Description Silver and glass duck decanters, dating to the early 20th century within the Art Nouveau period. The novelty decanters are formed as two ducks, each with a hinged sterling silver head opening just below the eyes. The bodies are crafted from shaped glass, with the wings formed from the blown glass itself, serving as handles for both carrying and pouring. Each decanter is hallmarked sterling silver, one by the Chester silversmiths Saunders & Shepherd dated 1901, and the other by the Birmingham silversmiths Hukin & Heath dated 1912. This pair represents an excellent novelty form from the period, combining practical function with decorative design from two well known English silversmiths. View the full Decanter and Tantalus Collection. Measurements 12cm High x 16cm Long x 8cm Wide (4.72 x 6.3 x 3.15 Inches) Who are Hukin and Heath? Hukin and Heath were Birmingham silversmiths established in 1855, known for producing both sterling silver and electroplated wares. The firm became widely recognised for its collaboration with Dr Christopher Dresser, whose designs introduced a more modern approach to decorative metalwork in the late 19th century. Working from Birmingham with showrooms in London, they produced a wide range of domestic silver, including tableware, tea services, and decorative objects. The firm continued into the 20th century, becoming Hukin and Heath Ltd in 1904, and remained active until its closure in 1953. Today, Hukin and Heath are regarded as an important name in British silver, with their work held in museum collections and sought after by collectors. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Hukin and Heath. Who are Saunder and Shepherd? Saunder and Shepherd was founded in London 1869 by Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders Sr & James Francis Hollings Shepard. They were a manufacturing jewellers out of 23 Bartlett’s Buildings in Holborn Circus. They specialised in mourning jewellery but branched out into all other avenues of jewellery from earrings to necklets. In 1890 Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders passed away and the business was taken on by his three sons and converted into a limited company in 1916 Saunders & Sheperd Ltd and factories in London, Birmingham and Glasgow and continued manufacturing until the company dissolved in 2021. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Saunder and Shepherd. What is Sterling Silver? Sterling silver refers to the alloy of metal containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. Sterling Silver objects are stamped with the 925 mark to confirm their authenticity. View the full Silver Collection. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.
