18th May, 2024 9:30 GMT/BST
Jewellery, Watches & Silver
2312
An Elizabeth II Parcel-Gilt Silver Cup and Cover
by Asprey and Co. Ltd., London, 1965, Designed by James Porteous Wood, Craftsmen Keith Tasker
tapering triangular and on openwork base, engraved on two sides with inscriptions, the detachable cover openwork and with a gilt triform leaf-form finial, on conforming triangular rosewood base
34cm high including base, weight of silver 34oz 12dwt, 1,076gr
The inscriptions read 'The Carreras Piccadilly Northern Cup Ripon August 1965 Won by Major L. B. Holliday's "Finish Fast" (Fidalgo Javotte) 21-8-65' and 'Bilsdale Hunt Perpetual Challenge Cup'.
James Porteous Wood was born in Edinburgh and went to the George Heriot School, though he left when he was only 14 as his interest lay in studying art, which he subsequently did at the Edinburgh College of Art. His early artistic expression was through watercolour painting, which he did around Ripon while based there as a non-commissioned office during the war. His talents were recognised in 1945 when he was elected to the Royal Scottish Watercolour Society. It was perhaps as the Director of Art and Design for Asprey that he was to make his greatest impact with commissions such as an 18ct gold bowl which was presented to President Eisenhower and a model of the Dome of the Rock which was commissioned by King Hassan of Morocco. With a diameter of some 175cm the creation has been described as the most important piece of silver ever exported from the UK.
His works rarely appear on the market but what does appear shows a similar flare for design and the use of luxury materials. Two items by him, both marked for Asprey, were included in the exhibition Embellish: The Art of Hand Engraving, held at Tennants in the summer of 2023. They were both kindly loaned from the Pearson Silver Collection and included an 18ct white gold and quartz-set box made to commemorate the Chester Assay Office and a salver engraved as the Totalisator Spring Handicap trophy. Interestingly on each of those examples credit is given to those involved in the creation of the item, the salver for example also being made by craftsman Keith Tasker and the box engraved by Theodore C. F. Wise, a nod perhaps to his interest in encouraging young talent, which he also did by sponsoring an annual art prize at Mallaig High School.
With non-transferable CITES A10 licence no. 24GBA105BNYPB.
Sold for £800
Estimated at £600 - £800
Fully marked on one side near rim and further part marked on cover bezel. The marks are generally clear. The base further stamped 'Asprey London; and engraved 'Designer Porteous Wood' and 'Craftsman K Tusker'. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use as well as some minor bruises. The base with three later screw holes to allow the cup to be fixed to the wood base. The wood base with fading and some holes where plaques were originally attached. There is some glue residue to the base as well.
We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.
Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.
We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
Auction: Jewellery, Watches & Silver, 18th May, 2024
The May Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale will include an interesting group of late 17th and 18th century silver, lead by a circa 1650 Memento Mori Watch-Case in the form of a Skull, and a William III Silver Punch Bowl made in London in 1697 by Benjamin Pyne. Also of interest is a group of three lots of silver by early 20th century master silversmith H.G. Murphy, and a silver sculptural trophy of Shakespeare, given in memory of an actor killed in WWII, is to be sold by the Hull Music Festival to raise funds to support the education and development of young performers in the area.
The Jewellery section will be opened by a selection of silver jewellery by Georg Jensen, which will include a stylish matching set of ‘Forget-Me-Knot’ Earrings and Brooch designed by Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe for Georg Jensen. Colourful jewels are also amongst the highlights, with pieces by Catherine Best and H. Stern, and a Citrine and Diamond Brooch. There are also several sets of Gentleman's Cufflinks.
A good offering of World War II Military Watches, from a Private Collection, lead a wide variety of vintage collectable and luxury watches, alongside a selection of pocket watches. Highlights include a rare circa 1944 IWC Mark X Military Issue Wristwatch – one of the so called “Dirty Dozen”, a 2006 18 carat gold Hermès Lady’s Cape Cod Wristwatch, and a rare 1809 Silver Eight Day Duration Verge Pocket Watch with Calendar Display by Jno Hill of London.
Viewing
Wednesday 15 May - Friday 17 May 10am-4pm and the morning of sale from 8am
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