Catalog: Antiques: Decorative Art: Metals (92)

Fine Art Nouveau silver jardiniere with Art Nouveau maidens representing the arts. One strokes a lyre while the other holds a painter's brush and palette. Reticulated flowers and interlacing vines complete the design along with naturalistic openwork handles. A cut-crystal liner rests within. Stamped marks for the Martin Mayer workshop of Mainz, Germany along with 835 Fine Silver marks, circa 1900. Artists commissioned by Mayer include Peter Behrens and Hans Christiansen. 3 7/8" H., 5" W., 11" L.

Lovely Victorian heart-form snuff or trinket box. The sterling silver box has repousse florals and scrolling elements upon its sides and removable top. An undulating, crimp edge completes the romanticized heart design. Hallmarks: William Comyns, London 1888. 1 5/8" W., 1 7/8" D., 1 3/8" H.

Lovely, undulating Art Nouveau brass photo frame. The fluid design has interlacing strapwork as well as curved elements. An unusual example, European circa 1900. 7 1/4" W., 9 1/2" H; 4" W., 6 1/2" H. photo

Art Nouveau brass box with bronze patina has a central maiden's face in high relief upon the hinged top. Interlacing foliates in relief complete the cover design. Heart-shape foliates enhance the sides. Wooden lining. Made in France circa 1905. 2 3/4" H., 6 1/4" W., 9 3/4" L.

Stunning Secession design. The body of the copper wine or Champagne cooler is hammered. The brass top with its openwork patterns has Secession florette, as well as geometric forms. Energetic flanking brass handles have a central bead element. Made in Germany circa 1905. 9 3/4" H., 11" W.

Sweeping handles flank the bold Art Nouveau wine or Champagne cooler. Interlacing stylized Jugendstil foliates in relief exuberantly adorn front and back. Made by the Gerhardi workshop in Germany circa 1900. 9 3/8" H., 12" W. to handle

Superb quality and beautifully presented. Arts & Crafts English sterling silver tyg tri-handle tots or shot glasses. Each are fully hallmarked for J & W Deakin of Sheffield, 1911. In addition, each bears marks beneath for prominent retailer Cooke & Kelvey of Calcutta. The establishment founded by Thomas Cooke & Robert Kelvey in the Victorian era, offered finest quality silver and jewels to Royals and Nobility of the era. Fitted in original silk and velvet lined case. 2" H. 1 1/4" W., 1 3/4" W. to handles each.

Open flower heads adorn the Art Nouveau frame with its robust scrolling elements. The elegant wave-form frame is completed by a vacant asymmetrical cartouche upon its top. Hallmarks: Henry Matthews, Birmingham 1898.  5 3/4" W., 8 1/4" H.; 3 3/4" W., 5 1/2" H. photo  

Superb example for the collector of golf related items. The sterling silver spoon has a golfer attired in traditional, period knickers and a cap. He is poised to putt a golf ball upon the naturalistic turf beneath him. Remarkable, minute crisp detail to the face and the attire. Hallmarks: Levi & Salaman, Birmingham 1911. 5" L.

Detailed hand chased foliates surround the naturalistic design. Green agate is inset in the form of top and side fronds of the thistle. A bottom striker and chatelaine ring upon the vesta top complete the unusual example. Hallmarks: Joseph Cook & Sons, Birmingham, 1919. 1 1/4" W., 1 7/8" H.

The handsome large sterling silver vesta case is hammered upon its front with a central medallion inscribed, Lancs & Yorks, Bulldog Match, 1909, along with chased accents. The gently curved back is undecorated and a chatelaine ring is upon the vesta's side. A striker completes the design of this unusual example marking the Bulldog event in the Lancashire and Yorkshire region. Hallmarks: Richard Martin & Ebenezer Hall, Birmingham, 1906. 2 1/8" H., 2 1/8" W.  

Antique sterling silver Edwardian whistle. The fully functional whistle is mounted with a chatelaine ring. Hallmarked: William Oliver, Birmingham 1909. 2" L. with ring

Extraordinary Art Nouveau large double photo frame made by the famous WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) in Germany circa 1900. A central, romanticized maiden upholds sweeping flowers upon vines on the rectangular form. Jugendstil designs in relief further enhance the borders of the frame that accommodates two photos. Illustrated on page 305 in the well-known WMF 1906 catalogue published by the Antiques Collectors Club. Signed beneath with workshop marks. 12 1/4" W., 10 1/2" H.; 3 3/8" H., 3 1/2" W. each photo

A WMF Art Nouveau sweetmeat stand designed by the influential sculptor/designer Albert Mayer for the well-known German firm, WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik). Mayer was appointed head of the Art Studio in 1894 and specialized in designs which depicted beautiful maidens and nymphs with flowing hair, etc. Illustrated in The Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork Catalog 1906. Bears WMF mark underneath. Germany circa 1900. 9" H., 14" L., 5 1/2" W.

Antique sterling silver whistle with a ribbed pattern. The Victorian-era example, with its chatelaine ring, is fully functioning. Hallmarks: Francis Webb, Birmingham 1894. 1 7/8" L.

Extraordinary, lively Austrian bronze dog stands upon its hind legs as it holds a lariat with its paws. The detailed figure has nuanced patination of the detailed fur. Fine example for the collector of unusual Austrian bronze animals. Circa 1910. 3 1/4" H., 2 1/8" W.

Lovely Victorian silver-plated basket with an elaborate, splayed, twig-form handle. Basket interior has cascading flowers in relief with chased detail. English registry mark beneath for April 26, 1881, along with maker mark of Henry Wilkinson of Sheffield. 4 1/2" H., 10" W.

