1960s modernist style brooch
Price: £15
This is a lovely brooch with a modern floral design, with faux pearls and paste stones in gold tone metal
Taxco torque statement necklace and bracelet, Daniela, 1980s
Price: £250
This is a fabulous set of necklace and cuff bracelet comprising two pieces of silver formed in a wave shape. One side is polished silver and the other side is oxidized silver. It is then set with a polished silver sphere that adds to the modern space age design. It is signed "Taxco Daniela 950" and "TD-09 Mexico 950". Daniela is the designer and TD-09 would be the Taxco registration.
Trinket box in the shape of a bound Book, onyx and brass, Austria, first half C20th
Price: £110
This is an unusual trinket box comprising two heavy onyx slabs, fitted with brass which has been cast in the form of a book's spine, pages and clasps. The brass has been patinated to give a more 'olde world' look. There are four small ball form feet to the base and a stamped mark 'AUSTRIA' to one of the sides. Other similar examples are known and many are marked with the country of origin. Great skill was needed to combine bronze fitments which required the drilling fixing holes with the potentially fragile onyx slabs and these boxes must have been luxury items in their day. The style has a hint of ‘Arts and Crafts’ on the one hand and ‘Art Deco’ on the other suggesting a dating to the 1920s when Vienna itself was in the grip of the ‘secessionist’ movement.
1950s brooch sun design
Price: £10
This is a lovely brooch set with gold and clear stones in sun design
1950s aurora borealis brooch
Price: £15
This is a lovely brooch set with aurora borealis and faux opal glass stones
2 figural brooches
Price: £10
This is a lot of 2 brooches that have figural motifs - one is a putti and the other is a warrior. The warrior is marked A Miracle Creation which is a Scottish company that made costume jewellery.
Japanese tooled and painted Leather Clutch Bag, 1930s
Price: £85
This is another clutch bag with an Japanese twist. The form is again typical, a rectangular wallet with a flap cover and two interior compartments between a zipped central bag, the rear compartment with a fabric pocket, all finished in beige silk with leather concertina sides. The body of the bag is in mustard leather with elaborate tooled and coloured designs, the front flap with two panels, one square and one rectangular, the first with buildings by a lake and the second with figures in a rice field with Mount Fuji in the background, the surface underneath with a bridge over a river with mountains and a pagoda in the distance, the back, which also has a diagonal holding strap, with a riverside scene, trees on both the banks and three figures making their way along an adjoing path. The flap is secured by a large popper with a celluloid elephant at the bottom edge. The workmanship here is obvious and the bag, which probably dates, like others similar, to the 1930s has survived in good condition, to be enjoyed and perhaps used today like its counterpart.
Burgundy Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £95
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in red burgundy leather. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid bevelled at the front and back and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ with the original key and the lid an inset brass handle, the surface of which would have been suitable for the engraving of the owner’s initials. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery and a circular holder for a watch. The linings of the box and trays are in burgundy leather and velvet. There are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. The box most likely dates to the early 1900s and would clearly have been sold by a purveyor of ‘luxury’ items for a wealthy clientele. It retains, of course, its functionality today.
2 Sarah Coventry Brooches
Price: £30
This is a lot 2 brooches by jewellery designer Sarah Coventry, both signed
Art Deco style Antelope brooch 1940s
Price: £20
This a lovely brooch showing an Art Deco style stag set with diamantes, gold tone
Stunning patent crocodile bag, Germany 1960s
Price: £100
This is a very beautiful bag that is made from very fine crocodile, lined in smooth leather, Marked as 'authentic croc', Made in Germany
Red ponyskin bag with ostrich accent by Viveda London, 2009
Price: £250
This is a beautiful bag in a bright red colour with black ostrich skin trim, lined in fabric. Viveda was a handbag designer that made a small run of these bags in this unique shape. This designer does not seem to have continued although these bags are gorgeous. There are two tabs that are magnetic closures.
Red Crocodile Bag with Tassel Detail, 1930s
Price: £75
This is a wonderful bag made of red crocodile in a barrel shape with two main compartments and tassels on each side. Lined in suede.
