Dunhill Traveling Cocktail Set

This extraordinary enameled silverplate and crystal dish set by Elkington & Co. exemplifies one of the company's earliest and most celebrated ventures into champlevé enamel work....

This French Art Deco coromandel and chrome-plated tantalus by Louis Prodhon allows one to enjoy the finest libations in style, even in the company of greedy hands. Crafted of luxurious coromandel and chrome, this marvelous case holds three square-cut glass Baccarat decanters. The purpose of the tantalus was to keep one's favorite beverages safe from unwanted consumption while still showcasing the contents within. To gain access to the liquor, simply insert the key and turn to unlock the handle and remove the decanter of your choice. Found in India, Sri Lanka and other parts of Southeast Asia, coromandel, or calamander wood, is one of the most distinctive timbers in the world. Known for its distinct black and hazel striped coloring, this desirable wood has been used for centuries to make furniture, stringed instruments, and precious personal items such as this remarkable decanter box. Established by the Royal...

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...

This silverplate tea set, striking in its simplicity, is the work of celebrated designer Christopher Dresser. Dresser first displayed his designs a...