Argentum - The Leopard's Head, antique silver, english silver, american silver

ARGENTUM-THE LEOPARD'S HEAD

472 Jackson St.
San Francisco, CA 94111

T(415)296-7757
F(415)296-7233
info@argentum-theleopard.com
Mon.-Fri. 9:30 AM-5:00PM PST
Sat. 10:00 AM-4:00 PM PST

Latest Up-Date - February 08, 2010

Please come visit our premises at 472 Jackson Street, San Francisco

Welcome to our catalog of fine antique English, American, and European and other silver. We believe that this is the largest priced website of antique silver on the world wide web. We are the only open shop in the Western United States solely devoted to antique silver. We offer quality pieces dating as early as the 15th century for individuals, private collections or museums. We ship everything "On Approval." If you are unhappy with any object simply return it promptly for a full refund. This allows you to buy with confidence.

There are a number of ways to enter our website, depending on what your particular interest is. If you are looking for a particular object (mugs, for example) you should click on "Alphabetical Index" below. The scroll down to the section on Mugs. That will allow you to see a one sentence description of each mug that we have in our inventory. Once you see one that interests you, click on that item number you will be automatically directed to that item. If you want to see a larger picture and full description of that item click on the picture and you will automatically be directed to a blowup picture and full description of that item.

Alternatively, if you wish to see only categories of objects by country or countries of origin you may click on the category in which you have an interest (i.e. American Silver). The term "All Silver" will show pictures and contain descriptions of English, American, and Continental silver by type of object. Thus, "Tea and Coffee Wares" will show all types of tea and coffee wares from any country.

Our previous collaboration in Los Angels with Richard Gould Antiques has been concluded since they have closed their open shop. They will continue to show fine Chinese Export Porcelain, English pottery and other interesting small objects at fine antique shows in California. If you are interested in quality antiques in these categories you can visit their website at www.richardgouldantiques.com.

Please scroll down to the bottom of this page to begin your tour of our comprehensive on-line catalog. Thank you for visiting Argentum-The Leopard's Head.

In the section below we will be selecting new items from our inventory of historic pieces which we believe should be spotlighted. This section will be revised periodically. In order to view an item put your cursor on the item number and click. That will take you directly to the item. Currently we are featuring the following items:

Item 404683 **NEW** -
A rare pair of salvers with cast borders by the Specialist salver makers, Makepiece and Carter, London, 1776. These salvers represent a unusual brand of small salvers and are of of very heavy weight because the borders are cast and applied. They are are 8 inches in diameter and weigh a very hefty 32 ounces for the pair They are engraved with a Coat of Arms and mottoe, as yet untraced.
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Item 404741 **NEW** -
A wonderful Bride s Basket Sterling Silver Flower Vase, by an unknown American maker, circa 1920. It is marked sterling with a maker s mark which we have not been able to trace. These vases are quite rare. This vase stands 20 inches tall and was used for important Victorian events. This example is weighted, but most were because they were intended to be set on the floor, and winds could overturn them, unless they were weighted. Excellent condition except for some minor dimples in the base. It is engraved with a flower wreath in a swag form on the body. This is an important style of silver of theVictorian period.
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Item 404714 **NEW** -
Well, Here we go!   The most interesting and important 4 Piece California Coin Silver Tea and Coffee set to hit the market in years! Yes, marked "Pure Coin" by Vanderslice and Company, San Francisco, circa 1865. It was bought privately from an local family, and is in pristine condition. The coffee pot is 10 inches tall and the four pieces are engraved with a ivy motiff. The entire set weighs a total of 105 ounces. It is engraved with a period Initial "S".
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Item 404744 **NEW** -
An extremely heavy and highly decorated Victorian salver in the original leather box by Emes and Barnard, London, 1854, engraved with Arms, as yet untraced. This salver is engraved with flowers and other foliage. It is 19 inches iin diameter, and weighs approximately 87 troy ounces.   A most unusual find because it is beautifully engraved and in the original box.
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Item 404708 **NEW** -
A museum quality meat skewer by the noted English woman silversmith Hester Bateman, London, 1781. This skewer is 12 1/4 inches in length. It is unengraved. Wonderful marks. A rare find.
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Item 404727 **NEW** -
A wonderful martini shaker by Fisher and Company, New York, circa 1920. This is from the Golden age of martini consumption, prior to the Great Crash of 1929. ( drinking martini s may have caused the crash) This form is quite collectible now since martini s have come back into vogue. This shaker is 11 inches tall and is engraved with period initials. It weighs about 20 ounces.
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Item 404716 **NEW** -
An historically interesting and important pair of early California graduated butter tubs, one marked J. W. Tucker and Company, the other unmarked, but without question by the same maker, San Francisco, circa 1865. The marked example is also marked for Vanderslice and Company, with the bear mark. These tubs have unmarked interior liners, but are unquestionably period to the pieces. The larger one is 7 inches tall. They weigh approximately 44 ounces, the pair. They are embossed with ivy designs, and are engraved with the period initial "S". These were purchased privately from a San Frnacisco family, and have never been for sale.

