Weddings are such a positive celebration, the beginning of an exciting journey for a couple. Acquiring a timeless antique brings a piece of history into a home, each one with a rich and unique history to unfold. Gifts can be a personal expression, a conversation piece, something unique or memorable, and something useful is always appreciated! We have enjoyed assembling a unique collection for our Wedding Gift Guide II, including a selection from the many candlesticks we have collected over the years.

We are offering 20% off until June 30, 2021, see the price list.

PRICE LIST

Couple Gifts

A joint gift can be the perfect choice especially when we know the couple well. Couple gifts can be fun, useful or intimate.

The couple in this rare pair of portraits has a fascinating early Canadian history. Isabella Buchanan was the first wife of William Augustus Baldwin (1808-1883), the brother of Robert Baldwin (1804-1858) who with Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine led the first responsible ministry in Canada prior to Confederation and was instrumental in setting up modern municipal government and the jury system in Canada. William Baldwin lived on a family farm between Spadina and Avenue Road, Toronto. He transformed this family property into valuable real estate in which is now downtown Toronto. The pair of portraits was painted by Théophile Hamel, one of early Canada’s greatest portrait painters who created oil portraits of many important figures of government, aristocracy, and the church. The success of Hamel’s work allowed him to leave behind his modest upbringing and operate within the intellectual and social elite of 19th century Quebec.

Theophile Hamel (Canadian 1817-1870) ‘Isabella & William Baldwin Of Toronto’ pair of oils on canvas, female portrait inscribed on reverse "T. Hamel d'après un Daguerreotype" Size: Male 30 ¼ x 25 ½ in (with frame 38 ½ x 34 ¼ in). Female 30 ¼ x 24 ¼ in (with frame 38 x 32 ¼ in)

Wave and Rock is possibly the most iconic Royal Copenhagen figurine, modelled after the original marble sculpture Vågen och stranden 1897 (The Wave and the Beach) by Theodor Lundberg (Swedish 1852-1926). The piece is modelled as a naked young man manacled to a rock at the sea's edge, embraced by a naked woman with flowing hair, naturalistically painted. This piece oozes romance...read more...

Royal Copenhagen porcelain ''Wave and Rock"

For wine and liquor enthusiasts, decanters are not only a beautiful way to display liquids but also have a practical purpose in decanting the beverage for aeration. The shape of the decanter is designed to expand the surface area of the liquid, allowing it to interact with the air to develop its flavour profile. Decanting also helps to rid wine of any sediment formed in the aging process, which is less of a problem with modern wines but can still occur. In 19th century upper class society it was expected that wines and spirits were served at different times and for different events, and each was expected to have its own decanter. Then, as now, crystal decanters were prized due to the clarity and sparkle of the glass, which allows the true colour and characteristics of the liquor or wine to be enhanced.

Pair of English cut glass decanters with stoppers, circa 1840. Size: 10 ¾ h

Growing up, each of my family members used their own silver napkin ring. We re-used linen napkins which were washed regularly, identified by our personal ring. When laying a table I find that guests enjoy having their own napkin and personal silver napkin ring, a throwback to less complicated days.

Set of four silver plated napkin rings in a fitted case, numbered 3 through 6, decorated with branches covered in berries, late 19th century. Size: 1 ⅛ h x 1 ¾ w x 1 ¾ d in

Typically knife boxes were produced in pairs for symmetry and displayed on grand sideboards, or occasionally on plinths. Traditionally elaborate silver cutlery services were owned by wealthy families and were a mark of prestige. Because of the cost to produce cutlery, and to protect them from being stolen, special boxes were constructed. Named knife or cutlery boxes, these were designed for display as well as security, as the service was counted and locked away after each use. This classical urn-form Adam Style pair are decorated with swags topped with floral rosettes...read more about cutlery boxes...

Pair of English mahogany urn shaped cutlery boxes, in the Adam Style, late 19th century.

We associate chocolate with Valentine’s Day and romance, and what an intimate moment one could create with this French hot chocolate set for two set in a fitted leather box. The set contains a chocolate pot with detachable bone handle, a pair of silver and porcelain cups with matching silver saucers, a pair of silver teaspoons and pair of sugar tongs. All are marked with hallmarks "Boin-taburet A Paris".

