Lot 630: A Collection of Antique and Vintage Sterling Silver, Silver-Plated Wares, and Livery Buttons
An assortment of small collectibles and vanity items primarily dating from the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. The lot includes a sterling silver pickle fork with three prongs, impressed with hallmarks in individual square-shield punches: an anchor, a lion passant, the lowercase letter f, and the maker initials L & S. These marks identify the fork as Birmingham sterling silver, dated 1905, produced by Levi & Salaman. A large shoe horn features an embossed silver handle with floral and scroll motifs and a blade carved from ivory. A silver-handled page turner or letter opener terminates in a circular mount depicting a rampant lion within a laurel wreath. Also included is a small fork with a mother-of-pearl handle and a twisted white metal shank, and a cylindrical silver-plated pepperette with a star-perforated domed cover. The collection features a group of gilt-metal livery buttons embossed with a monogram W beneath a crown. Other items include a maritime badge with visible text including S.S., a blue enamelled vanity tool, a ribbed white metal pencil holder, and a selection of small silver-toned spoons and a pin tray.
Condition report:
The items show general signs of age and use consistent with their period. Widespread tarnish and oxidisation are visible across the silver and silver-plated surfaces (photo 1). The ivory blade of the shoe horn exhibits natural yellowing and minor surface scratches (photo 1). Light wear is evident on the high points of the embossed silver handles (photo 1). The gilt finish on the livery buttons shows some rubbing and surface wear (photo 2). The hallmarks on the sterling silver fork are well-defined and legible (photo 2). No significant structural damage or repairs are noted.
Share this lot: