Catalog: Vintage Arts (283)

A rare silverplate cocktail recipe disk by Napier. The silverplate case holds a celluloid dial that can be rotated to show printed recipes for twenty classic cocktails. A jump bail allows the disk to be hung by a chain around a cocktail shaker or decanter. The rim is marked "Napier Pat. Pend." We've never seen this particular Napier design before.

Origin: America, ca. 1935. Condition: very good, very minor plating wear as is typical of Napier pieces. Dimensions: 2" diameter.

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 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"

An elegant Art Deco ruby glass cocktail shaker with sterling silver overlay in a grapevine pattern. The glass has a very intense ruby coloring, and the bottom has a polished pontil-a reliable sign of quality glass. Each side of the shaker is enhanced with a stylized grapevine motif worked in sterling silver overlay. The shaker is finished with a chrome-plated top.

Origin: America, ca. 1935. Condition: excellent, all original, no chips or cracks, no splits to metal. Size: 11-1/4".

A witty pair of Art Deco silverplate jiggers, the smaller (1.5 oz) decorated with a hand with one finger upraised and the larger (2.0 oz) with two fingers. The jiggers are heavy and well-made. The jiggers nest together perfectly.

Origin: America, ca. 1940. Condition: excellent, original plating completely intact. Size: 2-5/8” and 3” tall.

This wonderfully inventive Art Deco silverplate jigger measures 3/4, 1, 1-1/2 and 2 ounces. The cube joining the various cups shows measurements on one side and is stamped with the hallmark for Benedict Manufacturing Company (1894-1953) on the other. The cube is perfectly weighted so the jigger does not tip over when the upper cup is filled. This implement was created by the noted modernist designer Albert F. Saunders as a part of Benedict's "Modernistic" line. It was made in extremely small quantities and originals are very difficult to find.

• Origin: America, ca. 1930
• Condition: very good; one pinpoint ding; minimal plating wear
• Dimensions: 4-13/16” x 3-5/8”

Superb and extremely rare silverplated cocktail shaker in the "Ile de France" pattern by Meriden Britannia Plate Co. This is one of the most desirable of the high style Art Deco shakers. The ocean liner "Ile de France" was launched in 1926--not as the largest ship afloat, but intentionally as the most elegant ship in the world. This shaker was intended to celebrate that achievement and took its streamlined design elements from the ship itself. The pour spout protrudes from the side of the shaker at an angle and is strongly suggestive of the liner's angled bow. The shaker is severe in its decoration, using only stepped concentric rings to relieve the plain surfaces. The angular handle and cap are carved from strongly figured rosewood. The bottom of the shaker is marked with the pattern name and Meriden's marks.

Origin: America, 1927. Condition: excellent, extremely light surface wear to plating and a little bit of roughness are the edges of the pouring spout. Size: 9" tall.

A distinctive and very uncommon Art Deco figural jigger in the form of an English riding boot (variously called a jockey, field or paddock boot). The details of the design such as the pull straps and seams are picked out in a raised design. The jigger is silver plated and is extremely heavy for its size, indicating that its made of a high quality white bronze rather than a simple base metal. The boot's sole is marked "Made In England/Silver Plated/Approx 1-1/2 oz"

Origin: England, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, extremely minor wear to plating. Size: 3-7/16" tall; 2-3/4" toe to heel.

A terrific pair of Art Deco sterling silver tension-hinged sugar tongs or “nips” by W. & S. Sorensen. The twisted upper handles are decorated with gilt crown-shaped finials and the tong ends repeat the twisted pattern of the upper handles. The tongs could be used for sugar cubes, candies, or even olives. Hallmarked by Sorensen. The tongs are very well made and are quite heavy.

Origin: Denmark, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, all original, traces of original gilding intact. Size: 4-3/8” long. Weight: 30.5 grams.

Art Deco style sterling silver cake comb, used to serve spongy cakes such as angel food. The pattern would blend nicely with many of the Jensen designs. Marked "Web Sterling Handle."

