Catalog (2428)

A French Art Deco arched chrome cocktail pick holder with a dozen picks with colorful bakelite finials. The holder is French, but the picks (probably early replacements) are marked “Made in England.” This simple design is somewhat easier to use than some of the other figural pick holders. Cocktail pick holders (“porte-piques”) was once a fixture of every French bar or café. Today, they can be used to spear cocktail olives or cherries, or to serve small hors d’oeuvres.

• Origin: France and England, ca 1930
• Dimensions: 5-1/4” long x 1-1/2” deep x 3” high.

A classic figural sterling silver thimble jigger by Thomae & Co. The rim is engraved "Only A Thimble Full." The interior retains some of its original gilding. Several companies made variations of this jigger, but those by Thomae are among the best due to their superior weight and workmanship.

Origin: America, ca. 1935. Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms. Size: 2" tall. Weight: 36.3 grams.

Intensely colored amethyst glass inkwell finished with a gilt brass collar. The severe cubic form is relieved by canted, curved corners. The base is acid-stamped "Made In Czecho-Slovakia", indicating a date between the World Wars.

Origin: Czechoslovakia, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, all original, no chips or cracks. Size: 2" x 2" x 2".

A classic figural sterling silver thimble jigger by Thomae & Co. The rim is engraved "Only A Thimble Full." The interior retains its original gilding. Several companies made variations of this jigger, but those by Thomae are among the best due to their superior weight and workmanship. This particular example is several grams heavier than most Thomae thimbles.

Origin: America, ca. 1935. Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms. Size: 1-15/16" tall. Weight: 45.8 grams.

A classic figural sterling silver thimble jigger by Thomae & Co. The rim is engraved "Only A Thimble Full." The interior retains its original gilding. Several companies made variationss of this jigger, but those by Thomae are among the best because of their superior weight and workmanship.

Origin: America, ca. 1935. Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms. Dimensions: 1-31/32" tall. Weight: 38.4 gr.

A classic figural sterling silver thimble jigger, the rim engraved "Only A Thimble Full". The workmanship of this jigger is very good and the engraving is among the nicest we've seen. Marked "Sterling."

Origin: America, ca. 1935. Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms. Dimensions: 1-29/32". Weight: 34.4 gr.

A classic silverplated single-serving cocktail shaker by Napier in 1934 specifically to be sold at Saks Fifth Avenue. The shakers were made in two variations, one with a dial on the top indicating the type of cocktail within and this version, with the profile of a rooster on the lid. The shaker has a built-in strainer and pouring spout. When removed, the lid becomes a footed cocktail glass. The bottom of the shaker is stamped "Napier Pat. Pend."

• Origin: America, ca. 1934.
• Dimensions: 6 1/2" tall.
• Condition: very good; light wear to plating as is typical of all Napier silverplated items; a pinpoint and a 1/4" ding to the side of the cap/cup.

A delightful and very rare Victorian pin depicting a woman's "safety bicycle". With a chain drive connected to the back wheels and structural supports that left room for petticoats, these bicycles gave women unexpected freedom. Susan B. Anthony claimed that bicycling "had done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world." This pin is worked in silver gilt and set with rose cut Bohemian garnets. The detailing is very nice. The back of the pin retains its original clasp and extended pinstem.

Ca. 1890. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: 1-5/16" x 13/16". Weight: 2.9 gr.

A vintage sterling silver figural jigger by Alvin, the sides marked off with enameled stoplights in green, yellow and red. Each light is accompanied by the words “Go,” “Caution” and “Stop.” The bottom is hallmarked by Alvin.

Origin: America, ca. 1960. Condition: excellent; no dings, monograms or enamel loss. Dimensions: 2-1/2” tall. Weight: 35.4 gr.

A very nice blue and white Chinese export porcelain plate in the Fitzhugh pattern. The central reserve is surrounded by a complimentary design in the four quadrants, all enclosed in a diapered border. The blue color is very intense and the porcelain body has a good, clear white color. The execution of the painted design suggests that the plate dates from the first quarter of the 19th century.

