BY WALTER THORNHILL, CIRCA 1870

Details

A VICTORIAN RED AND GILT-DECORATED LETTER BOX
BY WALTER THORNHILL, CIRCA 1870
Of hexagonal form, enamel letter flap, brass mounted handle to frieze drawer engraved 'W. THORNHILL 114/NEW BOND ST. with diamond registration mark, mounted on a later faux marble hexagonal plinth
25 ¾ in. (65.5 cm.) high; 47 in. (119 cm.) high, including plinth

Special notice

This lot will be removed to an off-site warehouse at the close of business on the day of sale - 2 weeks free storage These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

Walter Thornhill assumed control of Thornhill & Co, a well-appointed firm of 18th century Cutlers (established in 1734 by James Gibbes), in 1850/51. The subsequent year Walter registered the business at its premises, 144 New Bond Street. Thornhill's excelled in the manufacture of fancy goods, including writing-cases and dressing-cases, beautifully crafted curios and games, which were well-received at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and throughout the second half of 19th century. In 1875 the firm was known as Walter Thornhill & Co. and it continued to flourish. Reviews in the fashionable ladies periodical The Queen, excitedly praised Thornhill's 1877 catalogue for its 'Novelties in Knick-nacks'.

More from The Art of Design The Lex Aitken & Alfredo Bouret Gonzalez Collection, Sydney and Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, 39 Brook Street, Mayfair

View All