Boxes / Desk

1748
Samuel Taylor
9867 George II Covered Sugar Bowl
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A rare antique sterling silver covered sugar bowl of circular form on a small spreading foot. Excellent plain design, typical of the period. Good colour. In the early 18th century sugar bowls or sugar boxes nearly always had covers which, when reversed, could be used as a saucer or spoon tray. Weight 219 grams, 7.0 troy ounces. Total height 9cm. Bowl diameter 9.7cm. London 1748. Maker probably Samuel Taylor a specialist tea caddy and sugar bowl maker.
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.
Circa 1750

9674 Antique Silver Perpetual Calendar Snuff Box
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An 18th century silver snuff box with rotating dials to both sides. Very charming and retains the interior gilding. The panels have scrolled flower and chased decoration. The top side has the rotatable “Calendarium Perpetuum” which shows the days of the week (in old German script, and marked with their planetary signs) against days of the month. The reverse side has seven readout windows described by the headings on the rotatable disk (in old German script) – 1) month of the year with its number of days, 2) the important saints’ and feast days in the month, 3) sun’s Zodiacal position (represented by amusing little hand engraved zodiac symbols), 4) length of day, 5) length of night, 6) time of sun rise, and 7) time of sunset. A good example in very good condition. 126 grams, 4 troy ounces. Length 8.4cm. Width 5.5cm. Height 2cm. German. Probably 18^th century circa 1750. Unmarked silver.
1751
John Jacob
9784 George II Silver Caddies in a Box
£11,750

A stunning quality set of antique silver tea caddies and covered sugar bowl in a later fitted lockable tortoiseshell box with silver mounts. Very heavy gauge, cast silver. The deeply embossed and chased silver decoration is particularly attractive and each piece has a cartouche with a lion crest to the front. The two baluster shaped caddies, for green and black tea, have lift off tops. The bowl has a hinged lid with a bouquet of flowers finial. Total weight of 3 boxes 1,373 grams, 44 troy ounces. Tea caddy height 16.5cm. Sugar bowl height 15.5cm. London 1751. Maker John Jacobs, of Hugeunot origin. The box handle is hallmarked for London 1805, maker “JS”. Sterling silver.
1752
Samuel Herbert And Company
9504 George II Silver Caddies in a Box
£6,750

An excellent quality pair of antique sterling silver tea caddies and matching covered sugar bowl with gilt interior. All with cast silver bird finials and contained in a fitted Sheraton period wooden box with coloured flower and foliage inlays. The deeply embossed and chased silver decoration is particularly attractive and each caddy has a fine hand engraved coat of arms to the front. Heavy weight. The two caddies, for green and black tea, have the original lift off tops now drilled with holes to convert them into sugar shakers (muffinieres). Total weight of 3 boxes 882 grams, 28.3 troy ounces. Sugar casters height 15.5cm. Sugar bowl height 14cm, diameter 10.3cm. London 1752. Maker S Herbert & Co..
1761
Emick Romer
9755 George III Silver Chinoiserie Tea Caddy
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A fine example of an antique silver caddy box of bombe form with a side hinged lid and standing on scrolling feet. The sides are embossed with charming scenes of Chinese daily life. The lid finial is in the form of a mother and baby. Weight 366 grams, 11.7 troy ounces. Height 16cm. Body measurements at maximum – width 9.2cm, depth 8cm. London 1761. Maker Emick Romer. Sterling silver.
1765 - 1767
Johann Jakob Adam
10375 Antique Novelty Silver Bell Inkstand
£6,750

An unusual mid 18th century antique German inkstand modelled as 3 fruits sitting on vine leaf. It comprises a pomegranate inkwell and cover, an apple pounce pot, and the pear shaped bell acts as the cover of the nib box. Rising from the centre is a tall naturalistic cast silver taperstick with leafy drip pan. Excellent weight and quality modelling. Weight 819g, 26.3 troy oz. Height 15.2cm. Base 21.5cm x 19.5cm. Augsburg, Germany. 1765-67. Maker Johann Jakob Adam.
1766
Edward Aldridge
9826 George III Silver Caddies in a Box
£7,850