Elaborate silver oval frame. A central mask of a woman with headdress adorns the top. Foliates in relief further adorn the borders. Stamped with French marks, circa 1900. 5 1/4" W., 8 5/8" H.; 4" W., 5 5/8" H. photo

Large antique classic design photo frame. The tall sterling silver, vertical form has raised borders and retains its original oak easel back. Hallmarks: Walker & Hall, Birmingham 1918. 9 3/4" W., 11 3/4" H.; 8" W., 10" H. photo

Antique brass tassel-form letter clip or note holder. The clip has a loop to allow it to hang if desired. Stamped Merry Phipson & Parker, January 1845. 2 1/4" W., 6" L.

Elegant Victorian, English tall wine bottle coaster stand. The high-hat form has pierced design along with garlands and lion masks in relief. The flaring top is cast with grape leaves and clusters. The pattern is by Barker Ellis of Birmingham circa 1880. 4 1/4" H., 7 3/8" W.

Victorian figural donkey or pack mule condiment stand. The whimsical, detailed silvered form holds original cranberry cut crystal open salt and condiment holders. Made by the Villiers workshop in Sheffield circa 1870. 5" W., 4" H.

Finely cast gilded bronze tray with detailed, reticulated foliates in high relief. The stunning Art Nouveau form rests upon four cast feet and is signed M. Migneaux; France circa 1900. 7 1/4" W., 8 7/8" L.

Wonderful marabou figural cigar cutter. Designed by Ignatius Taschner (Germany, 1871-1913), known for his animal sculptures. The hammered steel bird has a guillotine-design beak. Raise beak, insert cigar into the eye, drop beak to cut, and allow cigar tip to fall into waiting copper bowl beneath. Clever and whimsical. Germany circa 1905. 5" W., 6 1/8" H.; 8" H. (beak extended)

Fine set-of-six sterling silver tots, or shot glasses. The Arts & Crafts tyg tri-handle-form shots are each fully hallmarked: James Wakely & Frank Clarke Wheeler, London 1910. Beautifully presented in original fitted lush burgundy velvet- and satin-lined case. 2" H., 1 3/8" W., 2" W. to handles each

Finely cast bronze entitled "Le Travail," by Maurice Joseph Constant, France 1892-1970. The bronze depicts a youthful man with a hammer and anvil along with calipers. The figure is clad in a fur, belted loin cover. Signed upon top of base M. Constant. Original plaque upon the front: Le Travail, Par Mce. Constant (Mention au Salon). Deep golden olive patina; France circa 1910. 7 1/2" H.

Lighthearted bronzes depicting a young girl and boy ice skating, by Franz Iffland (Berlin 1862-1935). The girl, in her fur-trimmed cape, has her hands in a muff; the boy in fur-trimmed cape, holds a cupid-like feathered arrow with bow. Iffland, a member of the Berliner Bildhauerschule, was active 1885-1915. He became most well-known for his sculptures of young children and women. The richly patinated skaters stand upon tall, dark green marble bases. Each signed F. Iffland; Germany circa 1900. 10 1/4"-10 1/2" H. each

Beautifully detailed ram-mounted figural letter opener. The silvered pewter opener was made by the well-known WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) workshop in Germany circa 1910. 7 5/8" L.

Lovely Art Nouveau round box with robust florals and whiplash vines around the circumference. An Art Nouveau maiden with flowing hair adorns the cover of the elegant design. Made by the famous WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) workshop in Germany circa 1900. Illustrated in the firm's well-known 1906 catalogue, page 290. 2 1/4" H., 3 1/4" W.

Stunning high Art Nouveau design! A reticulated whiplash form support in each corner upholds the jewel box. Interlacing, sweeping vines and Art Nouveau florals are in relief upon the top and all sides. Made by the famous WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) workshop in Germany, circa 1900. Illustrated in the firm's well-known 1906 catalogue. Marks beneath. 2 3/4" H., 4 1/2" W., 6 3/4" L.

Patinated repousse brass Art Nouveau photo frame depicting a pair of facing winged phoenixes. Undulating serpent-like forms complete the extraordinary design of the large, brass-wrapped angular frame. In the style of Alfred Daguet, France circa 1900. Wooden easel back. 9" W., 11 12" H; 3 1/2" W., 5 1/4" H. photo

High Art Nouveau bronze letter opener. Beautifully cast, interlacing vines and flowers adorn the elegant opener. An Art Nouveau maiden with cascading hair is upon the top. France circa 1900. 8 3/4" L.

Lovely sterling silver Art Nouveau photo frame. An Alphonse- Mucha-inspired maiden is in relief upon the undulating form. Rambling flowers and vines, along with a butterfly, adorn the romanticized design. Hallmarks: R.U. & Co., Birmingham 1907. 5 3/4" W., 6 5/8" H., 3 3/4" diameter photo.

Vienna Secession basket designed by architect Hans Ofner (1880-1939) and made in the Argentor workshop in Austria circa 1905. Crystal liner rests within rounded frame displaying gitterwerk elements upon its circumference as well as its open handle. Ofner studied with Josef Hoffmann at the Kunstgewerbescule. He went on to create Vienna Secession interiors along with fine metalwork, furniture and jewelry. An Ofner gitterwerk vase by Argentor is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York. 7 1/2" H., 5 1/2" W.

Most unusual example of a fine Art Nouveau silver card case. Rambling vines along with daffodils in high relief are upon the cover of the case. The case, with its spring mechanism, opens to reveal a beautifully fitted interior of moire silk. Each side has a gusset pocket to hold a card. The form accommodates modern- day-size business cards. Impressed marks for 800 fine silver along with maker stamp: Germany circa 1900. 2 5/8" W., 4" L.

Elegant, large, sterling silver magnifier. The long handle has a hand-chased spiral-foliate pattern in relief. Hallmarks: Hilliard & Thomason, Birmingham 1899. 4" W., 10 1/4" L.