Cruet Sets
The earliest antique silver Cruet frames, containing 3 castors and 2 glass bottles, were made from c.1700 onwards. This attractive form is known as the “Warwick” cruet after the cruet created by Anthony Nelme in 1715 for the Duke of Warwick. At this early date the two bottle Oil and Vinegar frame was occasionally produced although these are more popular on the continent. Later in the 18th century the number of bottles in a cruet increased to as many as 8 or 10 containing a variety of sauces of the period such as soy, ketchup, tarragon etc, so many that little sauce labels were needed to identify the contents.
Cruet Sets
The earliest antique silver Cruet frames, containing 3 castors and 2 glass bottles, were made from c.1700 onwards. This attractive form is known as the “Warwick” cruet after the cruet created by Anthony Nelme in 1715 for the Duke of Warwick. At this early date the two bottle Oil and Vinegar frame was occasionally produced although these are more popular on the continent. Later in the 18th century the number of bottles in a cruet increased to as many as 8 or 10 containing a variety of sauces of the period such as soy, ketchup, tarragon etc, so many that little sauce labels were needed to identify the contents.
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1643
Arent Verstege
10201 Antique Dutch Silver Jug
£3,350
An extremely rare antique silver jug dating from the 1600’s with a cast, shaped handle and superb decoration with embossed cherubs’ heads and bunches of fruit. Very heavy quality and feels good in the hand. Deep bright gilding throughout. Originally an altar cruet jug for wine and/or water. Weight 226 grams, 7.2 troy ounces. Height 15cm. Spread 10.3cm. Foot diameter 6.7cm. Haarlem 1643. Maker Arent Verstege. 17th century.
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Circa 1680
9855 17th Century Continental Silver Pomander
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A fascinating piece of history contained in a small silver globe. This antique silver pomander of spherical form has all-over chased decoration of flowers & leaf-scrolls in low relief. The screw top unturns to release the six numbered, hinged segments with sliding covers, the interior with hand engraved flowers. The foot unscrews to reveal a secret hollow compartment. Weight 89 grams, 2.8 troy ounces. Height 6.5cm. Spread 9cm fully extended. The pomander is made of unmarked silver It is quite usual for a small article of this date to be unmarked. Probably Dutch. Circa 1680.
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1690
9997 William & Mary Antique Silver Nutmeg Grater
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A charming little late 17th century silver nutmeg grater of teardrop form, one side fitted with a serrated rasp. Each side has a hinged lid with stand-away hinge. Both covers are hand engraved with simple foliate decoration. Weight 29 grams, 0.9 troy ounce. Height 2.5 cm. Top 3.7 x 2.9 cm. Total spread across the covers 8.3cm. Unmarked silver. English. Circa 1690.
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1750
Samuel Wood
10228 George II Antique Silver Oil and Vinegar Set
£1,475
A good antique silver condiment set with broad shell feet and side carrying handle. The heavy silver frame has a handsome rococo cartouche with a hand engraved armorial. The cut crystal bottles have detachable silver tops which fit onto the side rings when the bottles are in use. Weight of stand and silver tops 524 grams, 16.8 troy oz. Total height 21.4cm. Stand width 20.3cm. Bottle height 18.3cm. London 1750. Maker Sam Wood. Sterling silver. 18th century.
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1751
Elizabeth Godfrey
9913 George II Silver Cruet Set
£3,950
A rare early English silver cruet with two bottles for oil and vinegar and a small silver castor or pepperette. Excellent weight and large size. The heavy cut crystal bottles have multi-faceted cut decoration, typical of the period. The silver frame has an acanthus scroll carrying handle and side supports for the bottle tops and pepperette. The top of the frame has a hand engraved armorial which matches those on the bottle tops. Total weight of silver 955 grams, 30.7 troy ounces. Height 23.5cm (overall), 20.7cm (bottle), 9.5cm (pepper). Base measures 19.3 x 16.3cm. London 1751. Maker Elizabeth Godfrey, a highly respected Huguenot lady silversmith.
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1761
John Delmester
9300 George III Antique Silver Warwick Cruet
£3,250
A handsome antique silver cruet set with a matching set of 3 silver casters and 2 silver topped and faceted crystal oil and vinegar bottles. The cinquefoil frame has 4 shell feet and a shaped decorative cartouche containing a hand engraved armorial. An unusual feature is that one small caster has been fitted with a plain inner sleeve; this is known as a “blind caster” which is the earliest form of mustard pot. Total weight of silver 1498 grams, 48.1 troy ounces. Caster height 19.5 and 16 cm, bottle height 18.3 cm, each with a matching hand engraved crest. Casters London 1764, frame London 1761. Maker John Delmester.
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1762
John Delmester
9155 George III Antique Silver Warwick Cruet
£3,350
A handsome antique sterling silver cruet set with a matching set of 3 silver casters and 2 silver topped and faceted crystal oil and vinegar bottles. The cinquefoil frame has 4 shell feet and a shaped decorative cartouche containing a hand engraved armorial. Total weight of silver 1214 grams, 39 troy ounces. Caster height 17 and 13.5 cms, bottle height 19 cms, each with a matching hand engraved crest. Casters and frame London 1762. Maker John Delmester.
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1792
Robert Hennell II
9667 George III Silver Cruet
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An elegant antique silver condiment set in the Adam style, the boat shaped silver stand having 4 original and matching cut crystal bottles, a pair of oil and vinegar bottle with silver hinged tops and a mustard pot with lift off lid. The cruet frame has a wooden base. Stand measures 24 x 15.5cm, height 25cm. All pieces marked London 1792. . Sterling silver. Maker Robert Hennell.
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Circa 1840
Luigi Sciolet
10224 Italian Antique Silver Pot
£2,250
A curious little silver container in the form of a small teapot with a serpent spout and handle, four heavy cast eagle feet, and the lid finial modelled as a swan. 19th century. Fantastic decorative quality and heavy gauge silver. Likely to be an oil dispenser (oliera), possibly to fill something like a kettle spirit lamp. Contains 320ml. Weight 519 grams, 16.6 troy ounces. Length 18.5cm from spout to handle. Rome, Italy. Maker Luigi Sciolet. Circa 1840.
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Circa 1890
9629 Antique German Silver Spice Tower
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Of Jewish interest. A large continental silver spice box in the form of a medieval tower with a turret surmounted by a cockerel. All over gilded. The top 2 sections, each containing a bell, sit above the spice box which has pierced and engraved decoration. The box has a drop-down door with scroll catch. Weight 286 grams, 9.1 troy ounces. Height 32 cm. Continental silver marks. Possibly Hanau, Germany. Circa 1890.
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1933 - 1937
9735 Antique Silver Rabbit Condiment Set
£6,750
A fabulous set of 5 silver rabbit condiments. Excellent quality and vivid modelling. Heavy cast silver. Very rare. The bunny rabbits (or hares) are large and chunky and have coloured bead eyes. The set consists of a pair of peppers, a pair of salts and a mustard pot with a hinged lid. Total weight 884 grams, 28.4 troy ounces. Salts and Peppers – height 10cm. Mustard pot – height 3.5cm, length 9.6cm. All matching. London 1933 and 1937. Maker F & H Ltd. Sterling silver.
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