INGENIOUS VICTORIAN TRAVELLING INKWELL, Wright & Davies, 1875

An ingenious Victorian silver Travelling Inkwell, of plain rounded rectangular form when closed. The inkwell is opened by pushing one end down so that the central section swivels on an axis and can stand upright where it locks in place. Pushing the button opens the catch to reveal a snug fitting inner glass ink bottle. The lid is corked to form a seal to prevent leakage. The face engraved with a contemporary cipher and the word ‘push’.

In good condition with just minimal surface wear commensurate with age.

By William Wright and Frederick Davies, London, 1875.

63 mm x 45 mm. 120 grams.

£775.

CHESTER INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS BADGE Thomas Armitt 1833

A rare William IV Provincial silver Independent Order of Oddfellows Badge, of shaped oval form with a medallic armorial centre set in a scrolled and part engraved frame for wearing.
The name Oddfellows refers to a number of friendly societies operating in the United Kingdom. It also refers to a number of Lodges with histories dating back to the 1700s. These various organisations were set up to protect and care for their members at a time when there was no welfare state, trade unions or National Health Service. The aim was (and still is) to provide help to members when they need it. The friendly societies are non-profit mutual organisations owned by their members. All income is passed back to the members in the form of services and benefits. The Oddfellows are fundraisers for both local and national charities. Branches raise money for local causes and the Societies as a whole raise significant amounts for charities.

By Thomas Armitt, Chester 1833

In good condition with no damage or repair.

104 mm x 82 mm. 45 grams.

£365.

PAIR CASED VICTORIAN WHIST MARKERS

A very fine quality pair of Victorian silver, silver gilt, ivory and tortoiseshell Whist Markers, the heavy rectangular cases with reeded rims and gilded bases. One with hinged tortoiseshell marker pegs and the other with ivory. Complete with original silk and velvet lined morocco red leather case with gilt metal mounts and script initials “W.A.”.

By Harry Wright Atkins, London 1895. Retailed by Drew & Sons, 156 Leadenhall Street, London E.C.

In very fine condition with no damage or repair.

The cases 92mm x 60mm x 9mm. The leather case 190mm x 124mm x 202mm. Total weight215 grams.

£1,450. The pair.

PATENT MAGAZINE CIGARETTE CASE

An unusual Edwardian silver Patent Rifle Magazine Cigarette Case, the six compartments for cigarettes made in the form of a rile bullet magazine. Engraved to the base – Magazine Patent 7817/03, U.S.A. Pat. May 17/04, Brevete.S.G.G.

By Perry & Co, Chester 1906.

In fine condition with no damage or repair.

73mm x60mm. 32 grams.

£295.

NOVELTY BIRD LEMON SQUEEZER

A rare and unusual early 20th century Novelty silver Lemon Squeezer in the form of a Dove, with realistically engraved feathers, the fluted and pierced squeezer hinged through the eyes of the bird.

By Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Ltd, London 1936.

In fine condition with no damage or repair and of a very good gauge.

120mm x45mm x 24mm. 125 grams.

£775.

MASONIC TRICK OPENING SNUFF BOX

An extremely rare and unusual 18th century silver trick opening Masonic Snuff or Patch Box, of oval form with flush hinge, the lid bright-cut engraved and set with applied Masonic symbols, including the sun, the moon, a beehive, a set square and compass etc. The Set square has to be pushed forward to unlock the interior mechanism which has three pins locating into circular metal wheels to lock the lid. The base with bright-cut engraved border and presentation inscription – “J.S to R.Banks”.

By Thomas Phipps & Edward Robinson, London 1795.

In fine condition with no damage or repair.

58mm x33mm x 20mm. 42 grams.

£4,950.

GEORGIAN GOLD BLOODSTONE & AGATE SEAL HOLD FAST

A very fine early 19th century English gold mounted bloodstone seal in the form of an armoured gauntlet holding a desk seal, the main matrix engraved with a lions head erased and the smaller agate matrix engraved – “Hold Fast” Complete with original silk and velvet lined red morocco leather case.

Unmarked. English c1830.

In superb unused original condition.

Seal 49mm long.

£2,200.

PAIR NOVELTY DACHSHUND KNIFE RESTS William Aitken 1905

A pair of novelty Edwardian heavy cast silver Knife Rests modelled as barking Dachshund Dogs.

By William Aitken, Birmingham, 1905.

In good condition with no damage or repair.

Each 80 mm long. 90 grams total weight.

£300. Pair.

GIULLANO BROTHERS BLOODSTONE & GOLD VINAIGRETTE c1910

A very fine early 20th century gold mounted bloodstone and enamel egg shaped Vinaigrette, with intricately pierced grille and attached suspension chain.

Tiny Maker’s mark plaque to interior rim of grille – ‘C&AC’ for Carlo and Arthur Giullano c1910. From the world famous retail jewellery firm of Castellani & Giullano.

In good condition with just minor loss of enamel to central black enamel bands, the gold and stone work in superb crisp condition.

34 mm high x 23 mm diameter.

£1,250.

RUSSIAN SILVER MONETNIK COIN HOLDER St Petersburg c1890

A good Russian silver Monetnik with niello deccoration.

By Alexander Dalman, St Petersburg, c1890.

In good conditon with no damage or repair and all three springs in working order.

63 mm x 28 mm x 23 mm. 33 grams.

£850.

STEPPES HILL FARM ANTIQUES

Fine Antique English Porcelain and Antique Silver