An exceptional set of antique silver tea caddies and covered sugar bowl in a black shagreen box with silver mounts. Excellent quality and classic styling. The bombe form tea boxes have lift off lids with gadroon borders; the decorative cast bases have applied acanthus mounts above to all sides. The two square shaped caddies are for green and black tea; the rectangular caddy is for sugar. The shagreen box has a red velvet interior; the exterior has beautifully ornamented silver mounts, the handle is hand engraved with a crest. Total weight of 3 boxes 858 grams, 27.5 troy ounces. Square caddy height 15cm base 8.5 x 7.5cm. Rectangular caddy height 16.5cm, base 9.5 x 8.5cm. London 1766. Maker Edward Aldridge. The box silver maker is “IW”. Sterling silver.
1769
William & Aaron Lestourgeon
10282 George III Antique Silver Box
£795

An attractive antique silver toilet box of plain cylindrical form with pull off lid and reeded rims. The top is hand engraved with a stag crest. Useful size suitable as a jewellery box or for cuff links. Weight 231 grams, 7.4 troy ounces. Height 4.7cm. Diameter 10.1cm. London 1769. Maker William & Aaron Lestourgeon. Sterling silver. 18^th century.
Circa 1770
John Parker & Edward Wakelin
10386 George III Antique Silver Tea Caddy
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A delightful antique silver tea box of plain cubic design with a flat hinged lid. The cannister form has very pleasing geometric lines. The top is charmingly decorated with a hand engraved border with shell corners, the finial is modelled as a pineapple. To the front is a locking mechanism (key available) and a hand engraved crest. An attractive feature is the fitted mahogany wooden box with colourful inlaid bands to the edges. Weight 303g, 9.7 troy oz. Height 12cm. Length 8.9cm. Width 8.9cm. London 1768. Maker Parker & Wakelin. Sterling silver.
Circa 1780

10236 18th Century Antique Silver Etui
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An attractive little travelling set in a clip top silver case of tapering rectangular form. The embossed decoration is very charming with a village scene, 2 dogs and a goose. The interior is fitted with a penknife, scissors and pencil. Length 8.8cm. Width 3.3cm. Unmarked. Continental. Circa 1780.
Circa 1780
Francesco Arnaud
10387 Maltese Antique Silver Sugar Bowl and Cover
£3,350

An attractive 18th century antique silver sugar box of inverted pear form with a pull off dome cover. The fluted tapering body is raised on three cast hoof feet. Weight 180g, 5.7 troy oz. Height 12.2cm. Spread across the body 10cm. Malta circa 1780, Rohan Period (1775-97). Maker Francesco Arnaud.
1782
William Sumner
9607 Antique Silver Skewer
£350

An attractive antique silver meat skewer with decorative ring handle. Can also be used as a letter opener. Uninscribed. Weight 61 grams, 1 troy ounce. Length 24.5 cm. London 1782. Maker probably William Sumner.
Circa 1790
Guiseppe Caltagirone
8191 Antique Italian Silver Frames
£2,250

A stylish pair of late 18th century Sicilian silver cartaglorias containing the original texts in old fashioned script. The oval bead bordered frames have applied gilt silver swags, leaves and flower motifs, the bases are raised on square supports. The sheet silver frames are pinned onto carved softwood backs. Height 26.7 cm. Width 23 cm. Marked on the bottom left hand corner with “GC” for Guiseppe Caltagirone of Trapani, Sicilia. Circa 1790.
Circa 1795

