Description

Sterling Silver Dated 1895

From our Accessories collection, we are please to offer this Silver and Onyx Desk Tidy by Sampson Mordan. The Desk Tidy of rectangular shape with a green onyx base with a chamfered edge mounted with sterling silver crossed swords on a hinge acting as a clamp. The Desk Tidy of good weight useable as a paperweight which incorporates the document clamp and two swords which can be removed, one a paper knife and the other as a propelling pencil. The swords modelled as cutlass with the hilt having a basket shaped guard. Each piece of the silver is hallmarked Sterling by Sampson Mordan, London and dated 1895 during the Art Nouveau period and the late 19th century.

Measurements ( 2.95 x 7.7 x 5.1 Inches)

7.5cm High x 19.5cm Long x 13cm Wide

Sampson Mordan was a British silversmith and a co-inventor of the first patented mechanical pencil. During his youth, he was an apprentice of the inventor and locksmith Joseph Bramah, who patented the first elastic ink reservoir for a fountain pen. Upon Mordan’s death in 1843, his sons Sampson Junior and Augustus inherited the firm. S. Mordan & Co. continued to make silverware and brass postal scales until 1941 when their factory was destroyed by bombs during the London Blitz in WWII.

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.

Art Nouveau was an international style of art and architecture, especially the decorative arts. It was inspired by natural forms such as the curves of plants and flowers. Other characteristics of Art Nouveau were a sense of dynamism, movement and the use of modern materials particularly iron, glass and ceramics to create unusual forms. It was popular between 1890 and 1910 during the Belle Époque period and before the First World War. It was a reaction against the academic art, eclecticism and historicism of 19th century architecture and decoration.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information