16th Nov, 2024 9:30 GMT/BST
Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver
2079
An Edward VII Silver-Mounted Coconut Vessel
Attributed to Sir Bache Cunard, Bt., London, Circa 1905
modelled as a stylised arachnid, the silver body with humorously chased face and eight legs, the carved coconut body with hinged back
13.5cm long
Provenance:
Presented to 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. Among the known surviving works is a further silver-mounted coconut shell vessel (Boulton and Cooper, Malton, 14 March 2018, lot 143). Formed as a fish it has a similar hinged back in the carved coconut and humourous chased face.
Sold for £1,000
Estimated at £150 - £250
There are no makers or other hallmarks. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. There are some bruises to the silver body. This is particularly noticeable to the top edge of the face which is bruised and cracked. One leg is part lacking. Lacking one fixing screw underneath.
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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