Property of a Distinguished Italian Collector
A gold mounted 'Scottish Pebble' vinaigrette, circa 1835
Lot Closed
November 13, 03:36 PM GMT
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Property of a Distinguished Italian Collector
A gold mounted 'Scottish Pebble' vinaigrette, circa 1835
upright, of stepped tapering form, the sides formed of ten lobed stripes of differently patterned Scottish hardstone panels, the lid applied with a domed crystal cabochon, the wavy rim and collar engraved with foliate scrolls, centred by a small thumbpiece, the interior fitted with a pierced engraved grille, scalloped gold footrim, in modern crimson plush covered fitted case
5.4cm., 2 1/8 in. high
2
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Visitors to Edinburgh or Glasgow during the 19th century would not have had to look far to admire the beauty of polished pebbles from the Scottish Highlands. Specimens were in every jewellers' shop window, in the form of inlaid brooches, boxes and other precious keepsakes. The engraving of S. Woolfield's shopfront at 61 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, published in Robertson's Tourists' Guide (2nd edition, Vale of Leven, 1857, p. 94) would have been enough to pique any visitor's interest: above the legend 'SCOTCH PRESENTS . . . IMPORTANT TO TOURISTS & STRANGERS IN GLASGOW,' the view shown was of Woolfield's entrance flanked by sheets of plate glass behind which is a bewildering assortment of stock. The sign 'SCOTCH PEBBLES & TARTAN WOOD WORK' above was no idle boast; in 1855 Woolfield's advertised 'A CHARMING ASSORTMENT of Nic-Nacks and Novelties . . . for which this Establishment has been deservedly celebrated for more than THIRTY YEARS'; 'SCOTCH PEBBLES AND GEMS. The largest Assortment in Scotland made into Brooches, Bracelets, Studs, and in Gold or Silver Mountings.' (The Glasgow Herald, Monday, 1 January 1855, p. 1e, Wednesday, 12 September 1855, p. 8c)
In Edinburgh the visitor was similarly spoilt for choice. James Nasmyth & Co, manufacturing jewellers of Swinton Row boasted an extensive stock, including 'Scotch Pebble Ornaments, in Brooches, Bracelets, Pins, Chains, Studs, Waistcoat Buttons, Vinaigrettes, Paper Folders, &c.' (The Glasgow Herald, Friday, 8 June 1855, p. 2a). Perhaps the most ambitious and widely admired example of Scottish pebble work was the beautiful casket made by Mackay, Cunningham & Co. of Edinburgh for presentation in 1863 by the Ladies of Edinburgh as a wedding gift to Princess Alexandra, the future Princess of Wales. This masterpiece was 'wrought in gold, inlaid with upwards of 1,000 Scottish pebbles, representing all the varieties found in Scotland.' (The Sun, London, Monday, 7 September 1863, p. 10g; The Illustrated London News, London, Saturday, 10 October 1863, p. 376)