Lot 751
  • 751

A VICTORIAN SILVER-PLATED "GOTHIC" FIGURAL PRESENTATION CENTERPIECE, ELKINGTON, MASON & CO., BIRMINGHAM, DATED 1859 |

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 USD
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Description

  • height 24 1/4 in.
  • 62 cm
with standing figures of a young hunter, a friar and a fish monger with a spaniel and game at their feet, mounted with plaques with 1859 and 1941 inscriptions

Condition

a few minor surface splits throughout: to grapevine, shells above pendant grapes, and wing of one dead bird carried by the hunter; repairs to stems of 3 grape clusters hung from bowl; underneath base with patch repairs at angles; lacking a few bolts underneath and some replaced; glass 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. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

The inscriptions read: "Presented to William Johnson Esq. as a token of respect & esteem by the workpeople in the employ of Messrs Richard Johnson & Brother, Manchester, January 28, 1859", and
"Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, Alias Wire Workers of the City of London, Presented by Arthur Laurence Johnson M.A., Grandson of William Johnson, both Wire Workers, with his Daughter Eleanor Morton Johnson, a Freeman of the Company, to commemorate his Mastership 1941-42."  John Johnson joined an existing firm of wire drawers in 1818; his sons Richard and William took over the firm in 1838.  In 1857 they supplied galvanized armored wire for the first transatlantic telegraph cable.  In 1860, the year after this piece was presented, William Johnson died and his place was taken by a nephew; as Richard Johnson & Nephew Ltd. the firm was highly successful and continued in Manchester until 1973.