Black Crocodile Handbag in Oval Shape, 1940s
Price: £150
This is a very unusual large bag made from black crocodile in an oval shape, with an original handle that has been restored. Lined in leather. Most likely made in France although it is unmarked. The handle has been restored to it's original beauty and is ready for daily use. This bag will turn heads, especially among vintage aficionados. This one is rare!
Japanese tooled and painted leather Clutch Bag, 1930s
Price: £45
This is a clutch bag with a Japanese twist. The form is typical, a rectangular wallet with a flap cover and two interior compartments between a zipped central bag, the rear compartment with a fabric pocket containing a slim coin case and the inside of the lid with a mirror, all finished in beige fabric with leather concertina sides. The body of the bag is in ivory leather with elaborate tooled and coloured designs, the front with a town scene including pagoda like buildings, trees by a river bank and a group of townsfolk passing through a traditional arched gate, the back with a country scene including a sampan on a river, over which spans a bridge with fields and trees on the river bans. In both scenes, Mount Fuji can be seen in the background. The flap is secured by a large popper with a celluloid elephant at the bottom edge. The workmanship here is obvious and the bag, which probably dates, like others similar, to the 1930s has survived in fair condition, to be enjoyed and perhaps used today.
Unique Butler & Wilson Neoclassical Tiara 1980s
Price: £195
This is a very unusual piece of vintage Butler & Wilson from the 1980s. It is at the very least quite unique and it is possibly bespoke. It it extremely ornate and beautifully made with mounted festoons, putti and swans. It is finished with a large crown which is quintessential B & W. It is set with faux pearls. There are faux pearls that encircle the swans necks and hanging faux teardrop pearls along the edge. All this is built on a stiff mesh frame. It bears the Butler & Wilson mark.
As most people who love costume jewellery know, Butler & Wilson have been and are a powerhouse British brand that have been designing costume jewellery since the 1970s. Pieces like this one are quite collectable due to their age and design. There are many collectors around the world that collect both vintage and new pieces. This one is for you!
Mexican silver floral brooch 1930s
Price: £40
This is a very large floral spray brooch in silver with a slightly abstract modernist design, marked Sterling. Hammering of silver sheets like this was a popular technique in Mexican silver and this is an excellent example.
Mexican silver floral brooch 1930s
Price: £35
This is a very large floral spray brooch in silver with a slightly abstract modernist design, marked Sterling. Hammering of silver sheets like this was a popular technique in Mexican silver and this is an excellent example.
Outstanding Pair of Georgian silver and paste buckles
Price: £85
This is a wonderful pair of matched silver buckles set with beautiful paste stones in perfect condition
2 pairs of antique kidskin gloves, opera and every day
Price: £25
This is a lot of two pairs of antique gloves, one is a long opera length pair with mother of pearl buttons and the second is an every day pair
Pair of antique kidskin driving gloves
Price: £25
This is a wonderful pair of kidskin driving gloves
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.
Taxco rose station necklace c1940
Price: £150
This is a beautiful necklace comprising stations of very finely modelled roses alternating with bar links that encircle the whole necklace and are joined with a hook clasp. It is marked 'B-27' (for the maker) and ' 925' and dates to the mid twentieth century.
Art Deco Blue Handbag, 1930s
Price: £65
This is a gorgeous bag made from a combination of smooth leather and suede in a fan shape. Lined in taffeta with leather compartment.
Art Deco silver travel minaudiere purse with photo portraits 1920s
Price: £125
This is a beautiful small engraved minaudiere purse with portraits and space for makeup etc. The pictures inside give a glimpse into the owners travels as they are of two young women posing on the deck of a ship. The case is very finely engraved silver with scrolls and foliage and there is a monogram of GMC. Marked Sterling which indicates it is most likely American. The button closure on the side is either a cabochon sapphire or a paste facsimile.
Egyptian Revival filigree cuff bracelet 1930s
Price: £95
This is a very unusual statement bracelet comprising alternating filigree stations. The round stations have a central incised portrait of Nefertiti and the ingot shape stations have the typical papyrus design. The bracelet has Egyptian hallmarks indicating a dating to the 1930s.
