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
Lovely 1950s brooch
Price: £10
This is a very striking round brooch set with clear and blue paste stones
2 1950s floral brooches
Price: £10
This is a lot of two similar floral brooches set with green and blue stones
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
Large patent crocodile handbag, Dofan France, 1950s
Price: £150
This is a stunning bag in glossy crocodile skin, with a simple gold tone closure in an unusual square design, lined in leather
Very Rare Chinese Export Silver Gilt Evening Bag, 1920s
Price: £75
This is an extremely rare evening bag comprised of a Chinese Export silver gilt frame inset with jade, coral and other semi-precious stones. The body of the bag is silk embroidered with metallic thread and appears to be original.
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.
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.)
Pair of antique kidskin driving gloves
Price: £25
This is a wonderful pair of kidskin driving gloves
Art Deco beaded dress adornment
Price: £30
This is a very rare and detailed dress adornment comprising beads and glass stones attached to a long fringe
Victorian tortoiseshell hair ornament
Price: £20
This is a very lovely hair comb with engraved decoration set with paste stones
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.
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.
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.
Unusual large evening minaudiere by Volupte USA 1950s
Price: £25
This a very unique large minaudiere by American designer Volupte. It contains powder, lipstick and with a part that would have been for cigarettes. It has a female figure with paste stones in an Art Deco design with gold colour waves below. It has some powder and the original lipstick in red. With black taffeta cover so can be carried as a wrist bag.
Art Deco mother of pearl card case
Price: £50
This is a beautiful card case comprising mother of pearl in a diamond pattern. With wood lining
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!
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! :)
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.
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!
Jean Paul Gaultier Mini Fragrance Set, La Parade Des Extraits, 1993
Price: £75
This is a clear plastic box containing four 3.5 ml miniature atomiser bottles of Jean Paul Gaultier perfumes with a travelling case (the metallic cylinder) in the centre, which is enclosed in a thin plastic slip case detailing the contents and with the date 1993. This was the year in which the famous French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier launched his range of perfumes of which this is a sample box. The four containers are modelled in the form of ladies’ busts with corsets reflecting the infamous ‘cone bra’ designed by Gaultier for Madonna and worn by her during her 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour. Surviving in near perfect condition with the contents intact this is now a sought after collector’s item which accurately recalls Gaultier’s individual and provocative style.
Victorian guilloche enamel and marcasite ring
Price: £60
This is a lovely and delicate ring comprising a panel of blue guilloche enamel surrounded with marcasite stones
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.
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.
Two small metal perfume Flasks and Stoppers, 1920s
Price: £35
Two small metal flasks, the first in brass of rounded rectangular form with a ball shape stopper, the surface plain, and the second in copper of ovoid form again with a ball shape stopper and also a loose ring handle, the surface with beaten decoration of a repeating design of small circles. The shapes of both of these are usually described as perfume bottles which makes sense here where the stoppers are both screw top. The copper example was perhaps intended for attachment to a belt and the size of either would have made them suitable travelling accessories. Dating is probably to the 1920s and the beaten decoration of the second is a feature of pieces made under the influence of the ‘Arts and Crafts’ movement which flourished in Britain from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century.
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.
Large tooled leather bag with Moroccan Designs 1970s
Price: £85
This is a beautiful large bag made from light soft leather that has been tooled all over with Moroccan patterns and vignette roundels depicting camels and palm trees.Lined in leather, it has four stud feet and is in immaculate condition..
Art Deco beaded bag with celluloid frame
Price: £25
This is a wonderful bag in beautiful condition. It comprises all over bead work with geometric designs with the original beaded handle
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.
Arts and Crafts Hand Mirror with Repousse Decoration, circa 1900
Price: £55
A very unusual hand mirror of shaped paddle form, the wood body with applied hammered pewter decoration, the back with an overall design, very finely worked, of flowering lotus and a butterfly on a minutely hammer punched ground, the plain border with studded nail head fixings, the front with a small pewter panel to the handle, similarly decorated and secured, and with a single red cabochon bead to the head, the frame of the mirror in plain wood.
