Sterling Holloware: Figural Silver

Sweet and small German Rococo silver sleigh. Imported to England in 1896 by Benjamin Phillips. A bare-bottomed cherub with crossed legs holds the harness in one hand while the reindeer plods on. A funny contrast between the showoff coachman and the moseying beast of burden. A fairyland ornament with gilt-washed interior to give a special glow to the foil-wrapped treats. Marked “930” with Hanau maker’s stamp. Import marks include London assay stamp. Very good condition with nice... Click for details

German Rococo silver gilt sleigh. Imported to England in 1899 by Berthold Muller. Ovoid bowl with chased and open scrolls and flowers on leafing-scroll stretchers. Mounted to front is scrolled cartouche (vacant) with irregular leaf surround. A frothy, fantasy vehicle piloted by a cherub exuberantly waving a banner overhead. Hanau maker’s stamp B. Neresheimer & Söhne. English sterling import marks with Chester assay stamp. Very good condition with nice toning.

Overall dimensions: H 5 1/2 x L... Click for details

Pair of turn-of-the-century cast silver busts of ancien regime courtiers. The woman evokes a Baroque beauty from the reign of Louis XIV with an imperious face softened with ringlets, a necklace of walnut-sized pearls around a bare throat, and a low-cut bow-tied bodice. The man belongs to the late 18th century with ribbon-tied wig and face exuding calm and serenity, oblivious to the horror to come. Both appear to be unmarked. Probably German. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Woman: H 5 3/4 x W... Click for details

Fine quality German 800 silver animal figure, ca 1920. A horse with flowing mane, erect ears, and flying tail stands midstride on slender legs and daintily placed hoofs. Fully marked including stamp for Hanau maker JD Schleissner & Söhne. Excellent condition.

Overall dimensions: H 6 3/4 x L 10 1/2 x W 2 in. Heavy weight: 22.5 troy ounces. #BX316

Pair of German 800 silver peacocks, ca 1910. Each: Upright neck and small graceful head supporting a foppish crest. Scaly talons. Ovoid body with dense imbricated feathers and dramatic tail downed and concave for holding treats. Gorgeous but aloof centerpieces for a sophisticated dinner party. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions (taller): H 5 3/4 x L 11 1/2 x W 5 3/4 in. Total weight: 15.5 troy ounces. #BX083

Pair of German Renaissance 800 silver hunting figures, ca 1890. The man wears doublet over baggy chemise and hose with belt hanging loosely around hips. A long hat feather drapes gracefully along his arm. The horn is raised expectantly while the other hand rests on his sword. The woman wears a bodice-revealing fitted hip-length coat over a pleated skirt. Her braids are coiled in the back and her hat sports a jaunty feather. On a raised arm perches a hawk. Both figures stand on rocky mounds with... Click for details

Italian grand tour cast silver sculpture, ca 1910. Roman gladiators clash with swords drawn. The apparent victor, helmeted and armored, stands with sandaled foot on his victim’s thigh. The fallen man’s retaliatory thrust is blocked by a shield-bearing arm. A dramatic fight to the death that is perfectly posed to show off impressive male musculature. The group is mounted to a rectangular base on corner paw supports. Marked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Overall dimensions: H 8 1/8 x... Click for details

Pair of turn-of-the-century German 800 silver bobble-head boxes. A two-man percussion band comprising baby-faced drummer and wizened cymbalist. Rotund bodies squeezed into olden-days doublet and hose with neck-ruff covers. Feather-capped heads bob, bob, bob along to the music. Perfect timing not guaranteed. Marked. Excellent condition.

Approximate dimensions: H 7 1/2 x W 3 1/4 x D 4 1/4 in. Total weight: 25.5 troy ounces. #BV204

Sensitive and endearing 800 silver animal figure. Made by Buccellati in Italy. A chimp with raised arm, big funny ears, and expressive face sits on amethyst crystal base with joined feet. A playful primate with tensile hands and feet, and shaggy wire fur. Marked “Buccellati Italy 800”. Excellent condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H (with base) 13 x W 8 1/2 x D 8 in. #BU120

Pair of American sterling silver and glass swan bowls, ca 1920. Each: Clear glass with plain oval well. Sterling silver mount in form of wings that wraparound the rim and s-scroll neck terminating in pointed bill. Beautiful delineated plumage that continues on glass tail. Graceful table ornaments for your next dinner party. Marked “Sterling 2”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 3/4 x W 5 1/8 x D 3 in. #BT619

Pair of sterling silver swans. Made by Durgin (part of Gorham) in Concord, New Hampshire, ca 1920. Each: Fine feathering with downy plumed wings and scaly neck as well as closed bill and penetrating eyes. Hollow gilt-washed bodies to be filled with treats. Stately birds to grace your next dinner party. Fully marked including Durgin and Gorham stamps and no. 33. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 6 3/8 x W 4 1/2 x D 8 in. Total weight: 17.5 troy ounces. #BQ997

Antique German 800 silver figural box in form of old-fashioned belle. She wears a snug bodice and ruffled crinoline skirt, and holds a fan in one hand and posy in the other. Her face is hidden by a wide-brimmed straw hat. A beautiful woman with a secret: The top half comes off and the bottom half is a receptacle. Boxy lady!

Fully marked including maker’s stamp for Weinranck & Schmidt, who were active in the 1880s and ’90s. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 8 1/2 x D 5... Click for details