Opera length mille fiore station necklace and earrings c1950 and later
Price: £45
This is a striking and very long necklace comprising stations of mille fiore glass beads and red and black glass beads with paste stones in between. It is very elegant and detailed. It is meant to wrap around the neck and then hang down to the waist although it could be also wrapped around the neck a few times. It is paired with complementary earrings that have black glass and paste stones. The necklace is not silver and most likely would have had gilding in its time. The earrings still have a gold tone. The necklace dates to the 1950s and the earrings are later, most likely 1970s.
Set of 6 Peking glass shirt studs in fitted box
Price: £45
This is an unusual set of studs comprising Peking glass with brass fittings in fitted box.
Victorian decorated papier mache glove box with pair of kidskin gloves
Price: £65
This is a stunning Victorian papier mache glove box with very fine painted decoration depicting an Austrian landscape and flowers, the interior finished in red. It is offered with wonderful pair of kidskin gloves, perhaps contemporary. These are a good size suitable to fit a small hand, size 4 or 5. Truly a collector's item for the fashion conscious!
Edwardian belt buckle encrusted with marcasite stones
Price: £50
This is a beautiful and unusual belt buckle that features a grapes and grapevines motif
Mottled blue Bakelite buckle in the shape of an airplane, American 1930s
Price: £45
Another incredible buckle in mottled blue Bakelite in the shape of an airplane that spreads open at the wings, with impressed carved circle decoration on the wings and tail and metal fitments to the reverse for securing the belt and fastening the buckle. The airplane is one of the classic decorative objects of the Art Deco period, featuring prominently both in the round, often as a desk ornament, and in graphic design. But buckles in the form are unusual and we are fortunate to be able to include two examples in this auction!
Large floral ivory white Bakelite buckle, British 1930s
Price: £65
This is a very large buckle in ivory white bakelite carved with leaves and flower heads set in an openwork ‘bow tie’ frame, the reverse with metal fitments for securing the belt and fastening the buckle. The naturalistic decoration here is something of a contrast with many of the Art Deco buckles produced although floral design brooches from the period are quite commonly found and there is enough abstraction in the design here to make this piece clearly representative of the period.
Rare large ruby red Bakelite buckle, American 1930s
Price: £75
This is a very unusual and large buckle made from ruby red Bakelite, shaped in a semi abstract form with a large rectangular central plaque between two similar smaller plaques each with a stylised openwork foliate device at the ends, the plaques with deeply cut wavy line designs, the reverse plain with metal bar attachment fittings and a curved edge clasp all attached with screws. There are no real parallels for this piece which almost seems like a reinterpretation of ancient Chinese lacquer wares but the angular and abstract design is very much from the Art Deco era.
Striking Bakelite buckle in the shape of an airplane, American 1930s
Price: £45
This is an incredible buckle in ivory white Bakelite in the shape of an airplane that spreads open at the wings, with impressed carved circle decoration on the wings and tail and metal fitments to the reverse for securing the belt and fastening the buckle. The airplane is one of the classic decorative objects of the Art Deco period, featuring prominently both in the round, often as a desk ornament, and in graphic design. But buckles in the form are unusual and we are fortunate to be able to include two examples in this auction!
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.
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.
Outstanding strand of Chinese coral beads
Price: £150
This is an amazing necklace comprising large carved Art Deco coral beads strung with more modern 20th century round beads and fitted with a Chinese silver clasp. The large beads are carved with typical Chinese symbols and decoration. These beads are natural coral and there are blemishes that indicate this, the variations only adding to their unique beauty.
Large Art Deco green Bakelite Buckle with a label for Harlem Adler, American 1930s
Price: £35
This is an unusual and rare buckle in olive green swirl and marble effect bakelite. The design is a classic Art Deco shape its angular form and typical carved geometric lines. The closure does not depend upon metal fitments which is uncommon and pleasing. The buckle is a very large size and comes with its original sample store tag from Harlem-Adler & Co. in New York, who were known principally as manufactures of buttons from the 1930s to 1950s but carried lines in other fashion accessories as well. A classic of its time, then, complete with a bit of history and true collector’s item!