Origin: Philadelphia, PA, 1950-65. Condition: excellent. Size: 11" long.

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 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." It was likely made by either Watson or Thomae.

• Origin: America, ca. 1935
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms
• Dimensions: 1-29/32" tall
• Weight: 36.7 grams

A classic figural sterling silver thimble jigger, the rim ornately engraved “Only A Thimble Full.” The workmanship is very good and the engraving among the nicest we’ve seen. Marked only “Sterling,” it was likely made by either Thomae or Webster.

• Origin: America, 1935
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms
• Dimensions: 1-7/8” tall
• Weight: 37.1 grams

An uncommon boxed set of twelve Art Deco sterling silver cocktail picks with red bakelite finials in the shape of maraschino cherries. The picks are presented in their original velvet and silk-lined fitted box. Each pick is marked “Sterling Silver”. It's quite rare to find a set of a dozen picks rather than the standard six.

• Origin: America, ca. 1920.
• Condition: picks are excellent; box shows expected wear for the age.
• Dimensions: picks, 3” long.
• Weight: 24.8 gr.

A classic sterling silver handled jigger by Tiffany & Co. The simplicity of the design is relieved only by the slight flare at the rim and the curve of the handle, typical of Tiffany’s Deco designs. The bottom is stamped with Tiffany marks used 1907-47.

• Origin: America, ca 1930
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms
• Dimensions: 2-1/16” tall
• Weight: 63.5 grams

A beautiful Art Deco green-cut-to-clear decanter designed by Charles Graffart for Val St. Lambert. The pyramidal shape capped by an inverted stopper is very linear and perfectly accents the austere overlay cutting pattern. The base is signed "Val St. Lambert" and the stopper is engraved with a number that matches the number inside the decanter's neck.

Origin: Belgium, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks. Size: 9-1/8" tall.

A beautiful set of six red-cut-to-clear cocktail glasses designed by Charles Graffart for Val St. Lambert. Graffart was one of the three designers chosen by Val to create their entire exhibit for the 1920 Exposition des Art Decoratifs. The austere angular cutting pattern works beautifully with the overlay.

Origin: Belgium, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks. Size: 2-3/4" tall.

NOTE: We also have a matching decanter, signed "Val St. Lambert", in green-cut-to-clear (Item #1093572). Together, they'd make a stunning Christmas decanter set!

A very nice Arts & Crafts bronze round tray with verdigris patina by Carl Sorensen. The surface is decorated in uneven concentric rings of darker and lighter green mottled patination, separated by thin bands of polished bronze. The outer edge is finished with a pair of cast handles in a pattern similar to Georg Jensen's "Blossom" design. Little is known about Sorensen other than that he worked in the Philadelphia area around 1900 and his pieces may have been retailed at Tiffany & Co. The bottom of the tray is marked "Bronze CS" and "Carl Sorensen". The handles are marked "1196".

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, fine original patina. Size: 13" diameter (15" at handles).

A set of six sterling silver coffee spoons by Asprey & Co. Each spoon has a brownish-black bakelite “coffee bean”—a decorative device popular in England during the Art Deco period. Each spoon is fully hallmarked for Asprey, 1931. The spoons are presented in their original silk- and velvet-lined fitted box, the lid of which is imprinted “Asprey/166 Bond St/London”.

• Origin: England, 1931.
• Dimensions: spoons, 3 7/8" long.
• Weight: 43.0 grams.
• Condition: excellent, all original, no monograms; case is like new.

A sterling silver wine funnel in a classic Georgian design by the luxury English silversmith Asprey & Co. The upper rim is simply decorated in a beaded pattern. The strainer bottom is pierced in a starburst design. The piercing will strain out the larger sediments, and the funnel opens so a piece of muslin or a screen can be inserted to filter even the smallest sediments during decanting. The funnel is fully hallmarked by Asprey and bears the date letter for 1984.

Origin: England, 1984. Condition: excellent, no dings, no monograms. Dimensions: 3-7/16" diameter; 4-3/4" tall. Weight: 104.8 gr.