Origin: China, ca. 1810. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks. Size: 8-5/16” diameter.

A silver jigger decorated with a raised ocean liner pennant enameled in the colors of the Norwegian-American Lines and engraved with the name of the passenger liner SS Stavangerfjord. The ship was commissioned in 1917 and sailed until 1963. In 1964, it was anchored in Tokyo Bay for use a hotel during the Tokyo Olympics. This jigger is engraved "Olympiske Leker", indicating that it comes from the short time the liner was used during the games. The bottom is marked "S830".

Origin: Norway, 1964. Condition: excellent, no enamel damage, no dings, no monograms. Dimensions: 2-1/16" tall. Weight: 15.6 gr.

An elegant Art Nouveau silver brooch depicting a maiden smelling a rose. She is surrounded in a bower of climbing roses and enclosed in a frame of whiplash curves typical of French Art Nouveau. The clasp is marked for silver and bears the maker's mark of Fernand Boursot, who opened shop in Paris in 1894. THe brooch could be converted to a pendant with the addition of a bail at the top or a pair of bails and a split chain at the upper corners.

• France, ca 1895.
• Excellent condition; sharp detail.
• 1" x 15/16".
• 5.1 grams.

A French Art Deco cocktail pick set in the form a wishing well. A water bucket hangs from the winch and six red bakelite-topped cocktail picks are stored in the well itself. The The whole is set on a Macassar ebony base. Sets such as this were used on bar and café counters to serve cocktail garnishes, canapés or even escargot.

• Origin: France, ca. 1930.
• Condition: good; typical wear to bakelite spheres; no rust; one metal stem seems to have been cut off just above the bakelite "cherr".
• Dimensions: 5-3/4” tall.

A classic sterling silver double jigger by Reed & Barton. Unlike most double jiggers, this style has the two bell-shaped measures joined directly at the middle rather than having a spacer, creating a more compact shape. The inside of one cup is hallmarked by Reed & Barton.

• Origin: America, ca. 1955
• Condition: excellent, no monograms or dings
• Dimensions: 3-1/4” tall
• Weight: 45.5 grams

A nice silver pendant depicting the solar system and the attributes of the sign Scorpio—a scorpion a depiction of the god Mars representing the planet that rules those born into Scorpio. The pendant is signed “AC” and is stamped with French silver hallmarks.

• Origin: France, ca. 1970
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 15/16” x 1-3/8”
• Weight: 8.6 grams

A nice 1950's 14K yellow gold tie bar set with rectangular step-cut synthetic rubies. The tie bar is quite short, dating it to the mid-century period when ties were very narrow. Narrow ties are once again in fashion, so this is still the perfect gentleman's accessory. Marked "14K".

Origin: America, ca. 1955. Excellent condition. Size: 1-1/4" long. Weight: 3.4 grams.

A very nice gilt brass box presented to British soldiers and sailors fighting in World War I. Princess Mary raised funds to provide these tins filled with various combinations of chocolate, notepaper, a bullet-shaped pencil, cigarettes, spices (for Indian troops), etc. Every person serving in the British forces on Christmas Day 1914 eventually received a box, although they were still filling orders in 1916 and those who were prisoners did not receive their boxes until after the end of the war in 1918. The lid is embossed with an image of Princess Mary (daughter of King George V and Queen Mary), the names of the Allied nations and various other images such as laurel wreaths, swords and flags.

Origin: England, 1914. Condition: extremely good, original gilding nearly completely intact. Size: 5-1/8” x 3-3/8” x 1-1/4”.

Vintage sterling silver figural jigger in the form of a jigger by Towle. The rim is engraved “Just a thimbleful.” Thimble jiggers became popular in the late Victorian era and remained so through the mid-20th century. The base is hallmarked by Towle.