Art Nouveau comb with coral fish and pearls
Price: £45
This is a beautiful piece of Art Nouveau, a celluloid hair comb with an inset carving of a koi fish in coral and seed pearls. It is carved with swirls and incised with very fine designs.
Charming Novelty handbag, Thailand 1950s
Price: £45
This is a very unusual and large bag constructed in the shape of a house with a central courtyard or balcony and windows which actually open. It is made of raffia and is embroidered with floral motifs. This would most likely have been a souvenir made for tourists. It has a double closure and appears to have been hardly used with a handle that seems sturdy.
Charming Novelty handbag, Thailand 1950s
Price: £45
This is a very unusual and large bag constructed in the shape of a house with a central courtyard or balcony and windows which actually open. It is made of raffia and is embroidered with floral motifs. This would most likely have been a souvenir made for tourists. It has a double closure and appears to have been hardly used with a handle that seems sturdy.
Patent Crocodile Handbag, Italian 1970s
Price: £75
This is a truly elegant handbag made from deep brown burgundy crocodile skin, the slim rectangular body with a fold over flap secured by a gilt metal clasp, the reverse with an open pouch pocket, the interior lined with a zip pocket and a stamped mark 'Made in Italy', and the loop handle suspended from gilt metal rings of geometric design, all finished with delicate hand stitching.
Please note that the original double strap handle has been recently remodelled to a simple loop as being more practical and consistent with the overall design of the piece.
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?
Carved celadon jade pendant Necklace c1920
Price: £95
This is a beautiful and long necklace that features a large carved Buddha pendant figure in celadon jade. It is strung on the original silk cord that also has bead stations.
(Please note that although this is jade, we are not specialists in this field and cannot be sure whether or not the jade has been treated in some way.)
Victorian small note pad for chatelaine
Price: £45
This is a charming small note pad that would have hung from a ladies chatelaine or a ladies "tool belt" so to speak. It is silver plated with the original paper pages with actual notes on them which is fun. There is also the original mechanical pencil. There is a spring hinge so the notepad opens automatically. The silver plate has a repousse design of angels or putti very typical during this time.
1950s Regency style needlepoint kit bag
Price: £75
This is a lovely needlepoint bag with a floral motif on a cream coloured ground. It has gold hardware in the Regency style and a chain handle. It is lined with taffeta and is in immaculate condition. These bags were quite popular in the 1950s as they were a kit. The purchaser would do the embroidery work at home and then send it off to the manufacturer and they would make the bag. These bags are now becoming quite difficult to find and this is an excellent example of the type.
Striking 1950s applique summer handbag
Price: £65
This bag is made for spring and summer! It is a large bucket style bag trimmed in faux leather. The body of the bag is a sort of faux hessian finish. It is appliques on the front with a butterfly design in rhinestones, crystals and ribbon work. It is lined in Naugahyde and has a wooden base.
Victorian Silver Buckle set with Paste Stones, German circa 1900
Price: £85
This is a striking silver buckle of rectangular form with two bands of brilliant paste stones surrounding four stylised flower head paste stone clusters, the reverse plain and marked 900 which implies manufacture in Germany where the standard for silver was a minimum of 800 parts to 1000 with 900 parts to 1000 as one of the alternatives (as opposed to the more usually found 925). There is in addition a double mark with a star and a wheel which may well be the maker's mark, but this is hard to identify.
The sparkling stones and high quality mounting (there is a considerable weight of silver in this piece) would have made this buckle a notable addition to the Victorian ladies' wardrobe and it could equally well catch the eye today.
Vintage Petit Point Tapestry Bag, Austria, 1920s
Price: £55
This is a fine example of the minutely stitched embroidered bags made in Austria during the 1950s. Of sack form, the black ground tapestry canvas is decorated on each side with a profusion of multicoloured flowers including peony and lotus worked in the ‘petit point’ style with tiny stitching within a gold rococo border, the sides and base decorated in the same style. The top and snap clasp are in gilt metal and suspended from a gilt metal chain. The inside is finished in cream coloured silk with two green stitching bordered pockets and a label which reads ‘MADE IN AUSTRIA’. The maker is anonymous but their work rivals that of the well known firm ‘Jolles Original’, founded in Vienna in 1923, whose creations won a Grand Prix award in the 1958 World Exhibition held in Belgium and were sold by premier American Department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue making this bag a desirable addition to a collection of embroidered bags or vintage bags in general.
