an 18ct gold Giraffe, Atelier Borgila, Sweden, 1957

sitting elegantly with folded legs, on a rectangular base, her skin textured, emerald eyes, modelled by Karl Hultström, signed with initials, maker's mark, date letter, country and standard marks

Excellent condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In 1920, Baron Erik Fleming (1894-1954) founded the Atelier Borgila, still prominent today in Swedish silversmithing. Fleming, Court Silversmith to the King of Sweden, devoted himself exclusively to handmade silver, in an area that was becoming increasingly industrialised.  While running a commercial business, he insisted on the best elements of contemporary design and craftsmanship, producing many of the firm's designs himself. Simplicity of form and construction was the key note with vases and bowls worked up in one piece with no joins, soldering or imperfections.  

While the present gold pieces are atypically humorous, they take pleasure in displaying the firm's mastery of technique and the talented modelling of the sculptor, Knut Hultström (1884-1973).