• Origin: America, ca. 1960
• Condition: very good, a pinpoint ding on the side, just above the letter “s”
• Dimension: 2” tall
• Weight: 34.0 grams

Vintage sterling silver figural jigger in the form of a thimble. The rim is engraved "Just a thimblefull." These first became popular during the late Victorian era and remained so through the mid-20th century. This example is hallmarked by Towle.

Origin: America, ca. 1960. Condition: excellent. Size: 2" tall. Weight: 28.2 grams.

Very nice dark blue Staffordshire transferware plate in the “Bear” pattern from the “Quadruped” series by Hall. The plate depicts a river otter catching a salmon in the central reserve, surrounded by shield-shaped reserves depicting (from top going clockwise) a hedgehog and a mole, a pair of rabbits, a seal, and a civet and genet. All of the animals are based on illustrations by Caesar Ibbetson that appeared in John Church’s 1805 “A Cabinet of Quadrupeds.” The back is stamped “I Hall Quadrupeds”.

Origin: England, 1814-32. Condition: very good, a shallow 3/8” glaze nick to the rim at the 2 o’clock position. Dimensions: 8-3/7” diameter.

An outstanding vintage hard plastic Halloween candy container in the form of a jack o'lantern scarecrow on wheels by Rosbro. This particular item is almost always found with the little top piece broken off. The colors are all very bright.

• Origin: America, ca. 1955
• Dimensions: 5-3/4" tall
• Conditions: excellent, completely intact, no cracks

A nice sterling rollover jigger by Towle. The jigger is intended to rest over the opening of a cocktail shaker or glass and then be tipped over neatly to pour the contents directly into the vessel. Marked by Towle.

Origin: America, ca. 1960. Condition: excellent, no dings. Dimensions: 2" high; 6" wide. Weight: 33.1 grams.

A classic mid-century double-jigger in the form two inverted cones, one measuring 1oz and the other 1.5 oz. Marked “Sterling.”

• Origin: America, ca 1960
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms
• Dimensions: 3 11/16” tall
• Weight: 30.7 grams

A classic bell-shaped sterling silver double jigger. The bell shape and rolled edges of the cups are reminiscent of “Revere” bowls that were in turn based on Colonial designs by Paul Revere. Stamped “Sterling.”

• Origin: America, ca 1950
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms
• Height: 3-7/8”
• Weight: 46.4 grams

An interesting silver pendant depicting the solar system and the attributes of the sign Leo—a lion and a depiction of the sun representing the heavenly body that rules those born into Leo. The pendant is signed “AC” and is stamped with French silver hallmarks.

• Origin: France, ca. 1970
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 3/4” x 1-1/4”
• Weight: 5.2 grams

Hand wrought sterling silver pickle fork in the classic "Granada" pattern by Old Newbury Crafters. This is among the most sought after makers of fine American silver. Every piece is made entirely by hand. The spoon surface is highlighted with a slight hammered finish. The reverse is marked "Hand Wrought ONC Sterling". The reverse also bears the mark for the artisan who made the piece, Roger R. Rowell.

Silver from Old Newbury Crafters is the service at Blair House, the official U.S. residence of visiting heads of state.

Excellent condition; no monogram. 6-5/8" long.

A classic pair of Art Deco 10K yellow gold cufflinks, the oval faces simply decorated with engraved parallel lines behind a diamond-shaped reserve for a monogram (never used). The connectors have an unidentified maker’s mark and are stamped “10K”.

Origin: America, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, no monogram. Dimensions: 11/16” x 15/32”. Weight: 3.5 grams.

A silver jigger engraved with the pennant of the Norwegian-American Lines and the name of the passenger liner SS Stavangerfjord. The ship was commissioned in 1917 and sailed until 1963. In 1964, it was anchored in Tokyo Bay for use a hotel during the Tokyo Olympics. This jigger is engraved "Olympiske Leker", indicating that it comes from the short time the liner was used during the games. The bottom is marked "S830". Origin: Norway, 1964. Condition: excellent, two tiny dings on the bottom edge (only visible from the bottom). Dimensions: 1-13/16" tall. Weight: 13.0 gr.

