Hallmarked 1896 it is officially a Victorian piece of silver but the shape and the pierced detail at the top show the growing influence of the Art Nouveau period.

By the renowned firm, Walker & Hall, it is a fine weight and in excellent condition

It could be used as centre piece with flowers or as in this case as a fruit bowl

And it is affordable!!

They are wonderfully observed and are a proper pair of male and female.

They both stand well and will add the wow factor to any dining table or sideboard.

These  birds add an extra something…

The centre of this oval  tray is hand engraved with a styalised pattern leaving a large oval reserve in the centre

The engraving is remarkably crisp – the tray is more than 100 years old

There is a gallery around the edge and the tray stands on four ball feet.

This tray is made by the firm Walker & Hall which was the leading silver maker of the period.

There is a patent number marked on the underside of the tray indicating that only Walker & Hall could reproduce this item

Fine weight ( 2,500 grams) and condition, this tray is perfect to hold a four piece tea set or to display those special decanters or even as a base for a special flower arrangement

The silversmith, Charles Dimier,  has formed a spray of three round dishes , each worked with small flowers  ( possibly meant to be lily of the valley) and ribbons

The curled silver tendrils that combine the three plates are also set with the same flowers

Maybe a special commission ?

The mirror is more than 100 years old but is still in good condition

The shaped bevil of the mirror is very special.

An ideal size for a dressing table

An excellent graduation or 18th birthday present

Each piece has been handcrafted to the finest standard

Note the so soft hammered finish.

There is fine plaited rope detail around all three pieces

Interestingly the tea pot has the addition of trailing vines around the lid.

The lid has a flat hinge – always a sign of quality

With the silver hallmark you can see an addtional number – indicating that the design has a patent – only this maker, William Haseler can make another set.

This must have beeen a specially commissioned box.

William Comyns was a well respected silversmith known for his intricate detail and use of scenes as decoration.

This lid of this jewellery box has a really charming picture in silver.  The picture shows a young couple riding away in a carriage after their wedding with all the guests wishing them bon voyage.  Wedding bells decorate the sides and the scalloped edges of the box also have pretty scroll detail.

The interior of the box has the original navy blue velvet lining.

What an amazingly thoughtful wedding gift which could also now be an anniversary gift

Note on William Comyns

https://williamwalter.co.uk/maker/william-comyns/

His work was top quality as can be seen with the hallmarking on this box.  Both the base and the lid show silver marks

Something for the collector and also to be used.

This dish was made whilst William T Lusk was president of the company hence the “L” on the mark

The dish would be perfect for serving all types of food but also as centre piece with a small round flower arrangement.

The petal edge would make a great setting for anything

Such elegant design this piece is in fine condition

The straight elegant lines have just a touch of detail – the reed and ribbon decoration around the base and the top

By Goldsmiths and Silversmiths these candlestick are very much quality

The water pitcher was a Golden wedding gift in 1899 celebrating 50 years of marriage  – hence the gilding

The initials of the original owners are engraved on one side with the years of marriage  : 1849 GHSWG 1899

There is an empty reserve on the opposite side of the jug just waiting for another happy couple who are celebrating their golden wedding

A superb and heavy  quality piece, this jug is such good example of the form popular in the last years of the 19th century