Set of Four Brass Optics

A monumental piece of history, this exquisite silver punch set was made for Czar Alexander III as a gift to British Captain Joseph Wiggins. Heavily decorated with rich engravings and proverbs in old Slavic lettering, this service is a grand symbol of celebration and a testament to the beauty of Russian Imperial silver. The punch set, a standalone treasure in its own right, was gifted by Czar Alexander III to Captain Wiggins in recognition of his pioneering expedition along the Enisei River. Driven by a desire to establish a sea route with Siberia, Captain Wiggins’ journey is notable for being the first successful endeavor by a British seaman in 300 years to extend commercial interests with the northern coasts of Russia. Even more notable is the presentation of this elaborate gift by the Russian government to a foreign national, particularly when the British government all but ignored Wiggins' efforts. In fact, the British government refused his modest request for surveying and observational instruments. Even so, the Czar was impressed, and chose to honor Wiggins with this exceptional punch service — as pictured and discussed in Henry Johnson’s book Captain Joseph Wiggins, written in 1907. The service was commissioned by the Czar from the House of Sazikov, the oldest silversmith and jewelry firm in Russia. Sazikov was established in 1793 by the merchant Pavel Sazikov, and became supplier to the Imperial Court in 1837. The firm, which maintained factories in Moscow and St. Petersburg, became renowned for its high quality silverware, silver sculptures, cloisonné enamels and statuettes with national motifs. The firm exhibited several cups and centerpieces at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, and from 1846, held the Imperial Warrant. The unique charm of this punch service lies not only in its craftsmanship and historical relevance, but also in the inclusion of old drinking...

The form of a lady's leg entices one to imbibe with this etched glass cocktail set known as the “Shake a Leg” shaker. Made by the West Virginia Specialty Glass Co. with silverplate p...

Airplane Cocktail Shaker Set J.A. Henckels Circa 1928 This extraordinary airplane-shaped cocktail set, crafted circa 1928, represents the gol...

Comprised of silver-gilt, these two pairs of beautifully crafted grape shears were designed and manufactured in by famed London silversmiths William Eley and William Fearn. The pairs’ handles are cast elegantly with Bacchanal motifs of fruiting grape vines and baskets bursting with fresh produce. Once used for snipping grapes, these Regency-period scissors bear the monogram “AD” for their original 1815 owner and boast an impressive royal English provenance. Hallmarked London 1815 with maker's mark of "WE / WF" Measures: 7 1/4" length x 2 1/4" width Provenance: Gifted as a wedding present from H.R.H. The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester...