Edwardian More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Fox Essex glass scent bottle designed by Tiffany & Co. An exceptional very rare piece, created during the Edwardian period at the Tiffany Studios, back in he 1905. This fabulous scent bottle has been carved from translucent rock quartz and mount with an oversized Essex glass reverse carved piece depicting the enameled three dimensional head of a fox. Both parts are mounted with hinged round frames crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. Fitted with a push opening button, an invisible hinges and an interior gold screw lid. The head of the fox is magnificent, very well carved with realistic details and exceptionally painted. Weight: 137.50 Grams, (88.14 Dwt). Measurements: 34 mm by 40 mm by 80 mm (1.34 x 1.57 x 3.15 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the gold and signed, "TIFFANY & CO.". The gold parts has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as over 18k gold .770/.999 assay. Essex Glass Essex crystal pieces are formed from a rock crystal cabochon (polished domes of rock crystal with a flat base), an image or motif is then reverse carved into the flat base, and then painted, to give them impression of a three dimensional object or image encapsulated in the cabochon when viewed from above. Production of a reverse crystal intaglio begins with the mining and cutting of fine rock crystal from Brazil or Madagascar. A well-formed cabochon is the key to a beautifully made reverse intaglio and the tedious process of hand polishing it to perfection had to be completed before the design work could begin. A watercolor rendering of the image was painted on the underside of the cabochon and an oil and diamond dust mixture was used along with up to 250 scribing tools to carve the design into the interior of the crystal “…the deeper the carving the more pronounced trompe l’oeil effect.” Once the carving was established the painting process began with extremely fine brushes and paint working in reverse to create incredibly detailed images. This process of carving into the back of the cabochon is sometimes referred to as reverse intaglio, not be to mistaken with intaglio, which is designed to be viewed from the same side on which it is carved, unlike Essex crystal. Particularly when the image is of something which is itself small in reality, such as an insect, they can be very convincing when created by skilled craftsman. Thomas Cook was believed to be responsible for introducing them to Britain from the continent in the 1860s, and there were initially sold by Hancock’s in London. During the same period the artist William Essex, was a great favourite of Queen Victoria, and known for his enamel painting and miniatures. It would seem that the public put two and two together and came up with five, in that they believed these exquisite miniature painted jewels could only have been created by such a celebrated talent as Essex, and the name stuck despite him having nothing to do with their creation. Interestingly, William Bishop...

This inkwell is one of the finest examples we have had in our collection to date. Crafted by the firm 'Dreyfous' the inkwell is made from .800 purity silver, etched crystal and cranberry guilloche enamel. The square form crystal base which sits upon four scroll feet is etched with floral motifs and bordered by gilded .800 purity silver that features panels of rich cranberry guilloche enamel. The central bulbous inkwell features further guilloche enamel that is overlaid with silver garlands and a hinged lid with floral knop. To the inside of the inkwell sits what appears to be its original glass ink liner which is in lovely condition. To the inside rim of the well is engraved 'Dreyfous Paris Londres New York' which helps date the piece to between 1890 and 1920. Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary of England were both frequent customers of Edouard Henry Dreyfous...

An incredible Edwardian aigrette headpiece crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, diamonds and natural cultured pearls. The pin is attached to a split yellow gold plated hinged pin which...

A very fine antique Edwardian period cross or crucifix pendant. In 14 karat gold with pearls and blue enamel. The twelve round white pearls are prong-set and bordered in blue ename...

Circa 1900 - 1920 Vienna Bronze Figure with Cold Paint Enamel of 2 Pug Dogs, measuring 1 5/8 inches in length and 1 1/4 inches in height. Nicely detailed, very minor hard to see surf...

Vintage yellow gold pin, with a unique twisted handle and auspiciously lucky horseshoe design. The horseshoe, made out of 9-carat yellow gold hallmarked Chester 1918, maker mark "W.C...

Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely fully hallmarked Asprey London 9ct gold small cigarette case i...

Josephine de Bauharnais could be wearing this incredible blue turquoise watch on an incredible dress... A yellow gold pocket watch made in Geneva Switzerland signed Jn, Fr, Bautte & ...

An antique Russian silver gilt-mounted semiprecious unakite miniature pendant Easter egg, Moscow, 1908-1917. The egg carved from a pale pink and celadon green unakite, set with silve...

An antique Fabergé diamond-set gold Swiss pendant lovers' remembrance watch painted in pictorial enamels (or en plein) as deep purple wild pansy (viola tricolor, or heart's ease) blo...

An Imperial and Royal Fabergé gold-mounted carved nephrite bowl, workmaster Michael Perchin, Saint Petersburg, circa 1890, with original Fabergé scratche...

Antique Edwardian Gold & Silver Diamond Sapphire Hair Clip Barrette C.1900 A rare but necessary accouterment, this Edwardian 14K Gold & Silver Roco...