Lot 520: A George V Oak and Sterling Silver Mounted Pepper Grinder by Hukin and Heath 1924
A British-made pepper grinder of tapered cylindrical form, constructed with an oak wood lower body and a natural horn upper section. The body is mounted with three hallmarked sterling silver bands, each secured with small screws. The silver bands bear a series of stamped marks including the maker’s mark H&S in a rectangular cartouche, a lion passant indicating sterling silver fineness, an anchor for the Birmingham assay office, and a lowercase gothic letter z signifying the year 1924. The grinder features a manual twist mechanism operated by a knurled metal adjustment knob at the apex.
Condition report:
The wooden body exhibits significant loss of its original finish, with the stain or varnish heavily worn across the central section (photo 1). The natural horn upper portion shows surface wear and a matte, weathered texture (photo 1). The three sterling silver bands show heavy dark oxidation and surface scratching throughout (photo 2). The knurled metal adjustment knob at the top displays significant surface corrosion and rust (photo 1). The wood shows minor surface abrasions and small indentations consistent with age and use.
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