Silver

A RARE PAIR OF VICTORIAN NOVELTY SILVER ...

A rare and well-preserved example of VICTORIAN from London, 1886, noted for its craftsmanship, material quality, and historical relevance.

A Rare Pair of Victorian Novelty Silver ''Baby'' Salt and Pepper Shakers, Thomas Johnson, London, 1886\n\nRealistically modelled as two seated babies, one crying and one laughing, the bases hinging open. Engraved on the undersides for the retailer Jones of St James'' St., London and Boulevard des Capucines, Paris.\n\nThe subject of laughing and crying babies has been a popular one for artists since the 18th century. The theme can be seen in pair of bronze busts by the French sculptor Louis Franois Roubiliac (1702-1762) in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the 1871 International Exhibition in London featured a further pair of babies by Adolphe Itasse (1829-1893). In silver, the earliest examples may be a pair of condiment shakers hallmarked for London, 1880, with the maker''s mark of Robert Hennell & Sons.\n\nThomas Jones started up as a perfumer in London in 1850. The company expanded quickly, opening a store in Paris in 1856 and branching out into other lines such as travelling bags, dressing cases, brushes, stationery and jewellery.

— Details

Reference

SA1120214

Origin

London, 1886

Period

VICTORIAN

Dimensions

H 8.5cm

Weight

291 g

Rarity

High

Provenance

Engraved on the undersides for the retailer Jones of St James'' St., London and Boulevard des Capucines, Paris.

Condition

Excellent — see description