Grand centre de table en argent par Habib Joo, Srinagar, 1899

en forme de navette, les anses composées d'un anneau retenu par un serpent, finement repoussé, ciselé et repercé de plantes exotiques sur un fond amati, également au poinçon de sponsor à l'importation Elkington, 1905

inscribed under the foot, also with Elkington sponsored import marks for 1905

Portant l'inscription suivante:
This Kashkol was made by Habib Joo, Srinagar Kashmir May-November 1899 by order of MARY JANE ROSS especially for and after being hallmarked in London in 1905, presented by her to WILLIAM BROOKE RAWLE

Gernerally good condition, gilt interior, small piece of strenthening metal in one section of pierced work but believe to be part of original construction. A few scratches and impurities in base plate, but overall condition is good, a large and interesting example
"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."

.William Brooke Rawle's family name was really Brook, but he married into the Rawles and took their name. He is notably famous for an action as a young cavalry officer at the Battle of Gettysberg, a battle he wrote about in several publications. The Rawles, from his wife's side were an important family from Pennsylvania who provided the State's first US Attorney (William Rawle 1759-1836 founder of the oldest law firm Rawle and Henderson). It is probable that this silver bowl was a thank-you present to William Brooke Rawle for helping Mary Ross with certain legal matters. William Brooke Rawle was involved in a legal case involving Robert Fleming, whose heiress was Ann Ross, probably Mary Jane Ross's mother. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Rawle family papers, 1682-1921
Many of the silversmiths in Kashmir were simple artisans working for the merchants shopkeepers or middlemen. Habib Joo (Habibjoo) was unusual in being both a working silversmith and a merchant shopkeeper, in fact one of the largest. These latter were responsible for getting 19th century Kashmiri silver known by exhibiting work at the international exhibitions such as those of London, Paris and Vienna. See: Wynyard R.T.Wilkinson, Indian Silver 1858-1947, London, 1999