A fine silver tastevin inset with a 1772 silver 8 reales coin from the reign of Carlos III. The deeply-curved sides of the tastevin are decorated in a characteristically Spanish baroque style with ornate chasing and engraving. The handle is in the form of a curled dragon-like creature.

Though they were fashionable in France in the 19th century, coin tastevins only became stylish in Spain around 1950. Generally, they were made by high-end silversmiths as custom orders by clients who provided their own antique coins. In this case, the coin is an 8 reales (known colloquially as a "piece of eight") minted in Mexico City for use in the Spanish colonies and in Spain itself. The tastevin was made by the silversmith Manuel Garrido and bears the retailer's mark of Bagués, Spain's most luxurious jeweler.

Origin: Spain, ca. 1950. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: 3-1/8" diameter (excluding handle). Weight: 76.9 gr.

Lovely white overlay glass lamp base with enameled floral decoration. Gilding accents the edges of the cut facets. The opaque white overlay is beautifully decorated with swags of roses. The top of the lamp is finished with a nicely engraved collar that connects to the electrical hardware. The lamp has been fairly recently rewired.

Origin: Bohemia, circa 1910. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks. Size: 10-1/4” tall (not including electrical socket); 5-13/16” diameter at base.

A set of six Art Deco sterling silver rooster cocktail picks by Albert Sydenham, presented in their original fitted box. The roosters are particularly finely detailed and are more three-dimensional than is usual in picks of this type. The interior of the faux-python box is stamped "JC Vickery", a luxury goods dealer that held warrants from most of the English royal family, as well as the Crowns of Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Norway & Sweden. Each pick is fully hallmarked and bears the date letter for 1927.

Origin: Birmingham, England, 1927. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: 3-3/16" long. Weight: 12.7 gr.

A delightful and very rare set of 12 sterling silver cocktail picks with gilt Devil’s head finials presented in their original fitted box. The snarling devils come complete with horns! The picks are presented in their original velvet- and silk-lined fitted case. This is only the second set of Devil picks we’ve managed to find in over 20 years of dealing in vintage barware. Each is hallmarked by William Hutton & Sons, Ltd and has Birmingham date marks for 1928.

• Origin: Birmingham, England, 1928
• Condition: excellent, no bends, gilding completely intact, interior of case shows light wear
• Dimensions: picks, 3-5/16” long
• Weight: 53.8 grams

A good bronze footed trumpet vase by Carl Sorensen. The surface is patinated in a dark mottled green and is enhanced with parallel engraved lines forming bands decorated in a darker green patination. The small foot makes this one of Sorensen's more unusual vase designs. Sorensen made a variety of decorative metalwares, but little is known about him. He worked in Pennsylvania, and his pieces were possibly sold by Roycroft and Tiffany. The base is signed "Carl Sorensen" and also has his hallmark.

Origin: America, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, a slightly flattened area along the upper rim is just barely visible when seen from the right angle. Size: 6-1/2" tall.

A nice bronze trumpet vase by Carl Sorensen. The surface is patinated in a mottled green, and the lower part of the vase is enhanced with parallel bands of various widths. A matching band appears around the outer top rim. Sorensen made a variety of decorative metalwares, but little is known about him. He worked in Pennsylvania, and his pieces were possibly sold by Roycroft and Tiffany. The base is signed “Carl Sorensen” and also has his hallmark.

Origin: America, ca. 1930. Condition: very good, patination is excellent, there is a slightly flattened area along the upper rim visible when viewed from just the right angle. Size: 5-7/16” tall.

A lovely set of Cartier silverplated cocktail picks, buffet markers and champagne whisks, presented in their original fitted and embossed case. The finial of each pick is pierced with “Shou” the Chinese symbol for “longevity.” The double-sided finials allow the picks to double as buffet markers, by inserting a small card to identify cheese, charcuterie or finger sandwich selections presented on a cocktail buffet table. And finally, the piercing of the finials allows the picks to be used to aerate a glass of champagne to keep the bubbles flowing. The picks are presented in their original fitted box, the silk interior lid stamped with Cartier’s Paris/London/New York mark. The bottom of the box is stamped “Cartier Ltd,” indicating the picks were designed and sold in London. Each pick is stamped with a serial number.

