RETAILED BY ORTNER & HOULE, LONDON

Details

A Victorian gilt brass desk stand modelled as a stagecoach, circa 1885
Retailed by Ortner & Houle, London
The hinged roof opening to a glass inkwell, inscribed ORTNER & HOULE, 3, ST JAMES'S ST, flanked by a recessed vesta case and stamp box, further compartments beneath the driver's seat and the postillion
8¼in. (20.9cm.) high overall, 17in. (43.2cm.) long overall

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

Similar desk stands modelled as stagecoaches, but fitted as humidors by Walter Thornhill & Co, New Bond Street, were sold at Christie's London, 14th November 1996, and at these rooms, 12 June 2002.

A Thornhill advertisement in a coaching journal, dated May 1892, announces their new registered Smoking Companion in the form of the 'Old Times' coach. It appears possible that the coaches offered by Thornhill and this one by Ortner & Haule were manufactured by Messrs. Henry Lewis and Co., jewellers, of 172 New Bond Street. A model of a forerunner to the 'Old Times' coach, the 'Rocket' was viewed at the premises by Tom Erica (Mainbar of Horse & Hound).
Christie's would like to thank David Inkel for his research on this subject.

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