GOLD AND GEM-SET ORNAMENT 'SUPER SHELLS', GRIMA, 1972

Designed as a sleeping seagull, the nautilus shell body accented with circular-cut ruby eyes, to textured gold legs, standing on a banded agate base, height approximately 210mm, width of base approximately 230mm, signed Grima, maker's marks, British hallmarks for London, 1972, original wooden crate with Andrew Grima London wax seal, and further mark.

Grima Retrospective, Goldsmiths' Hall,  Fosters Lane, London, May 1991, where this piece was exibited, item 275, page 74 in the catalogue.

Cf: Johann Willsberger, GRIMA, Germany, 1991, for several examples of Objet d'art by Grima including a similar 'Seagull' in the 'Super Shells' collection.

Rubies of Burmese origin cannot be imported into the US. This piece may contain a ruby of Burmese origin and therefore may not be able to be imported into the US. Certification of non-Burmese origin will be required before import of rubies into the US. Please see our Important Notices and contact the jewellery department for further information. Stamped 750 and 18 for 18 carat gold to plaque applied to base, signed Grima, maker's marks AGLtd, British hallmarks for London, 1972. Ornament measuring approximately 235mm x 180mm x 205mm (at highest point). Legs with circular bolt to inside of nautilus shell, one deficient, traces of glue to other leg, secure. Agate base with slight crack to front right, does not appear vulnerable. Ruby eyes well matched in colour. Wooden crate measures approximately 305mm x 235mm x 238mm, with vertically sliding door, one small split to interior. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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."