Origin: England, ca. 1920. Condition: picks are excellent; the box has wear consistent with age, as well as an old auction or retail label on the top cover. Dimensions: picks 3” long.

A handsome sterling silver rollover jigger by Cartier. The jigger's two arms rest across the top of a glass or cocktail shaker. After filling, it's simply flipped over the empty the contents without making a mess. The bottom is marked "Cartier Sterling", indicating it would have been sold at Cartier's flagship New York store.

• Origin: America, ca. 1940
• Condition: excellent, no dings
• Dimensions: 5-13/16" wide
• Weight: 47.8 grams

A sterling silver vermouth dispenser in the form of a watering can by Cartier. When tipped, the dispenser lightly sprinkles a drip or two of vermouth into the glass for the perfect martini. The bottom is marked “Sterling” and is signed “Cartier”. These watering cans were made for Cartier’s New York store.

Origin: America, ca. 1950. Condition: very good, two tiny dings barely noticeable in raking light. Size: 3” tall. Weight: 52.0 gr.

A sterling silver vermouth dispenser in the form of a watering can by Cartier. When tipped, the dispenses sprinkles a drip or two of vermouth into the glass for the perfect martini. The bottom is marked “Cartier Sterling.” These cans were made specifically for Cartier’s New York store.

Origin: America, ca. 1950. Condition: very good, a very minor ding on the bottom rim and on the spill guard at the top. Dimensions: 3” tall. Weight: 51.2 gr.

A sterling silver vermouth dispenser in the form of a watering can by Cartier. When tipped, the dispenser lightly sprinkles a drip or two of vermouth into the glass for the perfect martini. The bottom is marked “Sterling” and is signed “Cartier”. These watering cans were made for Cartier’s New York store.

• Origin: America, ca. 1950
• Condition: very good, a few tiny dings visible only in raking light
• Dimensions: 3” tall
• Weight: 52.0 grams

A witty sterling silver vermouth dispenser in the form of a watering can by Cartier. When tipped, the dispenser lightly sprinkles just a drip of vermouth into the glass for the perfect martini. The bottom is marked "Sterling" and is signed "Cartier".

Origin: France, ca. 1955. Condition: excellent. Size: 3" tall. Weight: 49.1 gr.

A sterling silver vermouth dispenser in the form of a watering can by Cartier. When tipped, the dispenser lightly sprinkles just a drip of vermouth into the glass for the perfect martini. The bottom is marked “Sterling” and is signed “Cartier”. These watering cans were made for Cartier’s New York flagship store.

Origin: America, ca. 1955. Condition: excellent. Size: 3” tall. Weight: 48.8 grams.

Cast iron boot scrape in the form of a Scottie in its original blue paint. The two long spikes that hold the boot scrape in the ground are marked "Copyrighted 1927 By Household Patent Co. Morristown, PA." The company made a variety of metal products such as weather vanes and boot scrapes. Excellent condition; about 5% paint loss; the back side has remnants of old fabric-based adhesive tape that could be removed. 10" wide; 15.5" tall.

A superb lampwork pansy and snake paperweight by Charles Kaziun, Jr. The design features two of Kaziun's most iconic design elements from the 1950s and 60s. The pansy is a beautiful indigo color with lampwork upper petals and millefiore cane lower petals. The snake is worked in orange and yellow stripes with a black head and bulging yellow eyes. The whole is set against an uncommon sulfur-yellow jasper ground and is finished with a 6/1 faceted design. A gold foil bee, serving as Kaziun's signature, appears on one of the pansy's leaves. A gold foil "K" appears underneath the ground.

Origin: America, ca. 1955. Condition: excellent, no chips or scratches. Dimensions: 2-5/8" diameter.

A classic sterling silver double jigger, the stem enhanced with incised lines. The jigger is marked "Sterling".