Elements of two contrasting contemporary styles combine here with features from both the Arts and Crafts and the Art Nouveau movement. The hammered pewter with the almost rustic nail head fixings and the red bead reflect the former but the elegant depiction of the lotus and butterfly, with more than a hint of the Orient, reflect the latter. The maker is anonymous but doubtless British and clearly a highly skilled craftsman. Much thought and expertise went into the design of this piece which would be a desirable addition for collectors of either or both of the pieces made under the influence of these two highly popular design movements.
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 Petit Point Tapestry Bag, Austria, 1920s
Price: £15
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.
Novelty Perfume Bottle with Grecian Scenes, late C20th
Price: £15
A ceramic perfume bottle the compressed bulbous body fitted with a high domed cover and a separate ‘dipper’ finial, the rich blue glaze brightly decorated with polychrome and gilt figures in a pseudo classical style reclining and conversing, the interior with traces of perfume cream. The Greek manufacturers of perfumes seem sometimes to have turned to the Classical era as inspiration for the decoration on the vessels containing their products. Similar bottles can be found with packaging labelled ‘Anapal by Anastasios’. The designs are pastiche in the extreme but the effect is opulent and no doubt reflects the luxury of the contents inside!
Black and Gold Copper Glitter Art Glass Scent Bottle, probably Murano late C20th
Price: £55
This is a very stylish scent bottle and stopper with a bulbous body, a concave neck with a flat top rim and a fitted stopper with a ball and pointed top and a long interior seal, the black glass with gilt flecks made from copper in globular and swirling patterns. Almost all the pieces with similar form and decoration are attributed to the Murano glassworks in Venice although none seem to exist with labels which would authenticate this. But the high quality of the glass blowing certainly suggests Murano work and the attribution seems reasonable. This example is particularly pleasing and is in excellent condition with the stopper original and intact.
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.
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.
Art Deco Python Clutch
Price: £85
This is a stunning Art Deco clutch in all over python skin that is in pristine condition. It is lined in typical taffeta fabric with the interior purse for coins. The hardware is chromed metal with a black enamel closure. Is a good size that would be suitable for evening use as it can handle the essentials.
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.
Small suede handbag, England 1940s
Price: £25
This is a lovely small handbag in soft suede with a polished leather closure.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Massive Grotto style belt buckle c1980
Price: £25
This is a very unique belt buckle that comprises many different shells cast in gilt metal with glass inset stones. This is definitely a statement!
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.
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.
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.
Large python handbag with wood closure detail 1930s
Price: £125
This is a very interesting bag that comprises python skin throughout. It is lined with taffeta and has python on the interior accents. It has an unusual wooden closure and a handle that is also covered in python skin and is in great condition. It is large enough for use any time day or evening.
Vintage Wicker and Plastic Woven Basket with Handles, probably mid C20th
Price: £45
A highly attractive woven basket with a lid and handles, the composition combining both wicker and plastic twine in an attractive combination of textures and colours, the base, the edges of the top and lid and the loop handles finished in wicker and the main body mainly in plastic. There is also a simple plastic twine fastening to keep the cover closed. By repute purchased in France, it is extremely hard to assign a country of origin to this piece, but the use of woven plastic suggests a dating to the 1950s, a time when the well known 'Lloyd Loom' items enjoyed great popularity. The condition of this basket is excellent and it is quite sturdy so could be an eye catching accompaniment to a summer excursion!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Micro bead silver mounted Flapper Bag, 1920s
Price: £125
This is a striking example of the beaded bags which were made in the 1920s as a classic ‘flapper’ accessory. The long rectangular shape narrows towards the top where it is suspended from a silver mount and at the bottom is the commonly found beaded tasselled fringe. The design, intricately worked in multicoloured microbeads and repeated front and back, has repeating leaf shape stylised floral panels on a terracotta ground. The silver mount displays finely cast decoration of scrolling ribbon work and hanging beads and is secured by a press button fitting. The suspension rings and their links are also finely cast. The tasselled fringe repeats the colours of the main design. The silver is most likely continental and many of these bags were made in Germany which may well be the case here. The quality is clearly above average and its owner would have certainly stood out in a crowd!
Sack form plastic beaded bag, English, 1950s
Price: £65
Very much of its era, this is an unusual bag of sack form comprised of intricately strung small plastic beads in an openwork design with vertical beige repeating diamonds alternating with diagonal bands of beige, pink, purple and brown, the top with horizontal rows of beige beads, each side with a metal rod covered in white plastic cording and fitted with clear dark beige loop handles, the base in wood. The use of plastic components and the general form of the design suggests the 1950s or possibly early 1960s and manufacture in England. While there are other plastic formed bags from the same era (another can be seen elsewhere on this site) there does not seem to be any parallel for this example. But it is distinctively ‘retro’ and has survived in excellent condition making it very much a collector’s accessory.
