A GEORGE IV SILVER-GILT CASKET
A GEORGE IV SILVER-GILT CASKET

MARK OF WILLIAM ELLIOTT, LONDON, 1820

Details
A GEORGE IV SILVER-GILT CASKET
MARK OF WILLIAM ELLIOTT, LONDON, 1820
Rectangular, the side panels with putti amidst foliage, the hinged cover set with a 17th century repoussé plaque after an engraving of the Blessed Hermann Joseph kneeling before an apparition of the Virgin, engraved under base with an inscription, the interior lined with blue fabric, marked under base and cover
11¼ in. (28.6 cm.) long; 88 oz. (2,750 gr.) gross weight
The inscription reads 'April 18th 1821. This Box weighing 82oz, 14dwt has been made to receive a chas'd Medallion of Scripture History of unknown Assay weighing 5oz 5dwt which is to be added without Solder'
Provenance
Anonymous sale, Christie's, New York, 17 October 1996, lot 249.

Lot Essay

This plaque is based on an engraving by Paul Pontius after Anthony Van Dyck's painting of the Blessed Hermann Joseph kneeling before an apparition of the Virgin Mary, 1630, and now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.

Charles II style toilet services and silver-gilt caskets enjoyed a renaissance in the 1820s. Possibly inspired by the famous Calverley Service of 1683 (now in the Victoria and Albert Museum), they are set with antique plaques depicting stories from classical mythology or religious scenes, like the present lot.

The present lot is part of a group of 19th century caskets and boxes that are engraved with similar inscriptions. They include one sold by the Trustees of the Swinton Settled Estates, Christie's, London, 26 November 1975, lots 170 - 171, another sold, Christie's, New York, 29 April 1987, lot 271, and Sotheby's, London, 20 June 1974, lot 125.

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