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Antique ivory and gold retractable pencil by S Mordan & co
Here is a wonderful and very unique item - an antique ivory and gold retractable pencil by S Mordan & co that dates from the 1870's. Samson Mordan and John Hawkins invented the first propelling pencil in 1822 and after Samson formed his company, S Mordan & Co, became known as the leading producer of propelling pencils the world over. Highly sought after by collectors, these wonderful and somewhat whimsical pencils are such a talking point. Able to be worn on a chain, or kept on a desk, the pencil is made from 9ct rose gold and ivory. Measuring 6.1cm in length or 7.4cm with the lead holder extended, it is of course made in the form of a rifle and hides its true purpose making this such a wonderful conversation starter. One side is hand engraved with the initials "DM" and regardless of how this is worn or displayed, there is no doubt that this is a fantastic folly that is sure to always get admired. Stock# ES7929 Maker: S Mordan & co Circa: 1870 $1,150
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Exquisitely hand carved woolly mammoth ivory cross
The woolly mammoth last roamed the earth about 10,000 years ago, and here is an exquisitely hand carved woolly mammoth ivory cross. Lab certified as mammoth ivory as opposed to elephant ivory, this not only makes it ethically sourced as hunting and killing of elephants today is of course banned, but it also allows it to be taken overseas without breaking any international laws regarding the trade of modern elephant ivory. There is no doubt that who ever carved this piece was a true master in carving and knew how to obtain the most detail because as you look closer and closer, you will notice that the carving would not only have taken an immense amount of time, is so exquisitely done. The cross measures 5.5cm across by 8.7cm or 9.7cm to the top of the sterling silver bail. With such a lovely tactile feel to it and exceptional hand carving, both combined with the character of being from a woolly mammoth, this is such a unique and character fulled piece. Stock# ES7727 $3,850
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Antique seal set with an eagle and a snake
"Sealing" a letter goes back to Roman times and was when after a letter was written and placed in an envelope, the envelope would be sealed with wax, and the writer would stamp the still warm wax with his or her seal to prevent the wrong person from opening the letter, as once broken, this would show evidence of someone opening the letter, and here is a very attractive and unique antique seal set with an eagle and a snake from the Victorian era.
Made in 18ct gold, this seal dates from around the 1860's and is set on the base with an uncarved piece of sardonyx which is from the quartz family and was often used for seals due to its hardness.
Designed with a wonderful eagle and a snake, these two animals have so much detail and make this seal so incredible.
Measuring 26mm high, the oval base measures 19mm by 15.5mm and this seal will look so good on the end of a fob chain if worn by a gent or as a magnificent pendant on a lovely solid chain.
Antique seals are such a reminder of a time gone by and this one is just so attractive and special. Stock# ES7119 Circa: 1860 $2,200
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Antique seal with a serpent
Dating from the 1870's this antique seal with a serpent has such a unique and character filled style to it and will continue to look increrdible when worn around the neck or even used as a seal. This technique of sealing a letter, goes back as far as Roman times and after a letter was sealed with wax, the writer would stamp the still warm wax with his or her seal to prevent the wrong person from opening the letter, as once broken, the wax seal could not be used again and this was a technique used all the way through to the Victorian era. Made in 18ct gold, it even used two colours of gold - yellow gold and the rare green gold that can be seen towards the bottom of the seal. And then of course there is the fabulous serpent that wraps itself around and actually becomes the part to hold and attache to a chain. The serpent used to represent longevity and is often found in jewellery from the Victorian era when this seal was made. And then set with a turquoise on the top that really adds some colour, this is such a fantastic seal that from every angle shows something new and unique about it. On the base is a bloodstone base which has remained uncarved and can be carved with an intaglio of your own or left as it is. Bloodstone is a hard material from the quartz family with a dark green body colour and flecks of red through the stone and was a common material used for seals as it is an incredibly durable material. Measuring 20.6mm high by 15.9mm by 13.4mm this antique seal is just so unique and special and a real talking point no matter where or how it is worn or used. Stock# ES7121 Circa: 1820 $2,200
