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Lot 135
Aberdeen - a rare set of four Scottish provincial communion beakers by James Abercrombie of Aberdeen, circa 1740-1750, marked to base JA, ABD, JA, of tapered cylindrical form with simple moulded rim and a applied moulded reeded foot rim (4) diameter of rim 10cm, diameter of foot 7.8cm , 16.5cm high combined weight 49oz Provenance: Property of a North East Gentleman, The Aberdeen maker John Abercrombie first appears in the Hammermen records with his admission as a watchmaker Burgess on 29th September 1726. He went on to rise through the rankings to become Deacon no less than five times between 1734 and 1751. Due to the strict rules of the Hammermen's Association, as a watchmaker he would not have been allowed to make silver or gold plate, so it seems likely that he employed a journeyman to make his watch cases and any other items of plate. It was a common practice of the period that items would be produced in a related workshop but carry the retailer's mark. The advancing Jacobite armies in Scotland in the 18th century play a strong role in the history of Scottish silver and plate. An arriving Jacobite troop would often demand the use of homes, and land for billets. They collected any money or valuables to help the cause and also tried to recruit new soldiers for the army, a practice that alienated a great number of the local people, and caused the larger towns and cities of Scotland to take preemptive actions to protect their property and wealth. The formation of militias across Scotland saw the skilled workers and tradesmen of Scotland taking up arms to protect their towns. James Abercrombie showed his loyalist feelings by enlisting as an ensign for the newly formed Aberdeen Volunteers on the 10th April 1746. The disappearance of early Scottish silver and plate during the Jacobite occupation is well recorded. As a case in point, in 1732 a full inventory of the church plate held by St Nicholas Church, Aberdeen, lists: Two silver cups presented by 'Paull Inglis, maerchant burgess of Aberdeine' in 1629. A great silver cup gifted in 1642 by the 'Provost Ballies and Counsel', Two cups procured in 1650, A silver cup 'mortified be the deceist William Troup' in 1667, A silver cup procured by the Town Council in 1676, Two silver basins procured in 1682, Eight silver chalices (quharof two gilt), Four silver cups, Four silver porringers for receiving alms, Two large silver-hafted knives, for carving the holy bread. None of these pieces can be found in the next inventory of church plate within Aberdeen, by Reverend Thomas Burns for his seminal work 'Old Scottish Communion plate' in 1898. It appears that they disappeared during the five month occupation of the city by the Jacobite army, when they "extorted taxations, levy money, quartering money, and what else they thought proper, the inhabitants being under the necessity of convening and deliberating had to satisfy the demands made on the town". Such taxes and demands would have been hard to bear and the value of silver contained within these wares would surely have satisfied the demands of the Jacobites for some time. This devastation led to the commissioning of a substantial amount of new sacramental plate after the '45 rebellion, from 1750 onwards production picks up greatly. It is very likely that the communion beakers being offered in this lot were made by Abercrombie to replace the set removed from St. Nicolas's Church in Aberdeen. The form and date of these tapered beakers form is typical of Aberdeenshire and the North east. The beaker form travels as far West as Inverness but is only seen south of Aberdeen in unusual circumstances. A form strongly influenced by trade links between the North east ports and continental Europe, this beaker form of drinking vessel is standard across the Continent. The fact that these beakers are completely without inscription or engraving is slightly unusual. In the majority, communion cups of this period either bear an inscription or crest representing the generosity of the donating family. It has been suggested that the ceakers may have been commissioned by the church (or paid for by subscription from the congregation) rather than donated by a single individual or family. The cost of engraving has always been a large part of the cost of commissions and the decision to leave these plain could be a more commercial choice rather than taste for simple design. Marked work of any type is rare by Abercrombie, mainly consisting of a small amount of flatware. Two other examples of holloware have been attributed to his hand: Pair of communion beakers from St Clement's Aberdeen, marked to the base JA, ABD, Q. with presentation inscription "Given to the church of footdee / By voluntary contribution of the congregation / The Rev. D john Thomson minister / 1798" [Now in the collection of Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum] A newly ascribed officers cross belt plate for the Peterhead Militia, marked to the reverse with makers mark struck twice. This had previously been ascribed to John Argo of Banff but the maker's marks match that of the communion beakers on offer here [In the collection of the National Museum of Scotland]. Scottish provincial communion cups or beakers are rare within the market place. At present, these are the only Aberdeen examples to be offered at auction. All other examples are held within the Kirk session or institutional collections. References: 'The Goldsmiths of Aberdeen , 1450 - 1850' Dr James, page 66 'The History of the Aberdeen Volunteers' Ronald Sinclair 'Compendium of Scottish silver' R & J Dietert 'Old Scottish Communion Plate' Rev. T Burns 'View of the Diocese of Aberdeen' Spalding Club 'Aberdeen Burgh Records' Burgh Records Society
