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.

COMBINATION BOOKMARK MINIATURE DICTIONARY Sampson Mordan 1898

A rare Victorian silver Combination Bookmark with magnifying glass compartment containing a miniature Bryce’s English Dictionary.

By Sampson Mordan & Co, London, 1898.

In good condition with no damage or repair to the silver or the book.

94 mm long. 14 grams.

£550.

CADDY SPOON, Thomas Watson, Newcastle, c1790

A good George III Provincial silver Caddy Spoon with bright cut engraved Old English handle with vacant shield shape cartouche, typical small fluted scallop shell bowl.

By Thomas Watson, Newcastle, c1790.

In good condition with no damage or repair.

95 mm x 37 mm. 10 grams

£345.

NOVELTY PROPELLING PENCIL CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE Sampson Mordan c1880

A rare Victorian Novelty silver Propelling Pencil modelled as a champagne bottle, with gilded top to imitate the foil and applied black and white enamelled label for 'Louis Roederer Reims - RESERVE'. With attached suspension loop.
This is an unusual design for this type of Champagne Bottle Pencil, in that the pencil is withdrawn and separated from the bottle body before being extended for use. The more usual form has the pencil propelling out of the cork end of the bottle and remaining attached as a single entity.

Stamped: S.MORDAN & Co c1880.

In very fine condition with no damage or repair and in good working order.

92mm pencil extended.49mm closed. 15 grams.

£500.

Cased set 6 MILITARY MENU HOLDERS A.Wilcox Chester 1932

A superb Cased set of 6 pre War Military silver Menu Holders depicting the Badges of The Royal Air Force, The Grenadier Guards, The Scots Guards, The Coldstream Guards, The Royal Army Medical Corps and The Royal Artillery, on circular bases with serrated borders. Complete with original cream silk and velvet lined navy blue leather case retailed by ASPREY of London.

By A.Wilcox, Chester 1932.

In superb unused condition with no damage or repair.

Each 35mm diameter 28mm high.117 grams total weight.

£750.

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.

PAIR MENU HOLDERS OWLS Sampson Mordan London 1930

A good pair of early 20th century silver Menu Holders formed as standing Owls with amber glass eyes, on plain circular bases.

By Sampson Mordan & Co, London 1930.

In good condition with no damage or repair.

Each 32mm high x 32mm diameter of bases. 42 grams total weight.

£300 pair.

CADDY SPOON BALMORAL CASTLE William Robb BALLATER 1912

A rare early 20th century Scottish Provincial silver Caddy Spoon, the lightly gilded heart shaped bowl with chased and embossed view of BALMORAL CASTLE (the Royal Family’s Scottish home), the cast handle formed from the Scottish Thistle, the Lion rampant and the Union Crown.

By William Robb of Ballater, assayed in Edinburgh 1912.

In fine condition with no damage or repair.

89mm long. 18 grams.

£420.

POINTING FINGER BOOKMARK Crisford & Norris 1906

A rare Edwardian silver Bookmark modelled as a hand with pointing index finger, fine bright-cut engraved floral scroll decoration to the cuff and lifelike engraving to the hand.

By Crisford & Norris, Birmingham 1906

In fine condition with no damage or repair.

69mm long. 8 grams.

£295.

STEPPES HILL FARM ANTIQUES

Fine Antique English Porcelain and Antique Silver