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ID #SA1185833
FOR SALE
£550
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Rare Antique Silver Goldfish Pin Cushion
For sale by The Silver Cabinet
for sale €644     $699
£550

The Silver Cabinet

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2014
Browse dealers 122 items
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Id #SA1185833
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Rare Antique Silver Goldfish Pin Cushion

19th century
Description

There are a number of gilded fish pin cushions around but this one is a miniature and thus quite rare.

Clearly hallmarked on the base for Chester 1908, it carries the maker's mark of Sampson Mordan & Co along with a Registration mark. Made from solid sterling silver, it is gilded all over, with the gilding slightly rubbed on either side of the body where it has been picked up. It has the original cushion and is in a great condition, although he does look quite grumpy.

Dimensions:

Length: 3.25cm

Width: 1cm

Height: 1.5cm.

Complimentary gift wrapping is available on request.

Post and packaging are free within the UK. Overseas buyers please e-mail for postage costs and please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying.

Physical Dimensions
Height
1.5cm (0.59")
Width
3.2cm (1.26")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Declaration

The Silver Cabinet has dated this Antique Silver Goldfish Pin Cushion to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1185833
Dealers Internal Reference
C825
Description
There are a number of gilded fish pin cushions around but this one is a miniature and thus quite rare.
“
Clearly hallmarked on the base for Chester 1908, it carries the maker's mark of Sampson Mordan & Co along with a Registration mark.
The Silver Cabinet

Made from solid sterling silver, it is gilded all over, with the gilding slightly rubbed on either side of the body where it has been picked up. It has the original cushion and is in a great condition, although he does look quite grumpy.

fig 1. An antique metallic pin cushion sculpted in the shape of a goldfish with two straight pins placed inside the central fabric section.
fig 1. Rare Antique Silver Goldfish Pin Cushion

Dimensions:

Length: 3.25cm

Width: 1cm

Height: 1.5cm.

Complimentary gift wrapping is available on request.

Post and packaging are free within the UK. Overseas buyers please e-mail for postage costs and please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying.

Height
1.5cm (0.59")
Width
3.2cm (1.26")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Date of Manufacture

The Silver Cabinet has dated this Antique Silver Goldfish Pin Cushion to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1185833
Dealers Internal Ref
C825
The Silver Cabinet
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2014
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the The Silver Cabinet Profile Page

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An antique metallic pin cushion sculpted in the shape of a goldfish with two straight pins placed inside the central fabric section.
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Archive I An antique metallic pin cushion sculpted in the shape of a goldfish with two straight pins placed inside the central fabric section.

Rare Antique Silver Goldfish Pin Cushion

Archive II An antique metallic pin cushion sculpted in the shape of a goldfish with two straight pins placed inside the central fabric section. View II
Archive III An antique metallic pin cushion sculpted in the shape of a goldfish with two straight pins placed inside the central fabric section. View III
Archive IV An antique metallic pin cushion sculpted in the shape of a goldfish with two straight pins placed inside the central fabric section. View IV
Archive V An antique metallic pin cushion sculpted in the shape of a goldfish with two straight pins placed inside the central fabric section. View V
Archive VI An antique metallic pin cushion sculpted in the shape of a goldfish with two straight pins placed inside the central fabric section. View VI
Archive VII An antique metallic pin cushion sculpted in the shape of a goldfish with two straight pins placed inside the central fabric section. View VII
Enlarged Archival View

The Silver Cabinet
Telephone 07934 622 773
Location
West Midlands
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/thesilvercabinet
Verified Since May 2014
Items For Sale 122
Items Sold 588
The Silver Cabinet
Verified Since May 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: West Midlands, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/thesilvercabinet
Verified
May 2014
For Sale
122
Sold
588
An antique metallic pin cushion sculpted in the shape of a goldfish with two straight pins placed inside the central fabric section.
Rare Antique Silver Goldfish Pin Cushion
Ref: SA1185833
An antique metallic pin cushion sculpted in the shape of a goldfish with two straight pins placed inside the central fabric section.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectPin Cushions
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialSilver, Velvet
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsFish scales, Embossed fins, Figural casting, Velvet insert
  • SizeH 1.5 cm (1 in) x W 3.2 cm (1 in) x D 1 cm (0 in)

This Victorian miniature pin cushion takes the figural form of a goldfish, crafted from solid sterling silver with a rich gold-coloured gilding. The body displays detailed scale motifs and embossed fins, with the gilding showing slight rubbing on either side where the piece has been handled. Set into the back is an original brown velvet insert, holding two straight pins with purple and black globular heads. The base carries clear Chester hallmarks for 1908 along with the maker's mark for Sampson Mordan and Co and a registration mark. Measuring 1.5 cm high, 3.2 cm wide, and 1 cm deep, this charming novelty item sits well on an office desk or dressing table as a functional and decorative desktop accessory. The metal construction gives it a solid weight, and the detailed facial features give the creature a distinct personality.

FAQs

Novelty pin cushions gained immense popularity during the late nineteenth century as decorative yet functional items for the sewing table. Silversmiths created whimsical figural designs depicting animals, shoes, and everyday objects to appeal to collectors and needlework enthusiasts.

These items were predominantly cast from sterling silver, silver plate, or brass, often featuring a vermeil finish. The central cushion insert was typically filled with emery powder, horsehair, or wool roving and covered in velvet or silk fabric.

Authentic period examples generally display silver hallmarks or maker marks stamped into the metal casing. Inspect the casting details, seam joins, and original wear on the fabric insert to verify age and manufacturing methods.

Small antique silver novelties can be styled on a writing desk, displayed within a curated glass cloche, or placed on a vanity tray alongside small jewellery items to add historical interest.

Dust the item gently with a soft, dry brush to clean the fabric section. Clean the metal casing using a specialized silver polishing cloth, avoiding liquid chemicals or water contact with the textile cushion.
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