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Antique Georgian era cut steel seal made in the 1800’s
Cut steel jewellery was commonly used from the late 1600's through to the mid-Victorian era, and became so sought after that during the 18th century at times cut steel was worth more than gold, and here is a fabulous antique steel seal made during the Georgian period of the early 1800's. This cut steel seal measures 35.2mm tall and the oval base measures 20.8mm by 18.7mm and has the most fantastic family crest set into it. Used to quite literally "seal" an envelope once warm wax has been placed on an envelope that has been closed or used also for official documents, this particular seal has such a wonderful tactile feel and heft to it that will no doubt always be such an incredible conversation starter. Perfect as a desk accessory or as a pendant to hand around your neck, this antique Georgian seal is as beautiful as it is fascinating. Stock# ES9453 Circa: 1820 $925
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Antique spinner set with bloodstone and carnelian made in 1889
Swivels or spinners as they are also called, were originally designed to be attached to a gents Albert chain at one end, however today it is women who mostly wear them as pendants either on a chain or indeed on an Albert chain where they have the advantage to be able to easily rotated over to change the side and therefore the colour of the material. This one was made in 9 carat rose gold in Chester in 1889 and is set with the two most traditional stones, bloodstone on one side and carnelian on the other. Designed with a rigid curb link design cross the top, the swivel measures 27.3mm across by 35mm and is still in wonderful condition even after all these years. So beautiful and versatile, this antique spinner will always look perfect no matter which side is worn forward. Stock# ES9425 Hallmarked: Chester 1889 $1,450
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Rare 15 carat gold and platinum ladies antique Albertina
Here is an incredible rare and impressive ladies Albertina that dates from the 1850's and is arguably one of the finest ones that could ever be found. Not only does it measure and incredible full length that originally would have been worn on the waist to hold a pocket watch at one end, but the detail of the links, the tassels and all the other components are truly sensational. Made in 15 carat rose and green gold, the smaller components are highlighted with platinum. Even though platinum was discovered in 1735, the only way that it could be used in jewellery was to be hammered or forged onto jewellery, and it wasn't until oxyhydrogen was invented in the mid-1800's that could then create a temperature high enough to melt platinum and use it in jewellery. Gold is alloyed with other metals that results in producing different colours. Rose gold is made by primarily adding copper to the gold when being alloyed resulting in the lovely warm tone to it, and today when green gold is made the green colour is more a soft green-yellow colour. However years ago cadmium was added resulting in a stronger colour. While never a strong green such as yellow or white gold, the tone of green in antique pieces has an incredible soft tone to it that looks wonderful here set against both the rose gold and pure white of the platinum. The foxtail links in the tassels are still in superb condition as are the two slide pieces all of which show such incredible detail. Even the four links connecting all of this together are truly amazing to admired from near or far, and this piece has such an incredible tactile feel to it that is so exciting to wear. Laid out from end to end it measures 40.7cm and from the swivel to the bolt ring, it measures 33.5cm in length. Still in exceptional condition, this very piece is featured on page 48 of "How the watch was worn: A fashion for 500 years" by Genevieve Cummins making this an even more exciting piece of history. There is no doubt that anyone will be hard pressed to find a better quality piece such as this, and this is one is up there with the best of the best. Stock# ES9364 Circa: 1855 $14,200
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Rare antique Australian sterling silver centrepiece made in 1870 attributed to Julius Schomburgk.
Antique Australian silver work is so rare and hard to come by, and here is an exceptional quality antique sterling silver centre piece that showcases so much of Australia in one piece. Made in 1870 and attributed to the highly skilled silversmith, Julius Schomburgk, this magnificent centrepiece measures an astonishing 60cm tall by 18cm wide at the base. With an Aboriginal man at the bottom and one further up the tree fern they are hunting a goanna. The detail in this piece is just extraordinary and the glass bowl is beautifully etched with egrets and flowers, with the top trumpet finial. This is such an exciting piece to admire and is truly museum quality and rarity. At the front it is hand engraved with "To Papa & Mamma on their Silver Wedding Day from their Children and Grandchildren 14th August 1870" which adds such a beautiful personal touch to this already exceptional piece. Early Australian sterling silver pieces have long been hard to come by, and this piece is breathtaking from every angle that you look at it. Stock# ES9284 Maker: (Attributed to) Julius Schomburgk Circa: 1870 $32,500
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Antique Australian sterling silver inkwell attributed to Julius Schomburgk
Here is a truly exceptional and rare piece of early Australian silver work that captures the essence of Australia flora and fauna and is breathtaking to admire from every angle that it is viewed. Made in the 1870's, the set is made from sterling silver with three emu eggs with the two sides ones having have been made into inkwells. The tops of these are gorgeous with one having a kangaroo and the other an emu, while the third egg has a lyre bird sitting atop. And in the centre is a magnificent and highly detailed tree fern with an oxidized sterling silver Aboriginal man in a classic hunting scene facing towards two kangaroos, with another kangaroo to the other side. Adorned with further plants and ferns, this is truly a breathtaking piece and one that was made by an expert silversmith. Attributed to Julius Schomburgk who was one of many German immigrants who arrived in Australia in the 19th Century, the work in this piece is typical of his work and he made many pieces for the esteemed silversmiths Henry Steiner and Joachim Wendt. Set on an ebony base that measures 56cm by 35cmcm, the silver section measures 44cm by 23.2cm by 27.5cm to the top of the tree, or 34cm from the base of the ebony to the top of the tree. A true museum piece - and not a phrase that is used lightly, this is a wonderful and historic piece of early Australia at its finest. Stock# ES9284 Maker: (Attributed to) Julius Schomburgk Circa: 1870 $32,500
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15 carat gold antique spinner fob made in Birmingham in 1896
Antique swivels or spinners as they are also known as, look wonderful on a chain around the neck, and here is a very stylish and elegant 15 carat gold antique spinner fob made in Birmingham in 1896. Set with bloodstone on one side and carnelian on the other, it measures 20.2mm across by 26.3mm and spins around easily allowing you to choose which side you wish to face forward. Perfect to hang on an antique Albert chain or any other necklace of your choosing, this antique swivel is still in wonderful condition and has that elegant classic design. Stock# ES8007 Hallmarked: Birmingham 1896 $1,350
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Art Nouveau era horn hair pin set with a 9 carat rose gold top
The Art Nouveau period of the late 19th Century until the early part of the 20th Century resulted in many designs being very flowing and sensual, and here is a lovely Art Nouveau era horn hair pin set with a 9 carat rose gold top. Measuring 12cm in length, the top section is made in a very elegant flowing design that is so typical of the Art Nouveau period and has such a lovely warm colour to it. Then the horn clip has such a tactile and very very smooth feel to it that is wonderful to touch and slides into the hair so smoothly. Horn was often used during the Art Nouveau period and before being used in jewellery it was bathed in chemicals which gave it a delicate sheen. It was then stained with dyes to produce the desired colour and here it blends perfectly with the rose gold top. Still in wonderful condition over 120 years later, this is a truly unique and special piece. Stock# ES8687 Circa: 1895 $2,150
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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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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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