9791 George III Old Sheffield Plate Globe Inkstand
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A rare and collectible conversation piece made in Old Sheffield plate. This elegant novelty inkstand, made to sit on an 18^th century Englishman’s desk, is in the form of a globe and by pressing down the top finial the two flaps open to reveal four Bristol blue glass bottles. Two bottles are for ink, one for pounce (a fine powder to dry the ink) and a fourth to keep spare nibs. The centre rim is decorated with swags and lions masks. Height 27cm. Diameter 14cm. Bottle height 5cm. Unmarked. Old Sheffield plate. Circa 1795.
1796
Henry Chawner And John Emes
9949 George III Antique Silver Caddy Box
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A fine antique sterling silver tea caddy box of plain oval form, the fixed carrying handle with reed and acanthus decoration. Elegant classical features with bands of shell motifs hand engraved within concentric prick dot lines. The bucket handbag shape is very unusual. The double opening lid has an inset hinge and there is a lock to either side. Weight 546 grams, 17.5 troy ounces. Height 18.5cm (to top of handle), 11.5cm (to top of caddy). Length 15cm. Width 10.2cm. London 1796. Maker Henry Chawner & John Emes. Sterling silver.
1798
William Ely
9597 Antique Silver Skewer
£350

A good quality antique silver meat skewer with ring handle. Can also be used as a letter opener. Uninscribed. Weight 133 grams, 4.2 troy ounces. Length 35 cm. London 1798. Maker William Ely II.
1807
Peter & William Bateman
8216 George III Silver Tea Caddy
£1,950

A fine antique sterling silver tea caddy box of plain circular form having a central divider and lock (no key). An attractive feature is the decorative finial in the form of a Chinese gentleman holding a fish. The decoration is particularly fine, with gadroon edge borders and concentric bands of hand engraved leaf motifs, greek key design and basket weave. Weight 698 grams, 22.4 troy ounces. Height 16.5 cm. Diameter 16 cm. London 1807. Maker Peter & William Bateman.
1807
James Turner
9604 Georgian Silver Wax Jack
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A rare antique sterling silver wax jack, or go to bed, of rectangular form. Good plain style and gadroon borders. The central wax winder supports the remains of a coil of wax, the end of which is held in place in the centre of the sconce. The small conical snuffer is attached to the top by a long silver chain. Weight including wax 163 grams, 5.2 troy ounces. Height 11 cm. Base 9.3 x 7.4 cm. London 1807. Maker probably James Turner.
1810
Thomas Wells
8768 Antique George III Silver Inkwell
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A good George III sterling silver travelling inkwell, of rectangular form, with hinged screw down cover. Lovely plain style. Weight 56 grams, 1.8 troy ounces. Height 2.5 (pot), 5 (top of screw cap) cms. Base 3.9×3.9 cms. London 1810. Maker Thomas Wells.
Circa 1840

8806 Antique Gold and Stone Desk Seal
£695

An antique seal with white hard stone handle and solid gold mount. The carved intaglio has an armorial, a horse crest over a crown, and the motto “Con Fide”. The stone handle could be white jade or quartz cabouchon. The intaglio is a creamier white colour and may be rock crystal. Length 6.7 cms. Unmarked gold (15 or 18 carat). French. Circa 1840.
1849
Elkington
8994 Antique Silver Plated Ink Stand
£350

A fine quality antique inkstand with an oval pierced gallery. Silver plated. To the centre the cherub figure is holding a taper stick and can be removed to use the circular box below for pen nibs etc. The two crystal faceted ink bottles have silver plated tops and cut star bases. Length 26cms, width 20cms. The edge of the nib box has silver plate marks for Elkington & Co; date cypher for 1849.
1849
Joseph Angell
10194 Antique Silver Caddy Box
£2,250

A very ornamental antique silver tea caddy of rectangular form having a side hinged lid and integral feet. The sides and top have embossed scenes of chinoiserie decoration with excellent quality hand engraved detail. The front and back panels contain a shaped scroll cartouche with the expressive face of a lion with his flowing mane and one paw outstretched to the top and, a shell within matted brickwork to the bottom – all this bears a striking similarity to the #9454 Edward Wakelin caddy dated 1748 in our archive collection. Weight 371 grams, 11.9 troy ounces. Height 13cm. Base measures 10.2 x 8.8cm. London 1849. Maker Joseph Angell. Sterling silver.
1854
Yapp & Woodward
9838 Antique Silver Table Snuff Box
£2,750

