A VICTORIAN GOLD SNUFF-BOX
A VICTORIAN GOLD SNUFF-BOX

BY CHARLES RAWLINGS AND WILLIAM SUMMERS (FL. 1826-1850), MARKED, WITH THE ENGLISH POST-1798 STANDARD MARK FOR 18 CARAT GOLD, THE ENGLISH STANDARD MARK FOR GOLD 1798-1974, THE LONDON ASSAY MARK FOR 1826-1896, THE LONDON DATE LETTER 1850/1851 AND THE ENGLISH DUTY MARK FOR GOLD 1840-1890

Details
A VICTORIAN GOLD SNUFF-BOX
BY CHARLES RAWLINGS AND WILLIAM SUMMERS (FL. 1826-1850), MARKED, WITH THE ENGLISH POST-1798 STANDARD MARK FOR 18 CARAT GOLD, THE ENGLISH STANDARD MARK FOR GOLD 1798-1974, THE LONDON ASSAY MARK FOR 1826-1896, THE LONDON DATE LETTER 1850/1851 AND THE ENGLISH DUTY MARK FOR GOLD 1840-1890
rectangular box, the hinged cover chased with scrolls and foliage and engraved with a crest, the sides similarly chased, the base with an engraving of a castle beside a lake, the interior engraved with a presentation inscription
2 15/16 in. (74 mm.)
3 oz. (102 gr.)
The crest is that of Hutchinson.

The inscription reads 'To James Hutchinson. Bequeathed by Samuel Amory. as a mark of his sincere regard and attachment (17th. Novr. 1857.)'
Provenance
Bequeathed by Samuel Amory (1784-1857), of The Priory, Homerton, and Portland Place, London, to James Hutchinson on the former's death on 17 November 1857.

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Amelia Anderson
Amelia Anderson

Lot Essay

Samuel Amory was a leading London solicitor. He was the son of Samuel Amory (d.1799), a banker. He married Anne (d.1833), second daughter of John Heathcote of Tiverton, in 1826. He started his career in 1810 and went into partnership with John Coles until 1839. He then worked with Isaac Sewell and Samuel Moores for eleven years, later becoming a founding partner of the firm Travers Smith, which survives to this day.

His will, written on 4 February 1852 and proved on 8 December 1857 refers to a gold box presented to him by his '...valued friend James Hutchinson' which he bequeaths to his son-in-law John Ingram-Travers. Later in the document he writes 'I bequeath to my friend the said James Hutchinson a suitable gold snuffbox to be purchased by my executors and I request them to have inscribed with a few lines to testify my great value and my regard for him and in particular my appreciation of his most brotherly regard to the widow and children of my later brother.' It is probable that James Hutchinson was a fellow campaigner for Administrative Reform. Both their names are included in a list of supporters who met at the London Tavern on the 5 May 1855.

For another box by these goldsmiths see lot 231.

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