Located in Nottingham, GB
Naturalistic textured feathering covers the surface of this pair of cast sterling silver novelty casters, modelled in three dimensions as upright perched owls. Each figure features inset amber-coloured glass eyes set within radial plumage around the facial discs. Cast with heavy gauge silver, the pieces rest securely upon spread talons and folded wingtips.
Both shakers are constructed with detachable push-fit heads that act as pierced covers for dispensing salt and pepper, lifting away to reveal hollow cast bodies for refilling. The plumage is carefully rendered throughout, alternating between overlapping breast feathers, long wing coverts, and finely incised primary feathers extending down the back.
Marks include London assay office import hallmarks alongside the '925' fineness standard, punched to the neck rim of one owl and across the lower tail feathers of the second. The underside of one foot is stamped with the maker's mark 'TIFFANY & Co', where the initial lettering and concluding characters show rubbing from handling. Together, the pair has a combined silver weight of approximately 189 grams, dating from the post-1940 period.
Measuring approximately 7 cm in height, 3.5 cm in width, and 3 cm in depth, these table casters...
Category
Mid-20th Century Christopher Nigel Lawrence