16th Nov, 2024 9:30 GMT/BST
Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver
2078
A Graduated Set of Four Edward VII Silver Table-Ornaments
by Sir Bache Cunard, Bt., London, Circa 1905
each in the form of a branch with four or five leaves down each side, with an associated cardboard box, inscribed 'Silver Leaves Made by Sir Bache Cunard Same as silver fox'
30.5cm long and smaller, 6oz 14dwt, 209gr (4)
Provenance:
Sir Bache Cunard, 3rd Bt. (1851-1925), and by descent to his brother
Sir Gordon Cunard, 4th Bt. (1857-1933) and by descent to his son
Sir Edward Cunard, 5th Bt. (1890-1962) at which time the baronetcy reverts to the family of his great uncle William (1825-1906), the second son of Sir Samuel Cunard (1787-1865), 1st Bt. and by descent
first to Sir Henry Cunard, 6th Bt. (1909-1973) and then to his brother Sir Guy Cunard, 7th Bt. (1911-1989) on whose death the baronetcy becomes extinct, and thence by descent
Sir Bache Cunard Bt. registered his first mark with Goldsmiths' Hall on 26 April 1901 at Nevill Holt, Market Harborough, Leicestershire and later at Wansford, Peterborough on 25 January 1921. His works are incredibly rare as he was presumably only making items for his family and friends. The few other known surviving works include a bell push which shows the similar use of foliage as on the present table-ornaments (Lyon and Turnbull, 14 March 2012, lot 741). It was sold as part of the contents of Blair Castle, interestingly a Captain Blair was among the subscribers who contributed to the Sir Bache testimonial.
Sold for £1,400
Estimated at £150 - £250
The largest ornament marked with maker's mark only. The others apparently unmarked. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. There have been some repairs to some leaves.
Auction: Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver, 16th Nov, 2024
A spectacular life-size silver fox, modelled in the late 19th century by famed Victorian taxidermist James Rowland Ward, will be offered for sale with an estimate of £25,000-35,000 (all figures exclude buyer's premium). The model was presented to Sir Bache Cunard, legendary huntsman and scion of the Cunard shipping family, as a testimonial for his services to hunting in South Leicestershire and was paid for by subscription by members of his hunt.
In a superb offering of watches in the sale is an interesting selection of vintage pieces, with early and rare examples. The earliest wristwatch in the sale is a good Rolex: 18 Carat Two-Coloured Gold ‘Prince Brancard’ Watch (ref: 971) dating from the 1930s (estimate: £4,000-5,000). One of the rarest watches is a 1951 Omega: 14 Carat Rose Gold ‘Museum Cosmic’ Triple Calendar Moonphase Wristwatch (ref:3944) (estimate: £14,000-16,000). Reference 3944 was the first watch in Omega’s Cosmic line; it was made in three different metals, rose gold like the present example, being the rarest.
Period jewellery in the sale is led by a dazzling Art Deco Diamond Double Clip Brooch by Le Roy et Fils Ltd (estimate: £5,000-7,000). There is also a good offering of impressive rings in the sale, most notably a Diamond Cluster Ring (estimate: £15,000-20,000). Modernist jewellery is also a strong feature, with a good selection on offer by the likes of Leo de Vroomen, Andrew Grima, Alan Gard, Thomas A Payne and Kutchinsky.
Viewing
Sunday 10th November to Thursday 14th November 11am-4pm, Friday 15th November 8am-4pm, and morning of the sale from 8am
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