Sampson Mordan & Co.

An art deco pocket-box designed by Alfred Dunhill. This is a fabulous pocket cigarettes box made in England during the art deco period. This unusual box was created for the luxury brand of Alfred Dunhill, back in 1921. The presentation box is fitted with a push pressure thumb-button and mechanical springs system. The box was carefully crafted at the Sampson Mordan & Co. workshops in solid .925/.999 sterling silver with accents in polished 18 karats yellow gold and gilded interiors. The box is mainly decorated on both sides, with engine turned geometrics patterns and polished finishes. The craftsmanship of this box is exceptional, with minuses details. No traces of use or wear. Weight: 84.2 Grams, (53.98 Dwt). Measurements: 83 mm by 72.5 mm by 10 mm (3.27 x 2.85 x 0.39 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with British mark for England and the city of London; the maker's mark S.M & CO associated to Sampson Mordan & Co. (Sampson Mordan II), the mark for the assay of the .925 silver and the 18kt gold, the four-digits model number, the code-letter of a gothic F for the assay date of 1921 and signed in full as follows: "DUNHILL LONDON STERLING T-179 PATENT 31 S.M&CO F". Alfred Dunhill He inherited his father’s London saddlery in 1893. Following the increase in motor car ownership, Alfred developed the business to include motoring accessories, which he called ‘Dunhill’s Motorities’. This included goggles, timepieces, picnic sets, and leather coats, and it wasn’t long before the brand became associated with men’s general motoring attire. They opened two shops in Mayfair and had a catalogue of over 1300 items. Between the 1904 and 1905, Dunhill introduced their ‘Windshield Pipe’, to help drivers combat the effect of wind and travel on their ability to smoke. This marked both the end of the ‘motorities’ focus and their entry into the world of smoking ephemera, and they shortly opened their first tobacconist in 1907 on Duke Street. The proximity to several esteemed Private Members Clubs around the Mayfair, St James’ area ensured that the venture was a success. (From Nicholas Wells With Thanks). Sampson Mordan & Co. By 1865, the Mordan’s manufactory was based at 41 City Road, London, and later expanded to include No. 43. At some point the two brothers were joined in partnership by Edmund George Johnson...

A lovely vanity box crafted out of Calamander with brass inlay. It is by the prestigious British firm Sampson Mordan & Co of London. The utensils feature mother of pearl handles and ...

A stunning pair of antique English sterling silver menu holders by the highly collectable silversmith, Sampson Mordan & Co. Each is fully hallmarked for Chester 1911. The front of...

A very fine and rare antique English desk or letter scale, the base covered in stunning green Malachite. The gilded brass or bronze fittings are all hand engraved and the two pans...

Victorian novelty silver mounted owl head and cut glass inkwell by Sampson Mordan & Co. London - 1896. Hallmarked. The hinged lid modelled as an owl with glass amber eyes, and a cut...

A late Victorian sterling silver pepperette in the form of a rabbit or hare, made by Sampson Mordan & Co of London in 1899. It is very finely modelled as a rabbit sitting up on its...

A superb 20th Century English solid silver Art Deco desk set, comprising a mechanical pencil, notepad with paper, two pen holders, and a small rest to prevent ink from dripping direc...

Heading : Sampson Mordan silver perfume bottle with chased design Date : Hallmarked in London in 1884 for Mordan Period : Victoria Origin : London, England Decoration : All over chas...