Fine French silver Boin-Taburet hot chocolate set in fitted leather box stamped "Boin-taburet Paris", early 20th century

The Table

A well laid out dinner table can be as memorable as the menu. Taking the time to create a formal setting becomes a tradition, with favourite pieces being passed down through generations. Enjoy our Insights article on Inspirations for the Holiday Table.

Pair of sterling silver berry spoons with gilt bowls, London 1804-5 with later decoration. Size: 8 in length
SOLD

Set of four sterling salt cellars with side handles, with two salt spoons, Birmingham 1917

Georgian Sterling silver meat skewers served a functional and decorative purpose, and continue to be used today. Historically skewers would hold joints in place or pin cooked meat while it was being carved, allowing for more elegant presentation. Larger skewers were used primarily for beef and veal while thinner ones were used for serving game birds and poultry. Typically skewers had either an oblong or lozenge shaped blade cross section with a handle or ring to provide a hand hold to easily remove from the meat. This elegant example is of a beef or veal skewer with a ring terminal which allows for the best grip while carving the meat.

Georgian Sterling Silver Meat Skewer, London 1807, maker's mark T.J. (Thomas James). Size: 12 in

Wine Lovers

Wine has long been a part of special occasions, and is indispensable in celebrations and in situations when a pledge or oath is offered. We all know those who enjoy wine just a little more than others and have a selection of gifts to choose from.

The wine glass shape began as a goblet or tumbler, growing taller with the addition of the stem, and becoming more sophisticated with decoration. By the seventeenth century it was believed that precious metals promoted better health. The demand for silver goblets increased, but remained exclusive to the wealthy until the price of silver became more affordable. This example from 1862 has a gilt interior and is a fine example of Victorian workmanship ... Read more about wine glasses...

Sterling silver goblet with gilt interior, London 1862-3, maker George Fox

It is rare to find a set of four wine coasters, and these are fine examples made in 1972 but of superior craftsmanship complete with wooden bases and hallmarked for London 1983. The maker, Douglas Pell, is an exclusive, family-run company founded in 1972 and based in a small village in Hertfordshire.

Tea Party

Tea parties have long been traditional celebrations of engagements, showers and weddings. Soothing and calming, tea exudes warmth and strength, and today the ritual of tea is worldwide as a welcome break from work, a moment alone or shared with friends.

With the arrival of tea to Europe, it became first the domain of royalty and women. The addition of a handle to teacups was introduced by the designer Robert Adams, who also introduced the creamer and sugar to the tea and coffee set to cater to the British taste. This rare Irish sterling tea and coffee service is made by the well-respected silversmith John Smyth, known for high quality hollowware. The baluster shaped bodies are richly decorated in the Louis Quatorze pattern and this service is of excellent quality.

Early Victorian Irish sterling silver 4 piece tea and coffee service in the Louis Quatorze pattern, Dublin 1859, maker John Smyth

In the 17th and most of the 18th century, tea was extremely expensive and supplied in a rather crude form with large leaves and a great deal of dust. The drinking of tea became a status symbol, and became first the domain of royalty and women. Tea was kept in locked containers or tea caddies, often with internal lids or canisters. Often the caddy would have a bowl used for mixing the tea, although there is some speculation as to whether this was used for sugar. This coromandel wood caddy from circa 1840 comes with double interior caddies and a heavy cut glass mixing bowl, and is complete with a superior Bramah lock for keeping the precious tea under lock and key.

English coromandel wood tea caddy complete with glass mixing bowl, circa 1840

Not only are tea strainers immensely collectible, they are practical and easy to use with any loose leaf tea. This example is particularly beautiful with the ornate decoration depicting dragons and a lotus flower.

Chinese tea strainer with decorated rim depicting dragons, late 19th century
SOLD

Candlesticks

We have always enjoyed collecting candlesticks of all shapes and sizes from around the world. A candlelit setting makes a personal and intimate and magical environment for any meal, making candlesticks excellent gifts for weddings, anniversaries or birthdays. Over the years we have gathered a large selection of examples including single tapersticks, pairs and candelabra in such mediums as silver, brass, and paktong. Enjoy our recent Insights article to learn more about the history of the candlestick!