• Origin: America, ca. 1960
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms
• Dimensions: 3-5/16" tall
• Weight 55.2 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

A heavy pewter jigger in the form of a shotgun shell by Conoy’s of London. The side is marked off in increments, and the head and rim and finished in brass. The side is engraved “Big Shot.” Conoy’s started as a luxury pipe maker and eventually expanded their range to include canes, flasks, and other gentlemen’s accessories.

• Origin: England, ca. 1950
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 3-1/8” tall
• Total Capacity: just less than 4 ounces

Tole painted tin spill vase in the form of a birch tree surrounded by a farmyard scene of a rooster and hen.

Origin: probably Germany, possibly France, ca. 1930. Dimensions: 7-1/4" high. Condition: typical isolated paint loss near upper edge and near leaves.

A lovely Art Deco cameo glass perfume bottle with rare amethyst glass casing in "Design No 8039" by Cristalleries de Nancy. The design features sprays of stylized poppies against a frosted background. The cameo design is accented with cut details at the shoulder and at the top of the hollow-blown stopper. The base is acid-stamped “Cristal Nancy France.” This design was made in several different overlay colors including green, cobalt blue and ruby, but amethyst appears to be the rarest. The design was probably created by Auguste Houillon, the company's artistic director.

Cristalleries de Nancy was established in 1921 and after winning the gold medal at the 1925 Art Deco Exhibition in Paris, it became the primary challenger to Daum during the Art Deco era. Luxury perfume bottles and dresser accessories were the company’s specialty. The firm closed in 1934.

Origin: France, 1921-34. Condition: excellent; no chips or cracks to the bottle; a small moon on the bottom edge of the stopper. Dimensions: 6” tall.

A beautiful Art Deco green overlay cut crystal perfume bottle in Design "7623" by Cristalleries de Nancy. The bottle is cut in alternating pillars accented with stars and printies. The hollow-blown stopper is cut to match, with a large start at the apex. The base is stamped with the acid signature "Cristal Nancy France." This particular pattern is more often seen in cranberry overlay and in a round shape rather than square. The pattern was likely designed by Auguste Houillon, the company's artistic director.

Cristalleries de Nancy was established in 1921 and after winning the gold medal at the 1925 Art Deco Exhibition in Paris, it became the primary challenger to Daum during the Art Deco period. Luxury perfume bottles and dresser accessories were the company's specialty. The company closed in 1934.

Origin: France, 1921-34. Condition: excellent, no damage to bottle, the stopper has a small moon below the surface at the very bottom of the stopper. Dimensions: 2-5/8" x 2-5/8" x 5".

No stylish modernist home bar is complete without this iconic early 1950’s sterling silver rollover jigger designed by Eigil Jensen for the renowned Danish silversmith Anton Michelsen. The linear design complements a wide range of contemporary and classic barware, and the heavy weight will resist dings. The 1.5-ounce jigger is intended to rest on the top rim of a glass or cocktail shaker, then filled and tipped over without spilling. The bottom is stamped with an earlier Michelsen hallmark, Danish silver marks, and Jensen’s designer mark.

• Origin: Denmark, ca. 1950.
• Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms.
• Dimensions: 4-7/8” (l); 1-5/8” (w); 1” (h).
• Weight: 52.8 grams.

A rare, complete set of Art Deco sterling silver demitasse spoons in the "Zodiac" pattern by Tiffany & Co. presented in their original fitted case. The finial of each spoon features a streamlined illustration of a zodiac sign. The bowls are parcel gilt. The back of the spoons are stamped with the Tiffany hallmark used 1907-1947, and are also marked with the patent date 1926. These spoons were made for only a short duration and complete sets are quite difficult to find. The inside of the original case is stamped "Tiffany & Co. New-York Paris London".

Origin: America, ca. 1926. Condition: spoons are mint condition, the outside of the box shows considerable wear to the silk covering. Size: 4-1/8" long. Weight: 162.0 grams.