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!
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.
Hollywood Regency Ormolu and Glass Scent Bottle, second half C20th
Price: £95
This is a classic example of the decorative pieces produced in the ‘Hollywood Regency’ style which evolved from the work of designers furnishing the homes of film stars and actors from the 1920s onwards. Opulence was the key here with recollections of and variations on the design styles of earlier years particularly those of the rococo era. Dressing table pieces were made to be intentionally luxurious with elaborate gilt metal decoration and bevelled glass panels combining to produce ornaments of showpiece quality. The scent bottle here has two oval bevelled glass panels set in a gilt metal case with elaborately cast sides, a spreading foot and a crown knob stopper, all with twisting and interlocking stylised floral decoration. The body of the piece was refillable and the stopper has a glass rod for application. Similar pieces were made by the New York firm ‘Stylebuilt’ which was founded in 1946; many carry an impressed mark but some have just a paper label reading ‘Stylebuilt Accessories’ ‘NEW YORK’ ‘’24 K GOLD PLATED’ ‘GUARANTEED NOT TO TARNISH’. The style here is so close that we may well have a genuine ‘Stylebuilt’ accessory here missing its original paper label, but there is no certain proof of this. Accessories from the firm seem to date from the 1950s to the 1970s and this is most likely the time of production of this particular piece. It survives in perfect condition with the gilt work bright and shining, definitely living up to the claim of remaining untarnished, and is a fine memento of an extravagant style, once so popular.
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!
Caithness Glass Perfume Bottle and Stopper, late C20th
Price: £30
A perfume bottle and stopper, the broad pear shape body with a flaring neck and fitted with a ball shape stopper, the glass blown with swirling flecking effects in apricot and white and the stopper plain. The pattern and design of this perfume bottle is typical of pieces made by the Caithness glass factory in Scotland and similar pieces can be found with their label attached. The Caithness glass factory was established in 1961 at Wick, Caithness by Robin Sinclair, 2nd Viscount Thurso and soon taken over by George Mackie, Baron Mackie of Benshie in 1966 who remained its Chairman for twenty years. Set up to provide additional employment in the area, the company also was intended to exploit the availablity of sand for glassmaking in Caithness, although this did not prove suitable for the manufacture of clear glass. Paperweights became a speciality and the firm received a Royal Warrant from the Queen Mother in 1968. Twice driven into receivership in the early years of this century, it was eventually bought by Dartington Crystal in 2006 and continues the manufacture of paperweights today.
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.
Art Deco style Glass Box and Cover decorated with a dancing Ballerina, mid C20th
Price: £35
An opaque cream coloured circular glass box and cover, the bulbous body with high domed lid which is decorated with a dark grisaille dancing ballerina poised on one leg with grass below and hanging willow above within a yellow scalloped border which is repeated on the base. The style of decoration clearly suggests the 1930s and this piece probably dates to that era although there is no certain proof of this. Presumably a powder box it retains great charm and could well find a home in a contemporary setting.
Art Deco style Glass Box and Cover decorated with a dancing Ballerina, mid C20th
Price: £35
An opaque cream coloured circular glass box and cover, the bulbous body with high domed lid which is decorated with a dark grisaille dancing ballerina poised on one leg with grass below and hanging willow above within a yellow scalloped border which is repeated on the base. The style of decoration clearly suggests the 1930s and this piece probably dates to that era although there is no certain proof of this. Presumably a powder box it retains great charm and could well find a home in a contemporary setting.
Silver and marcasite statement brooch, 1956
Price: £125
This is a real showstopper of a brooch. It is very large in a floral spray and ribbon design. It has numerous silver marks including an English import mark from 1956. The other marks indicate that it is most likely continental possibly Belgian or Swiss.
What stands out with this brooch is the quality of the workmanship. It is encrusted with hundreds of marcasite stones that are all prong set. There is not one missing stone. We get so used the costume versions of a brooch like this; it is such a pleasure to see an original.
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.
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.
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.
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.