A magnificent antique sterling silver box of military interest. Substantial size and weight. Original gilt interior. Crisp cast borders and engine turned decoration to the sides and base. The top bears a regimental inscription. This box is likely to have been used in the Officer’s Mess for the Loisel Regiment of Militia. Weight 572 grams, 18.3 troy ounces. Height 5.5cm. Top measures 12.5cm x 9.3cm. Birmingham 1854. Maker Yapp & Woodward. Sterling silver.
Circa 1860

9624 Antique Scottish Silver Snuff Mull
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An antique horn snuff mull with a broad silver mount embossed with thistles. The hinged lid is inset with a large citrine gemstone. Spread 14.5 cm. Diameter 6.5 cm. Unmarked silver. Probably Scottish circa 1860.
1863
Pittway Brothers
9842 Antique Silver Shaving Brush
£375

A good quality gentleman’s silver shaving brush which dismantles for travelling. Beautifully engraved. Real badger hair brush. The workmanship is excellent and the piece dismantles and screws back perfectly. Total weight 58 grams (includes the brush), under 2 troy ounces. Length 8.8cm, 14.5cm extended. Diameter 2cm. London 1863. Made by Pittway Bros.
1866
Edward Barnard & Sons
10428 Pair of Antique Silver Tea Caddies
£3,750

A stunning pair of rectangular silver tea caddy boxes with deep, crisp, embossed decoration of flowers and foliate scrolls. The caddies have sliding tops and bases; the hinged top finials are in the form of a leaf. Total weight 763g, 24.5 troy oz. Height 13cm (11cm with leaf finial folded), 5.1/4.3ins. Base 8.7cmx6.2cm, 3.4×2.4ins. London 1866. Maker Edward and John Barnard. Sterling silver.
Circa 1875
C.P Parkin
8830 Victorian Folding Biscuit Box
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A decorative version of the antique silver plated folding biscuit box. It opens to reveal a stunning gilt interior. Attractive shell shape with a decorative cast border frame. The pierced grills keep the biscuits in place and can be lifted to access the contents. Silver plated. Height 24.5 cms. Width 21.5 cms. Underneath there is the unicorn mark for the Cheltenham and Company Ltd, Sheffield, UK. Silver plate on copper. Circa 1875.
Circa 1880

10411 Antique French Gilt Lorgnette
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A very attractive antique eye glass (or lorgnette) with an intricate decorated handle. Can be worn on a chain. Length 7.5cm. Width 4.2cm. Gold cased (gold on metal probably brass). Unmarked. French. Circa 1880.
1886

7481 Antique Silver Card Case
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An antique sterling silver card case with hinged top and all over embossed scroll decoration. To the front there is a deep relief representation of the Scott Memorial in Edinburgh, Scotland. On the back there is a vacant central cartouche. Weight 70 grams. Height 10 cm. Width 7 cm. Birmingham 1886. Makers mark indistinct.
Circa 1890

9905 Antique Gold and Enamel Pencil
£225

A good quality late Victorian small 9 carat gold and enamel telescopic propelling pencil with attached suspension ring, a deep blue coloured guilloche enamel sleeve, and bullet shaped telescopic pencil with reeded barrel. Length 3cm (closed), 6.1cm (open). Maker “E.B”. England. Circa 1890.
Circa 1900

8949 Antique Bronze Dog
£950

A striking figure of a dog raised on hind legs with one foot supported by an oval specimen of Blue John*. The modelling is very realistic. Raised on a marble resin base. Height 17.5 (total), 12.5 cms (dog) cms. Base 10.5 x 5.8 cms. Unsigned. Probably English. Circa 1900.