Mettlach Punch Set

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 rare and exceptional William IV bowl is the work of preeminent Georgian silversmith Paul Storr. Crafted of luxurious gilt silver, the bowl exhibits all the hallmarks of Storr’s celebrated style, from the textured panels and applied decorations to the ruffled scallop shells and acanthus adorning its matching, fitted underplate. Paul Storr was a master at redefining and perfecting Georgian, Regency and William IV silver. His works have remained the most desirable with collectors for generations, and many have been given as prizes in refined competitions. Elegant and sumptuous, this bowl was later awarded as First Prize in a backgammon tournament in 1972. Paul Storr was a master at redefining and perfecting Georgian, Regency and William IV silver. Although he created items of great extravagance, some of his most captivating designs exhibited his restrained yet refined sensibilities. His works have remained the most desirable with collectors for generations and many have been given as prizes in refined competitions. Later presentation inscription “Clermont Club Grand International Backgammon Tournament April 1972 First Prize” Hallmarked London, 1836 on bowl and stand; stand numbered 435 Bowl: 8 ¼” diameter x 3 3/8” high Stand: 10” diameter 38.2 troy ounces The Clermont Club, located on London’s aristocratic Berkeley Square in Mayfair, is one of the most exclusive gaming clubs in the world. The club is housed in the only surviving town house designed by renowned Georgian architect William Kent, and the architecture and interiors make it one of the most elegant clubs in existence. The list of the club's original members included the cream of the British aristocracy...