Item 404729 **NEW** -
A superb pair of very early Irish candlesticks, Dublin, 1729. This pair of candlesticks is in excellent condition. The double extension bobeches are typical of Irish silver of the period. Good marks on bases and unreadable marks on the sockets, and with no maker's marks. There are harp marks on the bobeches, which are clearly original to the pieces.   The weight of the pair is 32 ounces. The well of each candlestick is engraved with a running wolf. These were purchased in Dublin a number of years ago by a client, and are being offered at slightly below the original sales price.

Item 403988 **NEW** - A very good mug by Hester Bateman, London, 1785. This mug has a beaded foot and is 5 inches tall. It weighs 14 ounces. It is engraved with a coat of arms that we have identified as Pratt. An illustration of these arms is in Burke's Peerage of 1845 under the listing for the Marquess of Camden. This mug likely belonged to Charles Pratt who was constituted as Chief Justice of The Court of Common Pleas in 1761. He was later appointed as Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain in 1786. .

Item 404706 **NEW** -
A superb mustard pot by Hester Bateman, London, 1782. The piece is pierced and is decorated with bright cutting and beading. It is crested with wings out of a crown. The piece stands 5 1/2 inches tall and the original blue glass liner is included. Other new Hester Bateman pieces include a meat skewer and a marrow scoop.

Item 404700 **NEW** -
A most unusual and wonderful pair of French provincial candlesticks with the yet unidentified maker AIG, 1st Omer, Jurisdiction of Lille, one mark for 1764, and one for 1770. The maker is not in Helft, but the town marks are very similar to 483 and 486. Each candlestick is marked underneath and on the sockets. They are 9 inches in height and weigh 31 ounces for the pair.
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Item 404698 **NEW** -
An incredibly magnificent French Flatware set in the Art Nouveau Style (Privately designed pattern ) by Antione Laparra, Paris (First Standard, 950 fine rather than the sterling standard of 925 fine!). This 210 piece set consists of the following breakdown: 47 table forks, 24 of each dessert forks, table spoons, dessert spoons, table knives, dessert knives, cheese knives (silver blades), 9 oyster forks, 10 wonderful serving pieces. An unusual plus is that each piece is individually set in its own place in two period oak boxes, each box with brass handles and gilt brass key slots, and each box with the original key. This is undoubtedly the finest set of this style that we have offered in the 29 years of our business.   Many other photos of this set are available upon request.
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Item 404699 **NEW** -
A very fine small California compote dish by Vanderslice and Company, San Francisco, 1890. This dish is bright cut on the foot and has loop handles. It has a period engraved initial "P". It stands 5 inches tall to the top of the loop handles. It is marked with the Vanderslice Company address at 136 Sutter Street, and with the Golden Bear mark. It weighs 12 ounces. Sadly it once had a cover which is now missing, but this could service as a candy or small dessert dish for cookies. Some discoloration around the interior of the rim, but otherwise excellent condition. Very moderately priced.

Item 404669 **NEW** -
A very fine coin silver water pitcher by Gelston Ladd, and Co, New York, circa 1840. This water pitcher is beautifully engraved with scrolls, flowers, and other decorative items. It stands on four shell-capped feet. The central panel is engraved "M. S. P, 1843". It weighs 35 ounces. The five-sided rim is very unusual.
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Item 404691 **NEW** -
A fine and rare Medallion medium-sized Bread Basket by Koehler and Ritter, San Francisco, circa 1875. This Bread Basket is 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. It stands 9 1/2 inches to the top of the handle. The Medallion Heads are cast and applied. It weighs 25 ounces and the handle is engraved with a period initial "N". There is a very slight push-in on the foot. Otherwise very clean.
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Item 404689 **NEW** -
A wonderful set of four sterling silver wine coasters, by Walter Brind, London, circa 1795. These pierced wine coasters are 4 3/4 in diameter. The marks are rubbed, but are all there. They are all crested with a bird out of a winged crown.
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Item 404670 **NEW** -
A wonderful matched set of three Chinese fillagree dishes, marks not traceable, circa 1890. The largest of these dishes is 5 1/4 inches in diameter, and the two small ones are 4 inches in diameter. Excellent condition which is unusual for fillagree work of this period. Lovely display pieces.

Item 404684 **NEW** -
A very large Japanese 950 fine silver decanter in the form of a flask, circa 1920. This decanter is 10 1/2 inches tall and weighs 32 ounces. It is hand hammered, and engraved with a bamboo motif. It is marked "950" and "silver." A most interesting large piece of 950 silver.

Item 404657 **NEW** -
A wonderful pair of American sterling salts, probably by Kirk and Sons, but if not, certainly in the genre of Kirk and Sons. These heavy salts are just overr two inches high and are enbossed with town, personal, and architectural scenes. They are approximately two inches in diameter and weigh an incredible 22 ounces. One with a slight pushed in foot, but otherwise in excellent condition. Gilt interior. Quite a superior pair of sterling salts.

For more information regarding collectible antique silver, please check out the latest edition of Silver Magazine

Argentum-The Leopard's Head is proud to be a member of the Antique Dealers Association of California. Please visit them at their website for more information.

We at Argentum - The Leopard's Head are pleased to announce the posting of the second article in our series regarding antique silver. The latest article, by Edgar W. Morse, is reprinted with the permission of The Magazine Antiques. It may be found in the Argentum Notes section of this Website.