Very fine sterling silver trumpet vase with a ruby glass liner. The vase's body is intricately pierced in an acanthus leaf motif to show the rich red liner. The undulating flared rim lends a slight Art Nouveau feeling to the overall look. The base is marked for the Watson Co.

Origin: America, 1905-29. Condition: excellent, all original, no damage to glass; there are a couple of small dings to the underside of the flared lip (easier to feel with the fingertips than to see). Size: 10-1/8" tall. Weight: 261.0 grams (silver only).

Two sets of English Art Deco sterling silver cocktail picks, the finials in the form of brightly enameled roosters. Each pick has unusual double tines that firmly hold olives, cherries, etc., and a hook on the back side that can rest on the edge of tall glass to keep them from sinking to the bottom. Each is hallmarked the silversmith Adolph Scott ("Amnora") and with the datemark for Birmingham, 1929. The picks are presented in their original fitted boxes.

• Origin: England, 1929
• Condition: excellent, no enamel damage, one pick missing, typical wear to fitted boxes
• Dimensions: 3-3/8" long
• Weight: 28.3 grams

An elegant set of six sterling silver demitasse spoons by English silversmith William Suckling, Ltd. The handles are simply decorated with an acanthus bud. The bowls are slightly broader and more balloon-shaped than the typical demitasse spoon, so they could easily be used for delicate desserts. The set is presented in its original velvet- and silk-lined fitted case. Each spoon is fully hallmarked for the maker and for the year 1945. A set such as this must have quite the rare luxury in the final year of World War II.

• Origin: London, 1945.
• Dimensions: spoons, 3 13/16" long.
• Weight: 58.2 grams.
• Condition: both the spoons and case appear to be unused.

A lovely set of mid-century enameled sterling silver coffee spoons by Henry Clifford Davis. Davis focused mostly on smaller objects, often enhanced with enamel. The spoons have unusual melon-ribbed bowls and elegant translucent guilloche enamel handles with an engraved Greek key-type design. Each is fully stamped with Davis' hallmarks and the date letter for 1950. The set is presented in its original fitted box, the lid marked by Finnigans of Bond Street, one of the first luxury goods stores in London.

• Origin: Birmingham, England, 1950.
• Condition: excellent; no enamel damage; box is also excellent.
• Dimensions: 3-7/8" long.
• Weight: 65.9 grams.

A heavy sterling silver figural bar jigger in the form of a thimble. The jigger is ornately engraved to suggest the texture of a real thimble and the side is engraved "Just A Thimbleful." The interior is gilt. The underneath is monogrammed "W". The jigger bears the hallmark for S.J. Rose & Son and the date mark for 1969.

• Origin: Birmingham, England, 1969.
• Condition: excellent; no dings; gilding intact.
• Dimensions: 2-3/16" tall.
• Weight: 44.6 grams.

A fine, colorful boxed set of six sterling silver coffee or demitasse spoons with gilt and guilloche enamel decoration by the Birmingham silversmith, Turner & Simpson. The delicate shades of the guilloche enamel are accented with white champlevé enamel. Turner & Simpson sold sets such as this through luxury jewelers such as Garrard and Asprey in London. Each spoon is fully hallmarked by the maker. The set is presented in its original fitted box.

Origin: Birmingham, England, 1956. Condition: excellent, no enamel damage; box has very minor wear consistent with age. Dimensions: 3” long. Weight: 42.6 gr.

A very good 19th century French silver tastevin (wine taster). This example is the in Burgundian style with repousse and engraved grape and leaf decoration around the bowl, rather than the more typical “perles” and fluted “godrons.” The handle, however, is in the classic style of two snakes grasping an apple symbolizing the Garden of Eden and the temptations of wine.The handle and the side of bowl are stamped with French 1st standard silver marks (950/1000 pure silver) and an unidentified maker’s mark.

• Origin: France, probably Burgundy, ca 1890
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 3-5/16” x 4-1/2” x 1-1/8”
• Weight: 125.0 grams

A nice Art Deco cocktail pick set formed as a dark red bakelite cherry atop a rosewood base holding six bright red bakelite cherry-finial picks. The cocktail pick holder (“porte-piques”) was once a fixture of every French bar or café, as well as private bars in the home. Today, they can be used for their original purpose or to serve small hors d’oeuvres.