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.
Catalin bead necklace with amulet c1950
Price: £55
This is a very unusual necklace comprising large dual-coloured grey beads. These are Catalin which is an early plastic. The beads have been Simichrome tested and are not Bakelite.
The beads are strung onto silk cord and end with a silvered metal amulet. This is most likely Turkish in origin.
Vintage Cobalt Blue Glass Perfume Bottle and Stopper, 1930s
Price: £25
A blue glass small bottle and stopper in deep cobalt blue of squared and rounded pyramid form with a stepped concave neck. The shape suggests a perfume bottle and similar examples do exist including one with a gilt Chloé mark which would mean a post 1952 date of manufacture. The technique here, though, resembles the ‘pressed glass’ pieces made in England during the 1930s, for example by the firm Davidson, suggesting a more likely dating to that period. The slightly Art Deco feel to the form fits in with this. While it has slight damage, it is, of course, more unusual to find this shape with its original stopper.
Jean Paul Gaultier Mini Fragrance Set, Le Duo Miniatures Saint Valentin 1990s
Price: £45
In 1993 the famous French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier launched his range of perfumes and, like the previous lot, this box contains small sample bottles from his range. There are two miniature atomiser bottles, one for a lady, modelled in his typical bust form, and one for a gentleman in a more masculine container. These are flanked by two playing cards with a standing red heart in the centre, aptly justifying the title of the product printed on the lid ‘Le Duo Miniatures Saint Valentin’. This is a gentler example of Gaultier’s style and combines light humour with his typical elegance.
Collection Parfums Lalique miniature set in display box 1990s
Price: £55
This is a set of miniature perfume bottles by Lalique complete in its original clear plastic case with the thin plastic display sleeve. Each bottle is 4.5ml and the scents included, some of which have been partially used, are Nilang (1995), Lalique (1992), Le Baiser (1999), Lalique Homme (1997) and Claire (1996). The forms of the bottles are a modest recollection of Lalique design making this an evocative souvenir of a famous tradition.
French Art Deco Clutch bag with faux jade insert
Price: £65
This is a very elegant small bag that features a faux jade moulded glass plaque surrounded by Art Deco motif paste stones. It comprises very soft kid suede and is lined in taffeta with the typical inside purse. The taffeta on this bag is quite degraded as can happen. This is not noticeable on the exterior so this bag is very usable. It has two chain handles.
Outstanding Suede Lanvin Clutch in original box 1950s
Price: £250
This is a stunning large clutch bag comprising brown kid suede with kid skin edging. it is a basic envelope design with no closure and one interior zip compartment. It is constructed to fold over securely to fit under the arm. A feature of this bag is the Art Nouveau enamel decoration on the front of the bag. The bag is lined in fabric that has a monogram logo. It is worth noting that Lanvin did not manufacture their handbags in the 1950s but rather designed them and outsourced the manufacture as most couture houses did during that time. This bag comes in its original box with the plastic dust jacket intact as well. The labelling 'Made in British Colony Hong Kong' was used principally in the 1950s/1960s which matches the dating here, although some clothing manufacturers continued to employ it into the 1980s. Complete, then, with its original packaging, this is a timeless and elegant bag that is worthy of Audrey Hepburn!
Glossy brown crocodile handbag 1960s
Price: £65
This is a stunning hard side bag that is covered in brown patent croc. It is lined with suede. It is most likely made in England although it is unmarked. The handle has been restored to it's original beauty and is ready for daily use.
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! :)
Burgundy Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £95
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in red burgundy leather. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid bevelled at the front and back and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ with the original key and the lid an inset brass handle, the surface of which would have been suitable for the engraving of the owner’s initials. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery and a circular holder for a watch. The linings of the box and trays are in burgundy leather and velvet. There are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. The box most likely dates to the early 1900s and would clearly have been sold by a purveyor of ‘luxury’ items for a wealthy clientele. It retains, of course, its functionality today.
