Silver and Tortoiseshell Jewellery Box by William Comyns
£5,850.00
This Silver and Tortoiseshell Jewellery Box by William Comyns, dated 1910, is of semi-cylindrical form, raised on four tapered feet and fitted with twin opening doors. The silver body is inset with tortoiseshell panels decorated with engraved silver piqué work... Read More
A silver and tortoiseshell jewellery box by William Comyns, hallmarked London 1910, with engraved silver piqué decoration and a teal velvet lined interior.
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Description
Description
This Silver and Tortoiseshell Jewellery Box by William Comyns, dated 1910, is of semi-cylindrical form, raised on four tapered feet and fitted with twin opening doors. The silver body is inset with tortoiseshell panels decorated with engraved silver piqué work depicting musical instruments, scrolling vines and floral swags.
The domed upper section is bordered with finely chased silver decoration formed as a continuous flowerhead pattern. Opening the twin doors reveals an interior lined in teal velvet, finished with delicate ropework around the edges.
The box is fully hallmarked for Sterling Silver, London, William Comyns, 1910.
View the full Jewellery Box Collection.
Measurements
14cm High x 19.5cm Wide x 14cm Deep (5.5 x 7.7 x 5.5 Inches)
Literature
Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue
Who was William Comyns?
William Comyns was a London manufacturing silversmith whose firm operated from the mid nineteenth century through into the twentieth century. Established in 1858 following the acquisition of the Soho workshop of Robert Tagg, the business expanded steadily through a succession of London premises including Beak Street and Marshall Street as production increased during the Victorian period.
By the late nineteenth century the firm traded as William Comyns & Son after William Comyns’ sons joined the business. The company became well known for producing decorative silver retailed through leading London firms including Howell & James and Henry Lewis. Their work included a broad range of ornamental and practical silverwares recognised for consistent quality, fine finish and traditional craftsmanship.
Following incorporation in 1930 as William Comyns & Sons Ltd, the firm continued operating under later ownership and remains one of the few historic London manufacturing silversmiths still trading today.
For more information see our Makers and Retailers profile on William Comyns.
What is Tortoiseshell?
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.
If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the UK you must have a CITES certificate in order to import the item into your country. We can obtain these on your behalf at a cost of £50 and these can take up to 30 working days to arrive at our office. Due to the strict exporting rules of these pieces, they may also come with further shipping costs. Please ensure you contact us prior to purchase for a quote.
What is Sterling Silver?
is an alloy composed by weight of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness (parts per thousand) of 925.
View the full Silver Collection.
What is Art Nouveau?
The Art Nouveau period 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.
Is it Jewellery, Jewelery or Jewelry?
In the UK and Australia the English spelling rule states that the final consonant of a word should be doubled when its added suffix begins with a vowel. Therefore the spelling ‘jewellery’ is used. This rule usually applies to instances where the final syllable ends with a vowel followed by a single consonant such as: Jeweller. The spelling variation ’Jewelry’ is thought to have had some popularity as a preferred ‘poetic’ or ‘rhetorical’ spelling in British English. ‘Jewellery and Jewelery’ is used in the US, the confusion continues with the correct spelling variant being ’Jewelery’ according to the Oxford English Dictionary.
Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques?
With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide.
Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality.
Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades.
When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.
Additional information
Additional information
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| SKU | 501526 |
