MARK OF FREDERICK ELKINGTON, BIRMINGHAM, 1868

Details

A VICTORIAN SILVER-GILT MIRROR-PLATEAU
MARK OF FREDERICK ELKINGTON, BIRMINGHAM, 1868
Circular with a shaped foliage scroll lower border and a fruiting grapevine rim, engraved with a presentation inscription and various names, the mirror set with a silver-gilt plaque engraved with a scene from the Battle of Trafalgar below the legend 'England Expects Every Man to do his Duty' all within an oak leaf and acorn border, with wood core, marked on side and on plaque, in oak case
18 3/8 in. (46.6 cm.) diam.
The inscription reads 'From Officers of The Royal Navy Presentees of The Testimonial to Robert Napier Esq in the year 1844'.

Provenance

Anonymous sale; Christie's, Glasgow, 6 June 1995, lot 439.

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 17.5% on the buyer's premium.

Brought to you by

Mary O'Connell

mo'connell@christies.com +44 (0)20 7752 3026

Lot Essay

This mirror plateau is presumably a copy of one made for presentation, along with a centrepiece, by Benjamin Smith in 1844. The centrepiece is now in the collection of the National Museum of Scotland (A.1995.561), was presented to Robert Napier (1791-1876) in recognition of his assistance to their studies in the construction and management of steam vessels.

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