An Unusual Pair of Bradawl Form Sewing Tools, probably Persian C20th
Price: £45
The indented twisting to the ‘blades’ of these pieces suggests a device for making a hole, similar to a gimlet used in woodworking. The size and delicacy of these pieces, though, suggests use with a less robust material, perhaps leather. The handles are elaborately decorated with a raised gilt metal design of bamboo with a bird on a silver metal ground with ‘punched’ decoration reminiscent of Chinese Tang Silver work. An Eastern origin is clear but it is hard to determine the exact provenance. China seems less likely but there are similarities here to Japanese, Indian and Persian work, the latter perhaps being the most likely. Probably early to mid C20th and quite possibly part of a set of sewing tools, so perhaps something for collectors in this field.
Small Art Deco wrist bag with Bakelite closure, French 1920s
Price: £35
This is a lovely small bag that is made from taffeta in the form of a gathered sack with a strap handle. The interesting feature is the large carved Bakelite closure in black and white. It is lined in a woollen fabric as the original lining, traces of which remain, has been removed as it must have degraded. Although quite small for today's requirements still quite usable and definitely a collectible piece!
Vintage Woven Straw and Raffia Beach Bag, 1950s
Price: £65
This is a roomy beach bag made from woven straw with a bold floral design to the front in raffia work using soft vintage colours in pinks, yellows, blues and light apricot with green foliage. Semi circular in shape it has a double zip with the tags marked ‘Rex’ and a simple loop handle. The edges are bound in fabric and the base protected by a sheet of clear plastic with eight metal stud feet. The interior is fabric lined with a design of repeating rose blooms on a black dot ground and there is a large pocket. A summery design from the 1950s which could find its place on a picnic today!
Victorian enamel buckle c1900
Price: £40
This is a lovely example of these buckles in a scrollwork design with bright enameling in turquoise and pinks. It is brass.
Classic black crocodile handbag 1940s
Price: £75
This is a very classic style bag in a square shape typical of the period. It is lined with black leather and is in excellent condition. The handle has been restored to it's original beauty and is ready for daily use. All you need are some white gloves and you are ready for anything!
Dark chestnut crocodile handbag 1940s
Price: £75
Here we have a soft crocodile handbag with soft leather lining. It has brass fittings and is in excellent condition. The handle has been restored to it's original beauty and is ready for daily use. This bag is not marked but is almost definitely made in England. It is a great size that is large enough for the essentials.
Two Avon Perfume Bottles, Lady and a Girl, 1970s
Price: £20
These are two from the series of perfume bottles in the form of ladies or young girls issued by Avon in the 1970s. The first represents a figure in 1920s dress and is sometimes found with a label (missing here) which reads ‘Roaring Twenties’ followed by the name of a perfume. The second is a country girl complete with its label which reads ‘Avon’ ‘Nearness’ but the same model is found with other labels, indicating that both these containers were used for more than one brand of perfume. These bottles were an amusing marketing ploy which doubtless contributed to many successful sales.
Stunning Art Deco silver brooch with paste stones c1930
Price: £250
This is a very rare Art Deco brooch that is a real piece from the era. It is long and sleek with stylised flowers. It is set with beautiful quality paste stones and the center stone is a garnet cabachon. It is fully marked with a continental mark and is probably French or Belgian.
Moroccan tooled leather bag c1960
Price: £65
This is a wonderful tooled leather bag that has Morrocan designs all over. It has outer pockets on both sides with a large inner compartment. It is lined in leather and has two grab handles.
English silk handbag with embroidered Chinoiserie design c1950
Price: £95
This is a beautiful bag comprising a silk body that has an unusual embroidered design that depicts a Chinese lady in a field of floral designs. It is fitted with a gold tone frame and has a label 'Made In England' 'LKW', a manufacturer known for producing affordable and attractive evening wear handbags.
