Catalog: Sold Items: Decorative Art (5)

A 19th century pottery Mettlach stein with blue, ivory, grey and white colors. Of quarter liter volume and intended for use with wine (judging from grape and vine decoration throughout.) Four decorative panels in arches on the mug - three with a different imbibing figure on each and the fourth, under the handle, with large grape and vine decoration. Grape and vine also in a band above the arch separate panels. We would not normally be drawn to something like this except for the unusual cover with star of David and grapes decoration (consistent with the mug in color and body but only a trace of the sealing glaze along the edges of the cover.) The mug with the Villeroy & Boch green Mercury mark (used 1874 to 1909) inside the foot and dated 92 (1892). Good condition. Height to top of cover: 4 3/8" (11.11cm). Height to top of pewter thumblift: 4 7/8" (12.38cm)

Two silver King's Pattern spoons. We acquired these with a larger set (which we are offering separately) some years ago. We aren't calling these sterling as one is not marked and one has worn marks not easily made out (on the back appears to be a worn head mark and very small initials P and Q flanking a worn device and on the front is an indiscernable mark above the bowl.) This one is a close match to a larger, Georgian set we are also offering at auction but this spoon may be from another country - perhaps France. The other spoon appears to lack marks though it appears to be a precise match to the larger, Georgian set we are offering separately (perhaps this spoon lost the marks in a repair?) Each length about 5 1/2" (13.9cm) and 30g each (total 60g or 2.1oz). Condition appears to be very good for both. We have tested both spoons with a nitric acid and potassium dichromate solution. The marked spoon (nearly matching our other lot of 8) resulted in a slightly lighter red but both confirmed high silver content. The unmarked spoon (precisely matching our other lot of 8 - even for wear - and likely English of the same period) we guarantee to meet or exceed the 925 sterling standard.

A stunning fire patinated bronze vase. The mottled verdigris background in contrast with copper red patinated areas of resist in leaf patterns complete with veining to the leaves and texture to the sustaining twigs. This seems to be of a good quality bronze alloy - emitting a bell resonance when lightly struck. Unmarked but consistent with German and Austrian work from the early 20th century. Acquired from the same source as a marked WMF Ikora vase we are also offering. Quite good condition with only light wear and no real distress. Height is just over 3 1/2" (9cm)

Pair coin silver serving spoons. Each with Fiddle and Shell pattern and faintly monogrammed "NP". Both marked "C" within six point star mark. Presumably American Federal period. Each overall length: 9 7/8", bowl length: 2 7/8". One weighs 1.6 oz (46 grams) and the other weighs 1.5 oz (42 grams) for a total of just over 3oz.

A small Bavarian sculpted wood figural group of Saint Francis of Assisi liberating the wild doves on their way to market. As the storied event goes, the young man surrendering the doves was also invited (and obliged) to become a friar in the Order. Note the original story from "The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi", the Fioretti (Vicenza, 1476.) This masterful (if miniature) wooden sculpture is about 4 3/4 inches tall including the attached base (about 4 inches tall without.) The base with label attached: "holzschnitzereien, Toni Baur, Oberammergau". Unpainted and in very good condition. This wood carving does not seem to be as commonly available a subject from the Garmisch carvers and is a bit more complex and sensitively executed than most with two, interacting figures.

A fine religious theme for a holiday gift. Will ship this within the United States for free if sold at auction (priority and insurance extra).