Lot 138
Aberdeen - a rare Scottish provincial tazza by George Cooper of Aberdeen, circa 1735, marked GC, three castles, gothic e, of conventional form, the circular plate with raised moulded rim, raised on a flared trumpet foot 25cm diameter of plate, 10cm diameter of foot, 17oz Provenance: Christies 26h July 1972, lot 359. Notes: Scottish provincial tazza's are very rare and indeed only two Aberdeen examples are recorded, including the present lot. The other by George Robertson, which is now in the collection at Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum References: 'Compendium of Scottish Silver II' page 492 - R & J Dietert
Lot 228
Glasgow - a scarce George III sugar bowl and cover by Milne & Campbell of Glasgow circa 1765, marked M&C (struck twice), Glasgow town mark, O, of inverted pear shaped bowl chased with shell, scroll and flower head designs, the domed pull off cover with acanthus and flower border and spiraled leaf panel, with bud finial 15.5cm high, total weight 16oz Provenance: ' The Phoenix Collection'. Notes: Early covered sugar bowls are relatively scare in Scottish silver, it appears to have been the fashion to have open examples, it however must be assumed that some of the surviving examples are now lacking their original covers, making this a much rarer survival. The majority of covered sugar bowls of the fifteen recorded are of Edinburgh manufacture with only a small handful known by Glasgow makers. A Sugar bowl by this maker is represented in the National Museum of Scotland Collection Reference: This example illustrated in 'The Compendium of Scottish Silver Vol. II' by R & J Dietert 2007, plate 3 page 35
Lot 233
Glasgow - a pair of George II cauldron salts by Adam Graham of Glasgow circa 1756, marked AG (twice), Glasgow town mark (struck twice), of circular outline with thumb print everted rim, raised on three pad feet (2) 6cm diameter, 2.5oz each Provenance: 'The Phoenix Collection' Notes: While this style of cauldron salt and rim is considered almost a standard of design for Edinburgh at this period, these are so far the only recorded Glasgow pair with this design feature. References: 'Compendium of Scottish Silver Vol. II' R & J Dietert, Page 416
Lot 263
An 18th century Jacobite interest enamel patch box of circular outline, of deep blue enamel ground with gilt brass mount and hinged cover, the base of the interior zinc lined, the lid of black ground with oval applied portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart within gold border 6.5cm diameter Provenance: sold with an accompanying note stating ''This box was presented by Prince Charles Edward to Captain John Burnett of the R H Arty' Bought as part of the collection Geogian and earlier snuff boxes from the Burnett of Leys Aberdeenshire. Notes: See foot note on lot 18 for discussion of hidden Jacobite supporters items
Lot 275
An early twentieth century presentation lidded tankard by R & W Sorley of Glasgow, 1919-1920, of simple cylindrical form with reeded base, the hinged domed cover with scroll thumb piece, the tapered C scroll handle with shield shaped terminal, inscribed to base 'Sorley. Silversmith to H.M. King. Glasgow.' 17cm high, 23.5oz Notes: The body inscribed in script Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Hunt, Point to Point Races, 1920, Light Weights, Presented by Mrs J C Cunningham of Craigends Records show that this county was hunted by the Glasgow Hounds and the Robertson Hunt as early as 1771. In 1844 Mr. Cunninghame kept a pack at Craigends, near Johnstone. The late Lord Glasgow hunted Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire, and part of Ayrshire. The county as at present has existed since the earlier part of the 19th century but Lanarkshire is not hunted now owing to the development of minerals. Arms and motto 'AVITO VIRAT HONORE' is that of the Renfrewshire Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association
Lot 287
A Victorian presentation trowel BIRMINGHAM 1875 BY THOMAS PRIME & SON by Thomas Prime & Sons, Birmingham 1875, the diamond shaped blade with cross hatched and stylised flower head border with presentation inscription below 'Presented to The Right Hon The Earl of Mar & Kellie DEPUTY GRAND MASTER OF SCOTLAND, by John Melvin & Son Architects, Alloa, on the occasion of his laying, with Masonic Honours, the foundation stone of the Alloa Burgh School. 8th October 1875' in gothic script, the centre engraved with an elevation of the school building, with heavy cast foliate handle and spirally fluted ivory grip with ball finial, in original fitted case with retailers label 'R STRANG & Son / ALLOA' blade 22cm long, overall length 36.5cm Notes: The trowel was presented to the Earl by John Melvin, Senior architect of the building, who commenced his career as a joiner in the family business but moved to Edinburgh where he went through a course in the 'study and practice of architecture'. In 1826 he returned to his native town and began business as 'master joiner and architect'. John Melvin Junior was born in 1855 and was articled to his father before seeking Edinburgh experience with George Beattie & Son. He returned to Alloa as partner to his father's architecture business in 1874 and also worked on the building of the new Burgh school. The occasion of the laying of the foundation stone was an important affair in Alloa, the Earl of Marr and Kellie when addressing the ceremony stated 'that it