Miniature Items
Browse our collection of antique silver Miniature Items – Boxes, Dishes, Toys, Models, Kitchenware and Musical Instruments
Silver toys originated in Europe during the 17th century and were made initially for the children of kings and queens. At that time England was still suffering under Puritanism and it wasn’t until the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 that silver toys were made available in this country. The earliest English silver toys date from 1665 and were made in London; it was uncommon for toys to be made in the provinces. The Dutch were the leading manufacturers of silver toys, their most prolific period being 1725-1750, and by then wealthy royalty, landowners and business men were buying toys for their own pleasure as well as that of their children’s.
The Traveller’s Sample would be an exact copy of a full size original. The great attention to detail and slightly larger size than normal toys of this period generally indicates this purpose.
Miniature Items
Browse our collection of antique silver Miniature Items – Boxes, Dishes, Toys, Models, Kitchenware and Musical Instruments
Silver toys originated in Europe during the 17th century and were made initially for the children of kings and queens. At that time England was still suffering under Puritanism and it wasn’t until the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 that silver toys were made available in this country. The earliest English silver toys date from 1665 and were made in London; it was uncommon for toys to be made in the provinces. The Dutch were the leading manufacturers of silver toys, their most prolific period being 1725-1750, and by then wealthy royalty, landowners and business men were buying toys for their own pleasure as well as that of their children’s.
The Traveller’s Sample would be an exact copy of a full size original. The great attention to detail and slightly larger size than normal toys of this period generally indicates this purpose.
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Circa 1670
10393 Charles II Antique Silver Miniature Wine Taster
£1,250
A charming little early English miniature dish from the reign of Charles II. Very sweet size. This little cup has a circular form with simple wirework handles and an embossed grape decoration. Owner’s initials “AA” engraved to the top rim. Weight 12 grams, less than half a troy ounce. Height 1.5 cm approx. Diameter of top 5.2cm. Spread across handles 7.4cm. English, circa 1670. Unmarked sterling silver.
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1673
8394 Charles II Antique Silver Brandy Cup
£1,750
A rare early English silver tot cup, or small size porringer, with twin side handles and belly shape. Lovely original hand beaten finish. Lovely original hand beaten finish. Weight 69 grams, 2.2 troy ounces. Height 5.5 cms. Diameter 6 cms. London 1673. Maker IC* listed in Jacksons.
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1673
George Watkins
10182 Charles II Antique Silver Wine Taster
£2,750
A rare early English miniature wine taster from the reign of Charles II. Very charming size. This little cup has a circular form with simple wirework handles and embossed grape decoration. Weight 21 grams, less than 1 troy ounce. Height 2 cm approx. Diameter of top 6.1cm. Spread across handles 8.9cm. London 1673. Made by George Watkins. Sterling silver.
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Circa 1690
Anthony Nelme
9371 17th Century Antique Silver Boxes
£3,750
A pair of early English antique silver toilet jars with lift off lids. Plain octagonal form. The tops have a hand engraved armorial within plumage feathers, typical of the Charles II/James II period. These unusual miniature toilet jars are very charming. Superb antique colour. At this date boxes of this type would have originally been part of an extensive toilet service. Total weight 148 grams, 4.7 troy ounces. Height 6cm. Diameter of lid 3.8cm. Makers mark only for Anthony Nelme. Circa 1690. Sterling silver.
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Circa 1690
Charles Eystone
10394 William & Mary Antique Silver Miniature Chamber Pot
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A charming little doll’s house piece. This rare miniature antique silver potty is made of hand beaten sheet silver with a simple scrolled handle. It dates to the second half of the 1600’s. Weight 13g, less than half a troy oz. Spread 4.9cm. Diameter 3.4cm. Height 2.5cm (to top of handle). London, circa 1690. Maker Charles Eystone. Sterling silver.
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1693
George Manjoy
9539 William & Mary Antique Silver Miniature Mug
£2,350
A delightful little collector’s piece. This rare miniature (or toy) mug is an exact copy of a full size original. Of globular form it has a reeded and incised neck, and double scroll handle. This style was only made for a short period at the end of the 17th century and is the earliest type of mug you are likely to come across. The body is engraved with an exotic bird and leafy branches. Weight 14 grams, less than 1/2 troy ounce. Height 3.5cm. Spread 4.9cm. London 1693. Maker George Manjoy, a specialist toy maker.
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Circa 1720
David Clayton
10403 George I Antique Silver Miniature Silver Chocolate Pot
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A charming little antique silver toy coffee pot with a typical early 1700’s design having tapering sides, straight spout, and a turned wooden side handle. This is an exact copy of a full size original. Weight 17 grams, under 1 troy ounce. Height 5.5cm. Spread 6.5cm. Diameter of base 2.7cm. London circa 1720. Maker David Clayton. Sterling silver.
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1737
Willem Van Strant
10116 Antique Dutch Silver Miniature Teapot
£1,250
A Dutch silver toy teapot of pear shaped form with swing handle and detachable lid. Very good condition. Excellent patina. Weight 45 grams, 1.5 troy ounces. Height 5.5cm (to top of handle), 4.4cm (to top of knob). Made in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Date mark “C” for 1737. Maker Willem Van Strant.
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1749
James Morrison
10436 George II Antique Silver Basket
£1,750
A delightful little George II silver swing handled sweetmeat basket of oval form. Very small size. The quality is excellent with heavy gauge silver and good colour. The handle and border are expertly cast with finely executed shell, scroll and flower decoration. The body has pierced lattice design, the centre hand engraved with an armorial within a decorative cartouche. The cast feet have interesting figural face masks standing on shell feet. Weight 316g, 10.1 troy oz. Height 12.2cm, 4.8ins (total including handle), 4.8cm, 1.9ins (basket only). Top measures 14.8cm, 5.8ins x 12.7cm, 5ins. London 1749. Maker James Morrison. Sterling silver.
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Circa 1900
6425 Antique Miniature Silver Mandolin
£165
A pretty little model silver mandolin. To the front there is a country scene with a horse and cherub. On the back there is a cherub fishing scene. Weight 41 grams, 1.3 troy ounces. Length 10.75 cms. Width 3.5 cms. Continental silver – unmarked. Circa 1900.
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Circa 1900
6426 Antique Miniature Silver Double Bass
£285
A large and very heavy antique silver model double bass. Very pretty with flowers, ladies and cherub decoration. Excellent modelling. Weight 182 grams, 5.8 troy ounces. Length 16.5 cms. Width 5 cms. Continental silver – unmarked. Circa 1900.
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