• Origin: France, ca. 1930
• Condition: excellent, minor wear to the finish along the lower edge of one side of the base
• Dimensions: 2-5/8” x 2-5/8” x 4”

A fun Art Deco cocktail pick set designed as a large green and white bakelite dice holding a set of six chrome picks, each with a dice finial. The bottom of the holder is marked “GB Modèle Déposé.”

Origin: France, ca. 1925. Condition: excellent. Size: holder, 2” x 2” x 2”; picks, 3-1/2” long.

A colorful green and white bakelite die holds a set of six chrome and bakelite dice picks in this Art Deco set. The cocktail pick holder (“porte-piques”) was once a fixture of every French bar or café. Today they can be used to spear cocktail olives, cherries or onions, or to serve small hors d’oeuvres.

• Origin: France, ca. 1930
• Condition: very good, the white pick is likely an early replacement
• Dimensions: 1-3/8” x 1-3/8” x 4"

A colorful orange and white bakelite dice holds a set of six chrome cocktail picks, each with a dice finial in this Art Deco set. The cocktail pick holder (“porte-piques”) was once a fixture of every French bar or café. Today, they can be used to spear cocktail olive or cherries, or to serve small hors d’oeuvres.

• Origin: France, ca. 1930
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” x 3-3/4”

A French Art Deco cocktail pick set in the form of a large chrome snail on a mahogany base. The design is by the famed French Art Deco children’s books illustrator Benjamin Rabier, who had a side job designing entertaining barware. The twelve picks have red bakelite finials that resemble cherries. Cocktail pick holders (“porte-piques”) were once a fixture of every Parisian bar and café. Today, they are used in home bars to spear olives, cherries or onions in a cocktail, or so serve small hors d’eouvres.

• Origin: France, ca. 1930
• Condition: excellent, no chrome loss, a tiny bit of scuffing on the wood finish
• Dimensions: 4-7/8” x 2-1/2” x 4-1/2”

An unusual French Art Deco cocktail pick set featuring a stylized snail carved from beautifully-grained macassar ebony. The snail has a very unusual streamline aerodynamic appearance and colorful phenolic ornaments on the antennae. The set is completed with an ebony and bakelite "basket" holding chrome cocktail picks with multicolored phenolic heads.

• Origin: France, ca. 1935.
• Condition: excellent, all original.
• Dimensions: 6" x 2-1/4" x 3-3/4" high.

A very uncommon French Art Deco cocktail pick set in the form of a fisherman navigating his boat. A dozen picks, each topped with a red bakelite ball form oars along the sides of the boat. The whole is attached to the original wooden base.

Origin: France, ca 1925. Condition: excellent; very minor spotting to the plating on the interior of the boat. Dimensions: 8" long.

A French Art Deco cocktail pick set in the form of Gideon the duck and his snail friend worked in chrome on a mahogany base. The design is by the famed French Art Deco illustrator Benjamin Rabier, who created a comic strip called "The Adventures of Gideon" in 1923. It was immensely popular and Rabier was commissioned to make a range of entertaining barware. Few of Rabier's designs were signed, but this example is signed with his full name. The twelve picks have red bakelite finials. Cocktail pick holders ("porte-piques") were once a fixture of every French bar and café. Today, they can be use to spear olives of cherries in a cocktail, or to serve small hors d'oeuvres.

• Origin: France, ca. 1930.
• Dimensions: 5 7/16" x 3" x 4 1/2".
• Condition: very good; a small area of wear to chrome in the folds of the tail feathers and another smaller spot on the underside of the tail; normal age-appropriate wear to the wooden base.

A French Art Deco cocktail pick set in the form of a chrome lyre with red bakelite-topped cocktail picks forming the instrument’s strings. The whole is set on a mahogany 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: excellent.
• Dimensions: 4-3/8” x 1-9/16” x 5”.

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.