much like baseball. Mr Hollands definetly wanted to show these off. :) Thie is a piece of history that can be worn as a brooch, what could be better for a vintage collector?
Very fine Moroccan engraved silver bracelet c1930
Price: £95
This a silver bracelet comprising very finely engraved stations that are connected as links. These have been set with silver gilt camels and elephants together wilh Arabic letters. It has the usual barrel type clasp that is very secure. There are illegible hallmarks.
Deaking & Francis silver bangle, Birmingham 1955
Price: £125
This is a stunning wide bangle bracelet by well known silversmiths Deaking & Francis. It is very finely engraved with typica leave and scrollwork. It is hinged and has a safety chain. It is marked for Birmingham 1955 and it also says WAX FILLED. This is to indicate that the piece is not solid and is weighted with wax.
Art Deco Catalin Bakelite necklace, American c1930
Price: £125
This is a fabulous necklace comprising very large mustard coloured catalin beads in tubular, ovoid and globular shapes. Catalin is a form of plastic that is comtemporary with Bakelite. They are very similar as they are both composed of phenol and formeldehyde. The main difference is that Catalin was poured a poured liquid and Bakelite was moulded from a granular powder. Catalin is a brand name developed and trademarked in 1927 by the American Catalin Corporation of New York City, when the patent on Bakelite expired that year. It was used in a variety of applications, including costume jewellery, until the end of the second world war when it became too expensive, as every piece had to be individually cast and polished. Catalin jewellery is often incorrectly referred to as bakelite but has a distinction all of its own and this necklace is prime example of the fashion designs produced in the 1930s.