Victorian filigree style handbag c1900
Price: £25
This is a completely original handbag with a white metal frame and taffeta body. The design is very typical Victorian with filigree and scroll work on the frame. It is lined in llight grey taffeta.
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’.
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.
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.
Art Deco convertible brooch dress clips c1930
Price: £95
This is a wonderful example of these types of brooches. It is silver and is set with very high quality marchasit stones. It is marked silver on both the piece and the clips.
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.
Vintage black crocodile Handbag, Italian, 1980s
Price: £150
While lacking the branding of some of its contemporaries, notably those produced by Gucci, this elegant handbag is certainly a match for them in quality. Made from fine crocodile skin, soft with detailed patterning and carefully stitched (see image 3) it is of the traditional ‘bellows’ form with three interior compartments, one of them zip fastened (see image 7), and a strap handle. The fastenings of the handle and the flap buckle are in gilt metal of geometric almost art deco like designs and the interior is lined in leather.The work is Italian craftsmanship at its best and dating is probably to the 1980s after which these unbranded bags were no longer produced. An elegant accessory in its time, it would be an elegant accessory now.
Large amber cabochon cuff Bracelet, c1970
Price: £95
This is a lovely cuff bracelet with a delicate floral design. The star of the show is the large Baltic amber cabachon; it is extremely good quality as indicated by its inner glow. Marked '925', this elegant piece is most likely from Denmark or one of the Baltic states.
1001 Arabian Nights Brooch c1930
Price: £20
This is a fun brooch that depicts a rather evil looking sorcerer. He has glass eyes and there is a large glass stone in his turban. The brooch is made from brass and would have had colourful enamel painting in its time. It also appears that originally there might have been drops from the ears.
Reproduction Limoges Porcelain Box with Scent Bottles, Modern
Price: £25
Presenting itself as production of the celebrated ceramics factories in Limoges, France, this elaborately decorated porcelain box containing four glass scent bottles is, in fact, a contemporary reproduction and most likely made in China. While it looks hand painted, close examination shows the microdots of laser printing (see image 7) a technique commonly used by the Chinese now to create high quality looking but machine made ceramic items. The mark, employing a single ‘L’ in a style sometimes found beginning the word ‘Limoges’ inscribed on genuine pieces, is found nowhere else on true Limoges items and seems to have been a flight of fancy on the manufacturer’s behalf. But this particular box certainly looks the part and could perhaps find its place as a purely decorative item for the dressing table!
Perfume Bottle and Stopper, Island Studio, Guernsey, late C20th
Price: £30
A perfume bottle and stopper, the globular almost spherical body with short collar fitted with a rounded stopper, the glass blown with purple and white flecking effects merging into a swirling design at the top which continues to the stopper. Similar pieces can be found with the label 'Island Glass, Guernsey', and one of these also has the moulded mark on the bottom which appears here and may represent trees and waves. Island Glass was a glass studio based in Guernsey which seems to have had a very short existence in the late C20th. It is believed that one of the employees there was Chris Dodds who was later to set up his own studio in Selkirk, Scotland. Little is known of this firm but they were clearly capable of making pieces of high quality and appeal.
Green Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £55
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in green leather with a graining effect. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ (lacking its original key) and the lid a leather strap handle with fine stitching. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery, and the bottom of the box is divided into two compartments. The linings of the box and trays are in green leather and velvet with moiré silk to the inside of the lid. As with the previous lot, there are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. This box perhaps dates to a little later than the previous one, more to the 1930s but is no less of a ‘luxury’ item which equally well retains its functionality today.
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.
Pink pressed glass dressing table set, Libochoviche, Czech, 1950s
Price: £35
A five piece dressing table or trinket set made from press moulded pink glass and comprising a tray, a pair of candlesticks, a covered pot and a ring stand, all elaborately modelled with repeating ball borders. The designs for this set can be found in a pattern book for the Libochovice glassworks in Czecholslovakia which apparently dates to some time before 1958. The tray is pattern number 3020 and the other pieces have numbers between 3021 and 3024, there being two numbers for the covered pot which was made in different sizes. The Libochoviche factory was founded in 1912 by H. Feigl and J. Moráve and after an initial period of producing mainly utilitarian pieces turned to the creation of innovative decorative items, mostly in pressed glass for which it had perfected the techniques and in combination with professional artists of the day, maintaining a highly popular output of designs until its closure in 2006. In 1945 it became part of the Sklo Union cooperative along with other manufactures of pressed glass such as Rosice and Hermanova Hut whose work can be seen elsewhere on this site.
