A Victorian Silver Tray
by William George Connell, London, 1900

shaped oblong, with Art Nouveau style decoration

46cm wide, 50oz 10dwt, 1,571gr

Provenance:
Fellows and Sons Limited, Birmingham, 10 December 2012, lot 6.

The history of the William George Connell can be traced back to 1817 when the firm was recorded at 22 Myddleton Street, Clerkenwell. In the early years, the company would seem to have been mostly involved in the sale of watches, by 1846 for example, being recorded as chronometer and watchmaker to the Royal Navy. It was apparently his son, William George, whose mark appears on the present tray, and his grandson George Lawrence Connell who were to champion the sale of Art Nouveau style, or, as recorded in 1902 on the death of William George Connell '... one of the pioneers of modern artistic silverware.' (a quoted J. Culme, The Directory of Gold and Silversmiths, Jewellers and Allied Traders 1838-1914, p.94). Besides silver marked with the distinctive Connell mark of WGC mark in a trefoil the company sold the work by others, including items designed or made for example by Kate Harris, William Hutton and Sons and later A. E. Jones.

Sold for £1,300
Estimated at £1,200 - £1,800

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Fully marked near rim. The marks are generally clear. There is some minor surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. The wear is noticeable as a minor softening to the high points.

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Auction: Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver, 16th Jul, 2022

To include attractive and beautiful pieces of jewellery, with a selection of fine jewels by Boodles, Bulgari, Chopard, Tiffany, Hennell and Cartier, a strong selection of vintage collector’s and luxury modern watches, and fine pieces of period silver.

Viewing

Sunday 10 July 11am-4pm, Monday 11 July to Friday 15 July 10am-4pm and morning of sale from 8am. Viewing is open to the public, there is no need to make an appointment.

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