Lot Essay
See Bryant, ibid. pl. 36, fig. 19, pl. 42, fig. 5 and pl. 37, fig. 8 for related models.
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VARIOUS DATES, CIRCA 1755-65
Details
FIVE GILT-METAL AND GOLD-MOUNTED PORCELAIN SEALS
VARIOUS DATES, CIRCA 1755-65
Comprising:
A Chelsea seal modelled as Cupid above two fighting cocks, the mound inscribed LE VAINQUEUR L'AURA., inset with a hardstone intaglio engraved with a portrait bust of a gentleman in a cap, in profile to the right (hardstone panel probably re-set)
A Chelsea/Derby seal modelled as a kneeling blackamoor, probably emblematic of the Americas, the mound inscribed in iron-red JE BRULE D'AMOUR, the mounts inset with a plain hardstone panel (restuck chip to head and wear to enamels, mounts possibly later)
A seal of 'Girl-in-a-Swing' type, modelled as a bust portrait of a masked lady holding flowers, the base inscribed in iron-red ROSES SANS EPINNE, with gold mounts, the base inset with a hardstone intaglio engraved with a portrait bust of a Roman Emperor in profile to the right
Another, similar, modelled as a standing lady holding a mask (mount on base possibly later and disguising losses)
Another, probably Chelsea, modelled as a gallant taking snuff, the gilt-metal mounts inset on the base with a hardstone intaglio engraved with a bust portrait of a Roman Emperor in profile to the right (wear to extremities)
The tallest approximately 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm.) high (5)
VARIOUS DATES, CIRCA 1755-65
Comprising:
A Chelsea seal modelled as Cupid above two fighting cocks, the mound inscribed LE VAINQUEUR L'AURA., inset with a hardstone intaglio engraved with a portrait bust of a gentleman in a cap, in profile to the right (hardstone panel probably re-set)
A Chelsea/Derby seal modelled as a kneeling blackamoor, probably emblematic of the Americas, the mound inscribed in iron-red JE BRULE D'AMOUR, the mounts inset with a plain hardstone panel (restuck chip to head and wear to enamels, mounts possibly later)
A seal of 'Girl-in-a-Swing' type, modelled as a bust portrait of a masked lady holding flowers, the base inscribed in iron-red ROSES SANS EPINNE, with gold mounts, the base inset with a hardstone intaglio engraved with a portrait bust of a Roman Emperor in profile to the right
Another, similar, modelled as a standing lady holding a mask (mount on base possibly later and disguising losses)
Another, probably Chelsea, modelled as a gallant taking snuff, the gilt-metal mounts inset on the base with a hardstone intaglio engraved with a bust portrait of a Roman Emperor in profile to the right (wear to extremities)
The tallest approximately 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm.) high (5)
Provenance
Otto and Magdalena Blohm Collection
The first, sale Sotheby's London, 24th April 1961, lot 214
The second, third and fourth, sale Sotheby's London, 9th October 1961 lots 489, 464 and 463
Ernesto Blohm collection.
The first, sale Sotheby's London, 24th April 1961, lot 214
The second, third and fourth, sale Sotheby's London, 9th October 1961 lots 489, 464 and 463
Ernesto Blohm collection.
Literature
G.E. Bryant, The Chelsea Porcelain Toys (London, 1925), pl. 40, fig. 12 and pl. 43, fig. 1 for the fourth and fifth examples.
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.