ENGLAND, last third of the 19th century. Walter THORNHILL & Company. Astonishing inverted cep-shaped pepper mill. Textured silver (925) base and natural glazed ceramic cap. Metal mechanism. Goldsmith's hallmark. LONDON, Lion passant and Victoria profile hallmarks. Gross weight: 255 g. - H. 7 cm. A few flaws in the enamel, at the edge of the simulated lamellas, and a small jump on the cap; a few knocks to the silver. Walter THORNHILL and Company was active between 1878 and 1891, in New Bond Street, London. A pair of similar all-silver pepper mills by London silversmith E. H. Stockwell, smaller (H. 4.5 cm), sold in London at Martel Maides Auction on April 27, 2023, lot 1. They were dated 1881.