gave him great pleasure to preside on such an interesting occasion. It was the first time that he had had the honour of laying the foundation stone of any building and he considered it a great compliment when he was asked by the the School Board' Unusually the ceremony was performed with full Masonic honours at the request of the Earl ' he could not officiate in his private capacity, and that the ceremony should be performed with Masonic honours' . A full account and report of the ceremony itself were reported in the local newspapers, where mention of the trowel is made, stating it 'was furnished by Messers Robert Strang & Son, watch makers and manufacturing jewellers, Alloa'. As this trowel is in a named fitted box and they are described as manufacturing jewellers, it seems likely they would have bought the trowel in blank and engraved the detail to the piece. This is hard to prove but such a close representation of the school would only have been possible with local knowledge. The ceremony itself was a large affair with large crowds from the Burgh schools, local community and the Grand Lodge of Scotland in attendance. The building of new schools at this time was quite a regular occurrence in Scotland with the passing and continued interest in the Education act. The Education act had taken a deep hold over Scotland and the want and need for new and purpose built schools became quickly evident. Alloa had been waiting for almost 30 years for a new school building. Until the building of the new school, classes had been held in the hall situated on the same site. The attendance of schools within the Alloa Burgh had previous to the new Education act been approximately 1093, only a year after the passing of the act the number had risen to 1284, this was a time when it was not considered standard or even a necessity to attend any type of schooling. Extracts taken from a full report published in 'The Alloa Advertiser' 9th October 1875
Lot 289
A Victorian spirit kettle and stand by Charles Robb & Son, Edinburgh 1857-1858, the bulbous body with chased and embossed decoration of foliate and scrolls, with scroll cartouches, one engraved R in script, the domed hinged cover with bud finial, scroll handle with ivory insulators and semi fluted spout; the tripod stand with floral and scroll pierced border and raised on three double scroll and shell terminal feet overall height 34cm, total weight 42oz
Lot 340
A scarce pair of George III strawberry dishes by William Dempster, Edinburgh 1767-1768, of conventional form with twelve fluted sections and shaped edge (2) 24cm diameter, 14.5oz and 14oz Notes: Scottish strawberry dishes are very scarce with only eight recorded in 'The Compendium of Scottish silver II' R & J Dietert 2007 these are the latest and the only pair recorded.
Lot 359
A George II sugar bowl by James Mitchelson, Edinburgh 1735-1736, Assay Master Archibald Ure, the circular bellied body with everted scalloped rim with moulded stepped border 13.5cm diameter 7oz Note: For a long time there has been confusion and debate regarding the maker of items with this IM in a shaped shield punch. Originally being attributed to John Main. For many reasons, including overlapping careers and lack of concrete documentary evidence to tie makers to extant items it has now correctly been ascribed to Mitchelson. Reference: For full details on these makers and the conclusion surrounding their marks see 'James Mitchelson - his legacy restored by Rodney R Dietert & Janice M Dietert published in Silver Studies 2006 page 53-58
Lot 367
A William III mug by John Seaton, Edinburgh 1698-1699, Assay Master James Penman, the slightly flared can form body with reeded girdle and foot rim, the S scroll strap handle with tapered beaded detail, engraved to base MAINHOLME H 11cm high 8oz Notes: This is a truly superb example of pre 1700 Scottish silver and a rare survival in such good original condition. This mug appears to be the earliest recorded of a fully Edinburgh hallmarked piece by John Seaton. Other examples are a maker's marked onlyminiature quaich circa 1695 (sold by How of Edinburgh 1936, now in the Metropolitan Museum Collection) and the earliest fully marked example recorded a thistle mug 1700-1701 (in the Maple Swan Collection) For further details of this maker see footnote to lot 364 Reference: further details on known items of John Seaton silver see 'The Compendium of Scottish Silver II' R & J Dietert
Lot 156
A late 19th century French slate and bronze mantel clock, the 8 day movement striking on a bell, stamped 'S. Marti et Cie,' and 'R & C Harris, London, 396,' to an engine turned dial with ebonised chapter ring and applied numerals, the tapering body with applied Egyptian motifs having a sphinx surmount, 17.25in (44cm) h.
Lot 2567
Interesting aircraft to include; Palitoy 'Lockheed Bomber' in early 'Non-Flam' plastic (Bexoid), plus Mira, Spain Ref.359 Skyhawk, Lintoy Singapore A6M5 Zero-Sen (one vane of prop missing), and Saab 35x Draken, Hong Kong issues, F11F-1 Tiger, VC-10 'BA', plus an overpainted Boeing 747 (x7) (G&R)
Lot 6
8 hard covers Southern Railway related Faulkener JN & Williams RA 'The LSWR' in the 20th century, Bradley, D, and Milton, David, 'Somerset and Dorset Locomotive History', Atthill, Robin 'The Somerset and Dorset Railway', 2 copies (one signed by author), Mitchell, Vic, and Smith, Keith 'Branch Line to Swanage', Bonavia, Michael R, 'The History of the Southern Railway', Behrend, George 'Don't knock the Southern', and Haresnape, Brian 'Bullied Locomotives' (x8)
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297893 item(s)/page