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Elaborately Engraved Sterling Silver Viniagrette Box with Golden Interior
Francis Clark
- About The Elaborately Engraved Sterling Silver Viniagrette Box with Golden Interior
This wee lidded box was mill rolled and drawn from ingot, the sheet and wire for fabrication were used to create a vessel with precision leak resistant lid-on-box seam closure. The pierced, hinged interior retainer closes with identical precision fit. This retainer or "grill" held a small aromatic infused sponge in place when the box lid was opened for use. Elegant, hand-engraved scrollwork and foliate decoration cover the enterior exterior and incorporates piercings in the retainer.
Six stamps mark the interior. Three, inside the hinged lid--a profile of young Queen Victoria, the initials PC and a lion passant representing Birmingham, England, the artist maker Francis Clark and the English sterling mark in that order.
Gilding of the box interior was accomplished using an amalgam of mercury and pure gold. Heat was applied, causing the amalgam to flow evenly over all desired surfaces. The mercury evaporated leaving the pure gold to protect the sterling from acetic acid corrosion. The latter being a byproduct of the various essential oils and aromatics, intensified with a few drops of vinegar. Just a little of the white film on the gold has been wiped off to reveal the original, still mirror bright, gold, proving this gilt finish is more than ornamental.
The workmanship of Francis Clark is awe inspiring !
Savvy Price $465.00
Gallery Price $575.00
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| Pick It Up | FREE! |
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| Description | This wee lidded box was mill rolled and drawn from ingot, the sheet and wire for fabrication were used to create a vessel with precision leak resistant lid-on-box seam closure. The pierced, hinged interior retainer closes with identical precision fit. This retainer or "grill" held a small aromatic infused sponge in place when the box lid was opened for use. Elegant, hand-engraved scrollwork and foliate decoration cover the enterior exterior and incorporates piercings in the retainer. Six stamps mark the interior. Three, inside the hinged lid--a profile of young Queen Victoria, the initials PC and a lion passant representing Birmingham, England, the artist maker Francis Clark and the English sterling mark in that order. Gilding of the box interior was accomplished using an amalgam of mercury and pure gold. Heat was applied, causing the amalgam to flow evenly over all desired surfaces. The mercury evaporated leaving the pure gold to protect the sterling from acetic acid corrosion. The latter being a byproduct of the various essential oils and aromatics, intensified with a few drops of vinegar. Just a little of the white film on the gold has been wiped off to reveal the original, still mirror bright, gold, proving this gilt finish is more than ornamental. The workmanship of Francis Clark is awe inspiring ! |
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| About the Artist | A restless man of many talents, Francis Clark's work in Birmingham England was only evident from 1827-1849. His 54 years of life, from 1799-1853, encompassed multiple skills, including toy making, some of which were made of sterling silver ! In 1849 Francis moved to Australia, serving as a magistrate there he decided to create an import business with his son, Howard Clark. Francis Clark & Sons became his legacy to his family when he died just four years later in 1854. |
| Culture | UK |
| Medium | Sterling silver |
| Troy ounces | .44 troy ounces |
| Size | 1 3/8" width X 7/8" tabs to hinge X 3/8" maximum depth at center |
| Signed | Three stamps inside the bottom: an anchor, the initials PC and an archaic upper case letter S |
| Date of creation | 1841 |
| Condition | Excellent |
| Description | It is possible to wash off all the gilt surface "mist". If the purchaser wishes, we can do that. |
| Design | This sterling gem can be used for a myriad of things--from pills to couple of $100 bills, even an engagement ring ! |
| Provenance | LF |
| Gram weight | 13.8 grams |
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Just received the painting today - WOW! Really outstanding, and the finest packaging for the price I've yet unwrapped!
Don & Brenda P. in California