Description

Sterling Silver by Henry Matthews

From our Accessories collection, we are pleased to offer this pair of Silver and Tortoiseshell Candlesticks by Henry Matthews. The Candlesticks having Tortoiseshell bodies mounted in sterling silver with a domed base, cylindrical stem and top sconces. The Silver is hallmarked Sterling, by Henry Matthews of Birmingham and dated to the Art Deco period 1922.

Literature Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue Page 71

Henry Matthews was a Birmingham based silversmith registering his first mark in 1894 in the Birmingham jewellery quarter, after success making smaller detailed pieces the business came to a close in 1930 during the Art Deco period.

Sterling Silver refers to the alloy of metal containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. Sterling Silver objects are stamped with the 925 mark to confirm their authenticity.

Tortoiseshell describes a type of decorative material made from the shells of certain species of sea turtles. The shells of these turtles are composed of a hard, glossy substance called keratin, which can be cut and shaped into a variety of decorative items. Tortoiseshell has been used for centuries to make a range of decorative objects, including combs, brush handles, and other small items. It is also sometimes used to make tea caddies, as it is strong, durable, and can be polished to a high shine. The term “tortoiseshell” is used to describe these decorative items, even though they are made from the shells of sea turtles because the term has been used historically to refer to this material.

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