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.

Completely hammered wine bottle stand. The Vienna Secession-era stand was made in the Frantisek Bibus, known as Franz, workshop in Bohemia (Czechoslovakia) circa 1910. 2 1/4" H., 3 1/2" W.

WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) Art Nouveau basket with florals and berries in relief upon its rising sides. A figural winged maiden fashioned as the handle. Designed by Albert Mayer, circa 1907. Firm's marks beneath. 6 3/4" W., 3 1/2" H.

Lovely Victorian sterling silver box with floral and scroll repousse decoration upon the top as well as sides. The elegant box is further enhanced with chasing and crimp-edge detail. Hallmarks: George Nathan & Ridley Hayes, Chester 1895. 3/4" H., 1 3/4" W., 3 7/8" L.

Sterling silver tray has a golf club perched upon its top. Bottom of the tray is glass. Hallmarks for Birmingham 1905. 1 1/8" H., 2 7/8" W.

Charming narrative bronze. A young boy in a waistcoat and cap lights a lantern. He carries a jug and flask. Patina has golden highlights. Figure stands upon a variegated marble base. Germany circa 1900. 4 1/2" H.

Lovely gilded bronze quatrefoil-form jewel box. Bead-edge top has a detailed pattern. Applied florals in relief, along with a silvered and gilded figure group, further enhance the cover. Sides have acanthus designs. Velvet lined. France circa 1900. 1 1/2" H., 2 3/4" W., 4 1/4" L.

Very fine, large WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) Art Nouveau wine or Champagne cooler. Each of the tri-form sides depicts in high relief a different castle from the Rhine and Mosel Valleys. The castles are nestled among naturalistic landscapes in deep relief as well. Three pierced handles adorn the top section. Firm's marks beneath. Made in Germany circa 1900. 11 1/2" H., 9 1/4" W. at handles

Quite elegant wine or Champagne basket caddy. The silvered holder has beautiful reticulated work as well as bead-edge detail. Made in England circa 1910. 4" W., 9 1/4" L., 7 3/4" H.

Lovely double-end silver egg cup decorated with detailed panels depicting open-winged eagles and florettes. Stamped 1st standard Minerva mark for 950 Fine Silver along with maker mark. France circa 1890. 1 5/8" W., 2" H.

Simply beautiful American Arts & Crafts sterling silver tea strainer. The bold design with its hammered handle has rivet-and-strapwork in relief upon the top. The strainer, with workshop marks for the Frank Whiting Co., is influenced by the Shreve & Co. silver 14th Century Crusader pattern. Massachusetts circa 1910. 2 7/8" W., 5 7/8" L.

Lovely old Sheffield plate wine funnel with a gadroon-wave border. The hand-pierced strainer completes the design and detaches for cleaning. Sheffield circa 1830. 3 1/2" W., 5" L.

Lovely British cocktail tray with open sweeping Art Nouveau handles. The round form has applique work beneath the extended handles and is supported by three bun feet. Made by John Collyer in Birmingham circa 1905. 14" W.

A raised, pierced gallery surrounds the large, oval tray. Chased borders have foliates along with spiral designs upon its surface. Cast, notched handles flank the form, which is supported by bun feet. Made by Walker & Hall in Sheffield circa 1890. 16 1/2" W., 27" L.

Scarce, hallmarked sterling silver flask funnel. The small funnel, with its fluted stem, was made by Sampson Morden, London 1919. 1 1/8" W., 1 7/8" L.

Sweet bronze sculpture of a Dutch boy holding a pipe. Nicely cast with a rich olive-brown patina. Signed "Kek," also known as Keck. Hans Keck sculpted figures of children and was active 1900-'25. Bronze stands upon a black onyx base. Germany circa 1910. 5 3/8" H.

Stunning antique gilded bronze frame in the Empire style. A cornice with foliate detail supported by twist pillars floats in front of the frame. Turned finials are upon the base as well as top corners. A finely cast ribbon and wreath are mounted on the top. France circa 1900. 6" W., 9 1/4" H.; 3 7/8" W., 5 3/8" H. photo

Gilded bronze French- Empire-design frame with a detailed, cast Napoleonic eagle perched upon its top. Lovely, cascading floral appliques adorn its silk liner. A relief pattern of heart-shape foliates at the frame's borders completes the design. France circa 1890. Beautifully re-backed in suede. 5 1/2" W., 8 1/2" H.; 3 1/2" W., 4 3/4" H. photo

Bronze of a 16th-century gentleman holding two geese. Charming depiction of the well-known bronze sculpture by Hans Peisser, titled "Gaensemaennchenbrunnen" ("The Goose Man's Fountain"). The original sculpture, cast in 1550, is located in the Nuremberg Town Hall square in the old town. The depiction portrays the tale of the geese being carried to market, and as they loudly protested, the gentleman took pity upon them and swiftly returned them to their home. This detailed casting rests upon a variegated green marble base and bears the original retailer's label beneath, G.G. Leykauf. Nuremberg circa 1910. 6 1/4" H.

French Empire-design, gilded bronze photo frame with acanthus-leaf borders. Top is mounted with a ribbon and wreath. Oval opening with its textured gilding can be removed to convert frame into a rectangular form. France circa 1900. 5 1/4" W., 7 1/4" H.; 3" W., 3 7/8" H. oval photo; 4 3/4" W., 5 1/2" H. rectangle photo

Stunning design! A robust wide band of foliates in high relief encircles the wine, or Champagne cooler. Curving handles with scroll elements further enhance the elegant form. Made by the Orivit workshop, well-known for fine Art Nouveau design in Cologne, Germany circa 1910. 9 1/4" H., 11 1/2" W. to handles

Sweet Art Nouveau bronze letter opener. A young boy in detailed relief with his heels upward, contemplates a rabbit among grasses. Open, curved handle. Made in France circa 1900. 8 1/2" L.

Lovely footed tray, or salver with acanthus-edge detail. Three hand-chased scrolling shields are set upon the round tray's engine-turned surface. Made by Henry Atkin in Sheffield circa 1900. 1 1/2" H., 14" W.

Lovely Aesthetic movement tray with a crane and butterfly among foliates within its center. Medallions with open flower heads alternate with flower and vine lozenges at the borders. Raised gadroon-edge detail completes the form. Marks for Deykin & Sons of Sheffield circa 1870. 14 1/8" W.

Lovely sterling silver photo frame. The surface has engine-turned detail with a vacant oval medallion. Hallmarks: Stokes & Ireland, Chester, 1911. Retail marks for Finnigan Ltd. of Manchester. 5" W., 6 3/4" H.; 3 1/2"W., 5 1/4" H. photo