Silver Mounted Decanter in Lyre Form by Hukin & Heath

Description This Silver Mounted Decanter in Lyre Form by Hukin & Heath dates to the late nineteenth century, circa 1890. The decanter is modelled in the form of a classical lyre with a clear glass body mounted within scrolling sterling silver arms and a central crossbar. The lyre structure supports two hinged silver mounted decanter lids. The silver mounts are hallmarked Heath & Middleton, Birmingham, 1890, with marks present to both the hinged decanter lids and the lower crossbar section. Heath & Middleton are known to have worked under the Hukin & Heath brand during this period. A registration number, 238632, is stamped beneath the hallmark. The decanter represents an unusual example of Victorian novelty design and reflects the progressive decorative metalwork associated with the circle of Dr Christopher Dresser. View the full Decanter and Silver collection. Heath & Middleton (Hukin & Heath) Hukin and Heath were influential Birmingham silversmiths and electroplaters founded in 1855 by Jonathan Wilson Hukin and John Thomas Heath. Working from Imperial Works in Great Charles Street, Birmingham, the firm produced both sterling silver and electroplated wares and later operated London showrooms in Charterhouse Street, Holborn. The company became closely associated with the designer Dr Christopher Dresser, whose clean geometric forms and Japanese influenced designs brought a modern approach to Victorian metalwork. Between 1878 and 1881 a number of Dresser designs were produced by the firm and many remained in production into the early twentieth century. Hukin and Heath manufactured a wide range of domestic silver and plated objects including tea services, claret jugs and tableware. The firm continued trading as Hukin and Heath Ltd until its closure in 1953. For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Hukin & Heath. Sterling Silver Sterling silver is an alloy composed by weight of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness (parts per thousand) of 925. Lyre A lyre is a stringed musical instrument part of the lute-family and consists of two arms and a crossbar with strings. The Lyre has been featured on classical objects like the pair of vases above for thousands of years. They were commonly used in several ancient cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The earliest known examples of the lyre have been recovered at archaeological sites that date to c. 2700 BCE in Mesopotamia. 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.