A cocktail shaker of authoritative quality and precise Art Deco design, this sterling silver example by Adie Brothers of Birmingham represents the Birmingham silversmithing trade at its interwar peak — technically accomplished, formally resolved, and fully hallmarked to the standard that distinguishes English sterling from the silver plate that dominates this category.
The form is a masterclass in restrained modernity. The tapering body rises from a reeded circular foot through a plain, beautifully proportioned cone to a stepped and reeded collar of multiple horizontal bands, above which the domed cap — itself faceted and reeded with a diamond-form finial — fits with the precision one expects of a piece hallmarked by the Birmingham Assay Office. The horizontal banding of the collar creates a strong visual break between cap and body that is entirely characteristic of British Art Deco silver of the early 1930s, recalling the setbacks of contemporary skyscraper architecture translated into the language of the silversmith's craft.
The interior retains its original gilt wash, both functional — protecting the silver from the acids in citrus cocktails — and luxurious. The shaker disassembles into four components: body, collar section, domed cap, and the original pierced disc strainer, all present and correct. Two oval cartouches on the body, visible in the disassembled photograph, provide additional decorative articulation at the collar join.
The hallmarks struck to the body are crisp and complete: maker's mark for Adie Brothers, lion passant (sterling standard), Birmingham anchor (assay office), and date letter for 1930. Adie Brothers, founded in Birmingham in 1919 by Ernest and Harold Adie, became one of the most prolific and consistently quality-focused producers of Art Deco silver in Britain, supplying the retail trade with pieces that combined accessible pricing with genuine craft integrity. Their cocktail shakers are among the most collected of all British interwar barware.
MAKER: Adie Brothers, Birmingham DATE: 1930 (Birmingham Assay Office date letter confirmed) MATERIAL: Sterling silver; gilt interior MARKS: Maker's mark (Adie Brothers); lion passant; Birmingham anchor; date letter 1930 — struck to body COMPONENTS: Four pieces: body, collar, domed cap, original pierced disc strainer DIMENSIONS: 9” height CONDITION: Very good; gilt interior present; hallmarks crisp; all components original and present
A cocktail shaker of authoritative quality and precise Art Deco design, this sterling silver example by Adie Brothers of Birmingham represents the Birmingham silversmithing trade at its interwar peak — technically accomplished, formally resolved, and fully hallmarked to the standard that distinguishes English sterling from the silver plate that dominates this category.
The form is a masterclass in restrained modernity. The tapering body rises from a reeded circular foot through a plain, beautifully proportioned cone to a stepped and reeded collar of multiple horizontal bands, above which the domed cap — itself faceted and reeded with a diamond-form finial — fits with the precision one expects of a piece hallmarked by the Birmingham Assay Office. The horizontal banding of the collar creates a strong visual break between cap and body that is entirely characteristic of British Art Deco silver of the early 1930s, recalling the setbacks of contemporary skyscraper architecture translated into the language of the silversmith's craft.
The interior retains its original gilt wash, both functional — protecting the silver from the acids in citrus cocktails — and luxurious. The shaker disassembles into four components: body, collar section, domed cap, and the original pierced disc strainer, all present and correct. Two oval cartouches on the body, visible in the disassembled photograph, provide additional decorative articulation at the collar join.
The hallmarks struck to the body are crisp and complete: maker's mark for Adie Brothers, lion passant (sterling standard), Birmingham anchor (assay office), and date letter for 1930. Adie Brothers, founded in Birmingham in 1919 by Ernest and Harold Adie, became one of the most prolific and consistently quality-focused producers of Art Deco silver in Britain, supplying the retail trade with pieces that combined accessible pricing with genuine craft integrity. Their cocktail shakers are among the most collected of all British interwar barware.
MAKER: Adie Brothers, Birmingham DATE: 1930 (Birmingham Assay Office date letter confirmed) MATERIAL: Sterling silver; gilt interior MARKS: Maker's mark (Adie Brothers); lion passant; Birmingham anchor; date letter 1930 — struck to body COMPONENTS: Four pieces: body, collar, domed cap, original pierced disc strainer DIMENSIONS: 9” height CONDITION: Very good; gilt interior present; hallmarks crisp; all components original and present
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