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Wright & Davies Sterling Silver Box Hand Painted Enamel Plaque with Genre Scene

About the Item

This fabulous rectangular sterling silver box was made in 1887 by English silversmiths William Thomas Wright and Frederick Davies and has been fitted with a hand painted enamel plaque on the lid that features a genre scene. The delightful image is set within an elegantly appointed salon and depicts an artist seated in front of a gilt-framed canvas that bears a partially completed portrait of a baby. The painter is surrounded by an entourage of sumptuously attired women who are attempting to capture the baby's attention and direct it toward the artist. The lid opens with a tapering tab at the front. The child's nurse holds her charge upright on a table that is covered by an ornate embroidered cloth trimmed in fringe. A lady dressed in purple stands next to her and leans toward the child in an attempt to cajole the baby into cooperating with the task at hand. The artist is seated opposite the child on an upholstered bench and holds his paintbrush in his right hand while simultaneously pointing up to a cluster of fruit. The fruit cluster is dangled by a lady dressed in a patterned yellow gown who wears a bemused expression on her face as she attempts to focus the baby's attention. Another woman dressed in blue and pink is seated in a green upholstered chair and leans forward, grasping a fan in her hands. She appears to be intently focused on the progress being made by the portrait artist - or lack of it. The hinged lid lifts to reveal a gilt-washed interior. The inside of the lid bears the William Thomas Wright and Frederick Davies W.W over F.D quatrefoil maker's mark along with the lion passant and letter "M" in a shield designating the year 1887. The outside lip of the base bears the Wright & Davies mark, the London Assay Office Leopard Head mark, the date letter "M", and the Queen Victoria Sovereign's Head mark. The box measures 5.375" by 3.75" and stands 1.75" as measured to the tallest point of the domed lid. The inside measurements of the base are 5.125" by 3.5" and it is 1.375" deep. The piece weighs 486.8 grams. The lid of the box sits squarely on the body of the piece and the hinges are fully functional. The lid closes securely and keeps the contents safely inside. The gilt wash interior is intact with some minor scratching/discoloration related to light use. As an antique, the box shows other signs of age/general wear which are mentioned for accuracy. This unusual Victorian sterling and enamel box would be a wonderful addition to a collection of European enameled boxes or works equally well as a stand alone decorative accent. It is also a practical piece that could be used to store jewelry or to hold stamps and other sundry items. A charming and useful antique find!
  • Creator:
    Wright & Davies 1 (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)Width: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Depth: 5.375 in (13.66 cm)
  • Style:
    Victorian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1887
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches and dents to the silver with minor wear/discoloration to the gilt washed interior.
  • Seller Location:
    Cincinnati, OH
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 1126073981stDibs: LU1191238404012
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