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Antique double ended scent bottle
Here is a gorgeous antique double ended scent bottle dating from the Victorian era and a wonderful look back to a time gone by. Dating from the 1890's, it was made in cut crystal with silver ends, it was made to of course hold perfume and with this one two different types. Ingenious yet simply designed to prevent using the wrong one, one end has a screw thread top and the other a hinge to make sure you don't use the wrong one. Measuring 11.1cm in length, antique scent bottles are a wonderful addition to any vanity desk or dressing table or as a wonderful and unique gift. A very pretty and attractive antique double ended scent bottle that is still in wonderful condition. Stock# ES6901 Circa: 1880 $950
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Antique 15ct gold seal
Going back as far as Roman times, after a letter was sealed with wax, the writer would stamp the still warm wax with his or her seal to prevent the wrong person from opening the letter, as once broken, the wax seal could not be used again and here is a very lovely antique 15ct gold seal dating from the Victorian era. Dating from the 1870's the design alone is just gorgeous and although originally used as a necessary item to seal an envelope, today they look gorgeous hanging from a chain around the neck. This one measures 29.2mm by 24.7mm at the base by 30mm tall and the the intaglio seal itself is made from rock crystal that has been hand carved expertly to show off a family crest. So beautiful in the warm colour of the rose gold, this antique seal really is a way to wear a piece of history around your neck. Stock# ES7000 Circa: 1870 $2,300
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12ct gold antique seal from the 1870’s
Here is a very unique and large 12ct gold antique seal from the 1870's that is so special and will certainly make a statement when it is worn on a chain around the neck. Seals have been used for centuries as a way to prevent someone from tampering with a letter by quite literally sealing the envelope in wax and pressing the seal in which would break once the letter is opened. This antique seal is just incredible for so many reasons. To begin with it is very large for a seal. The base of the seal is made from chalcedony which is a from the quartz family and has been used for centuries in seals do to its hardness, and measures 26.4mm by 22.6mm and is engraved with the initials "LP" and from the base measures 34mm tall or 53mm to the top of the split ring which is attached and can so easily come on and off. The split ring itself is incredibly large and has the exquisite engraved design that mirrors the seal and complements both items so well. These large antique split rings alone are becoming so hard to find and to get one that is original to the seal is quite a find indeed. Please note that the split ring does not stand up on its own, but has been photographed in the upright position to show how it would look hanging from a chain. Then there is the gold content which is 12ct gold which was used for a brief period along with 15ct gold from 1854 until 1931 and this seal has such a wonderful warm colour to it combined with the quite rare gold content makes this even more unique and special. With such an incredible pattern and a massive split ring to match, this is a truly incredible antique seal from the Victoria era that is just so special. Stock# ES6657 Circa: 1870 $3,250
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Antique German sugar sifter
Here is a very beautiful hand pierced antique German sugar sifter that was made in 1850 and not only looks so beautiful today but is still also very usable and will certainly make a wonderful addition for any home cook. Made in Germany, it bears the hallmark "12" for the silver purity of 0.750 silver and is also stamped with the makers stamp of Schmidt. As an added feature, it is engraved " G. Enrich d 19 Apr 1850" which is quite unique. From end to end the sugar sifter measures 20.2cm and the pierce working is just so charming as is the scalloped border of the base. A real charming piece of history that can still be used in the kitchen over 160 years later. Stock# P652 Circa: 1850 $475
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Antique silver vesta case
Vesta cases were originally used to keep matches dry and to strike them alight on the base and were widely used from the 1830's to the early 20th Century and here we have a charming antique silver vesta case that was made in France during the Art Nouveau period. The French truly embraced the Art Nouveau era and the style was often influenced by nature as can be seen here on this antique vesta case dating from the 1890's. Made in silver it measures 45.5mm by 31.7mm by 11.1mm thick and the hinge is in wonderful condition as is the striker at the base. So typical of the Art Nouveau movement that was going on at the time, this French Art Nouveau vesta case is just wonderful. Stock# ES6500 Circa: 1895 $925
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