拍品 101
  • 101

A MID-17TH CENTURY SILVER COUNTER BOX AND COVER, WITH THIRTY-EIGHT CONTEMPORARY COUNTERS, UNMARKED, ENGLISH |

估價
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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描述

  • the box, 2.7cm., 1 1/8in. high
the sides of the cylindrical box die-stamped in imitation of engraving in the manner of Simon van de Passe with four panels of military trophies, the base similarly decorated with a figure of Father Time with a scythe and two winged hourglasses in a landscape, the detachable cover with a cast and pierced portrait of Charles I, the circular counters similarly decorated with portraits of monarchs and their coats-of-arms

來源

Bonhams, London, 19 July 2002, lot 241

Condition

Apparently unmarked throughout. The counters of varying gauge. All with very crisp to fair engraving. The decoration to the case also nice and crisp. Original slightly messy seam visible inside during construction. Very good condition for age.
"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."

拍品資料及來源

Sold with this lot is a typed slip: ‘Engraved [sic] Silver Counter-box, with portrait of Charles I on lid and engraved figu [sic] figure of Father Time on base, complete with set of thirty-eight counters with half-length portraits of Kings and Queens, 20 guineas.’ Annotated in ink: ‘Purchased Butler, Clifton Novr. 1937 with JP.TF’s Legacy’. In his book, Silver Boxes (London, 1968, pp. 16-18), Eric Delieb devotes several paragraphs to 17th century counter boxes, observing that they usually contain between 20 and 37 counters. He quotes the work of the scholar, Helen Farquhar (1859-1953) whose researches convinced her that ‘the superlatively engraved counters found within Charles I ‘’counter-boxes’’ were not, in fact, hand-engraved, as had been quite legitimately believed hitherto, but the work of the clever Dutch medallist Simon van de Passe [1612/15-1647], who had invented a method whereby a steel die was cut and wafer-thin discs of silver were struck with the motifs, thereby imitating engraving by hand.’ But it is now believed that the method of reproduction was very fine casting rather than die-stamping. For further comment, see Mark Jones, ‘The technique of Simon van de Passe Reconsidered,’ The Numismatic Chronicle, London, vol. 143, 1983, pp. 227-230.

Like old spoons, English silver counter boxes of the 17th century have long been of interest to antiquaries and collectors. In the absence of hallmarks, however, their precise dates of manufacture have never been firmly established. Authorities of the 19th century claim them to have been made as early as 1630, as were two examples decorated with the head of Charles I by J.C. Robinson of the South Kensington Museum in 1865 in his Catalogue of the Works of Art forming the Collection of Robert Napier (p. 97, nos. 1166 and 1167). Other, later specialists suggest that such boxes were made in the late 1650s in anticipation of or following the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660. In support of this theory they point to the number of portraits of kings and queens on the counters, powerful reminders of the royalist message; and cite portraits dated 1657 and 1658 of the murdered Charles I recorded on three English delftware chargers. See John C. Austin, British Delft at Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Virginia, 1994, p. 134, no. 170.