A witty cocktail pick holder in the form of a marching drum. The drum is made of aluminum and is finished with a sort of rubberized coating and real string to mimic the rope ties on an old-fashioned drum. The ten picks have colorful ball finials.

Origin: France, ca. 1950. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: 3-7/8" tall.

A sweet sterling silver baby ring and teething rattle. The central silver piece shows Peter Rabbit sitting in a high chair enjoying a bowl of porridge. The back side can be engraved with the baby's name. The rattle is suspended in a lucite faux mother-of-pearl teething ring. These rattles are very difficult to find with no monograms or other engraving. Peter Rabbit rattles are among the most uncommon designs by Webster. Origin: America, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, no engraving or removals. Dimensions: 2-7/16" diameter.

An elegant gilt sterling silver oval brooch by Kirk in the "Repousse" pattern. Kirk made a range of jewelry in this pattern but only a few were then gilt. With the addition of a bail to the back, this pin would make a very striking vertical pendant. The back is stamped with Kirk's hallmark from the 1932-61 period.

Origin: America, ca 1950. Condition: excellent, no wear to gilding. Dimensions: 2-7/16" x 15/16". Weight: 18.5 grams.

A vintage Austrian silver stopper for a wine bottle or decanter, the finial constructed from a coin known as the “Maria Theresa Thaler”. These coins were first minted during the reign of the Empress Maria Theresa, mother of Marie Antoinette. The front depicts Maria Theresa and the back features the imperial Hapsburg double eagle arms. The abbreviated Latin inscription reflects her full title, “Maria Theresa, by grace of God, Empress of the Romans, Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, Archduchess of Austria, Duchess of Burgundy, Countess of Tyrol” and includes her personal motto, “Justice and Clemency.” When the Empress died in 1780, the date on the coin was fixed in perpetuity. The coin had a very reliable silver content and became one of the most accepted coins for international trade—especially in the Middle East, Africa and parts of Asia. It ceased to be used as legal tender in the Austrian empire in 1857, but continued to be minted for international trading purposes. The coin used for this stopper has characteristics usually associated with early 20th century examples, and the hallmark on the stopper’s collar is that used in Vienna after 1922.

Origin: Austria, ca. 1930.

Condition: excellent, sharp detail, all original;

Note that the cork is too wide to fit a wine bottle, but could be shaved down to fit.

Size: 2-1/4” from bottom edge of silver collar to the top of the coin; 1-5/8” wide across the coin.

Weight: 45.0 grams.

A boxed set of six pewter decanter labels or bottle tags for Scotch, bourbon, gin, vodka, brandy and sherry by Stieff for Historic Newport. Newport, RI was one of the most important pewter-making cities of Colonial America, and these tags are made according the 18th century models.

• Origin: America, ca. 1976.
• Condition: tags are excellent; box shows significant wear.
• Dimensions: tags, 2-5/8 x 1-1/4" (excluding chains).

Large sterling silver berry spoon in Blackinton's 1900 "Nautilus" pattern. The handle is elegantly decorated with scrolls and shells, and nicely complements the lobed bowl. The reverse is marked with Blackinton's hallmark.

Origin: America, circa 1900. Condition: excellent, no monogram. Size: 8-1/2" long.

A pretty Victorian sterling silver berry or preserves spoon in Towle’s 1887 “Clover” pattern. Both the handle and bowl are decorated with bright-cut engraving of clover flowers and foliage. The bowl has a scalloped upper border, repoussed lobes, and matte gilding. The back is marked with Towle’s hallmark and the patent date.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, original gilding, no monogram, no dings. Size: 7-1/8” long. Weight: 48.5 grams.

A brilliant red transparent lucite jewelry box or dresser box, the hinged lid inset with a sterling silver medallion illustrating a pair of lovebirds. The interior of the lid has a small round mirror. The medallion is stamped "Sterling" and has a design patent number registered in 1945.

• Origin: America, ca. 1945
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 4-3/4" x 3-15/16" x 1-3/4"