Sterling Holloware: Silver Animals

Pair of German silver figural spice boxes. Imported to England by Berthold Hermann Muller in Chester in 1899. Each: Round heavyset body with stubby wings and tucked-down tail. Head detachable with beady eyes and short beak. Dense and imbricated plumage. Scaly talons. One bird has hinged wings. German maker's marks and English import marks. Very good condition.

Dimensions (taller): 7 1/2 x L 8 x W 3 1/2 in. Total weight: 25.4 troy ounces. #BY440

Pair of Dutch 833 silver figural spice boxes, 1925. Pheasants with dense imbricated feathers, beady glass eyes, tapering tail, and sharp beak. The rooster is mid-stride with head raised. The hen pecks with firmly planted talons. Heads detachable. Marks include maker’s stamp (N2) and 1925 date letter. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: Rooster: H 6 1/2 x L 14 x W 2 5/8 in. Hen: H 4 x L 12 3/4 x W 2 1/2 in. Total weight: 14.7 troy ounces. #BY008

Pair of European sterling silver figural spice boxes, ca 1920. Game birds standing on stiff legs with splayed talons. Erect heads, pointed beaks, and stupid but observant brown glass eyes. Wings tucked close to body. One has long pointed tail. The other has wide and raised tail. Heads detachable and pierced.

Both marked “Sterling”. Good condition. One has horizontal tail crease.

Dimensions: First: H 4 1/2 x L 8 x W 2 in. Second: H 4 1/4 x L 6 1/4 x W 2 in. Total weight: 8.4 troy ounces.... Click for details

Large Dutch silver cow creamer, 1910. A sweet beast with stocky body on slender legs and delicate hoofs. Head quizzically turned to side with flexed ears, sharp horns, red cabochon glass eyes, and gaping mouth spout. Flicked back tail handle and hinged back cover. Appears to be unmarked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7 1/4 x L 10 3/8 x W 3 3/8 in. Weight: 19.5 troy ounces. #BX771

Set of 6 Edwardian Classical sterling silver figural nut dishes. Made by William B. Durgin (part of Gorham) in Concord, ca 1910. Each: Ovoid bowl with irregular rim and s-scroll neck terminating in tapering bill. Chased imbricated leaves. A graceful flock for the next dinner party. Fully marked including Durgin and Gorham stamps and no. 34. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 x L 3 3/4 x W 2 1/2 in. Total weight: 8 troy ounces. #BX806

Pair of European 900 silver figural bird bowls, ca 1900. Each: Swan with plumy wings and tail and ringed s-scroll neck with graceful head terminating in long and closed bill. Hollow gilt-washed interior for holding treats. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 x L 6 1/2 x W 3 7/8 in. Heavy total weight: 26 troy ounces. #BX909

European silver fish-form spice box, 19th century. Hinged head and lower mouth, and faceted red eyes. Articulated and scalloped wide body, and hinged fins and tail. Loose-mounted ring. Unmarked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Overall dimensions: H 1 5/8 x L 3 1/8 x D 1 7/8 in. #BS513

Turn-of-the-century German 800 silver swan. A big bird with scrolled neck terminating in closed bill and erect tail feathers. Finely chased engraved feathers and hinged plumy wings that can be opened to suggest flight. A fabulous centerpiece with capacious oval well for flowers or treats. Marked with Hanau maker’s stamp Georg Roth. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 13 x L 17 3/8 x W 8 in. Wingspan: 21 3/4 in. Weight: 56.5 troy ounces. #BV886

Large turn-of-the-century German 800 silver figural spice box. A bird grips a gnarly branch with scaly talons. Sweet and downy with tucked-down wings. Head detachable. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 3/4 x L 8 1/2 x W 7 in. Weight: 27 troy ounces. #BW899