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.
Cosmetic Box with Japonaiserie Decoration, Boch Freres, early C20th
Price: £45
A ceramic box and cover, the base of inverted hemisphere form, the angular cover gently sloping towards the columnar knob finial, the black glaze ground with gilt bands and the lid with a stylised Japanese landscape design showing a snow capped Mount Fuji with trees and a pavilion and surrounded by two floral sprays of lotus and chrysanthemum, the base with a stamped circular mark for ‘Boch Freres’, script (? pattern) marks and impressed numbers ‘1251’.
The firm Boch Freres Keramis was founded by Eugene and Victor Boch and their brother-in-law, Jean Baptiste Nothomb, in 1841 and was located in La Louviere in eastern Belgium. In 1906 Charles Catteau joined the company as artistic director and was responsible for a new and wide ranging series of designs, some under the influence of Japonisme, transitioning the company from producing utilitarian objects to highly decorative ceramics. His work can clearly be seen here in a piece which appears to be quite unusual. Both the form and the decoration reflect early twentieth century fashion in the clean lines and the images inspired by Japan. There is a hint of the aesthetic movement here producing an object of great attraction and interest.
Cosmetic Box with Japonaiserie Decoration, Boch Freres, early C20th
Price: £45
A ceramic box and cover, the base of inverted hemisphere form, the angular cover gently sloping towards the columnar knob finial, the black glaze ground with gilt bands and the lid with a stylised Japanese landscape design showing a snow capped Mount Fuji with trees and a pavilion and surrounded by two floral sprays of lotus and chrysanthemum, the base with a stamped circular mark for ‘Boch Freres’, script (? pattern) marks and impressed numbers ‘1251’.
The firm Boch Freres Keramis was founded by Eugene and Victor Boch and their brother-in-law, Jean Baptiste Nothomb, in 1841 and was located in La Louviere in eastern Belgium. In 1906 Charles Catteau joined the company as artistic director and was responsible for a new and wide ranging series of designs, some under the influence of Japonisme, transitioning the company from producing utilitarian objects to highly decorative ceramics. His work can clearly be seen here in a piece which appears to be quite unusual. Both the form and the decoration reflect early twentieth century fashion in the clean lines and the images inspired by Japan. There is a hint of the aesthetic movement here producing an object of great attraction and interest.
French Regency style Bevelled Amber Glass & Filigree Ormolu Casket, mid twentieth century
Price: £55
A Regency style bevelled amber glass & gilt filigree ormolu Casket, the pentagonal body with five ovoid amber glass panels with bevelled edges, the borders with an arrow form repeating geometric design, all set between gilt filigree work of stylised foliage, the three spreading feet also with floral gilt filigree work, the hinged lid with a similar circular amber glass panel surrounded by a repeating design of stylised gilt leaves, the interior lined in gold velvet studded with tiny gilt nails.
Various pieces in this style where amber glass panels are combined with elaborate gilt metal work can be found. Most were intended as dressing table ornaments, as here. Sometimes termed 'Hollywood', after the American made products in this style of which Lot 1 in this sale is a prime specimen, these items were designed to add a touch of luxury to the bedroom. They are usually regarded as French and thought to have been made between the 1920s and 1940s. This is a particularly nice example with no damage to either the glass or the metalwork.
Green Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £55
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in green leather with a graining effect. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ (lacking its original key) and the lid a leather strap handle with fine stitching. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery, and the bottom of the box is divided into two compartments. The linings of the box and trays are in green leather and velvet with moiré silk to the inside of the lid. As with the previous lot, there are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. This box perhaps dates to a little later than the previous one, more to the 1930s but is no less of a ‘luxury’ item which equally well retains its functionality today.
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.
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.