Description
Large Sterling Silver Casket
An impressive unique one off piece, Scottish Arts & Crafts large sterling silver casket by George Edward & Sons (David & George Edward), hallmarked from Glasgow in 1911/12.
It was made to commemorate the launch of the Dreadnought H.M.S Ajax in 1912. The box was used to house the scissors which The Duchess of Sutherland used to cut the ribbon at the launch of the vessel. As a result, it is engraved “Presented to Her Grace The Duchess of Sutherland by The Chairman & Directors of Scotts Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd on the occasion of the launch of H.M.S Ajax Greenock March 1912”.
The lid has a cast figure superbly detailed of Ajax as well as a coat of arms. Meanwhile, H.M.S Ajax is depicted in relief on the front. There is some superb detailing right down to the fish/dolphin handles which can be raised to carry the piece.
Gilt Scissors
Silver is in excellent order, the original gilt scissors (not silver) have some minor tarnishing. However, the inside velvet finish is slightly coming away at the front (minor issue), some small dark marks on the silk interior of the lid.
The box measures 300 x 192 mm, to the edge of lid it stands 103mm. Likewise, the overall height including the cast figure of Ajax is approx. 200mm.
Furthermore, the box gets a small mention in the newspapers of the time, as in mentions the Duchess was presented with the box .
Moreover, this is an impressive piece by one of the best silversmiths of Glasgow at the time.
Unique
However, there is one thing that can certainly be said, if you own it, no one else will have one!
Meanwhile, there is a lot of information out there on the Internet relating to this piece. For instance, the shipbuilders, The Duchess of Sutherland, Ajax (the figure), H.M.S Ajax.
| DATE | 1911/12 |
| MAKER or SPONSOR MARK | George Edward & Sons (David & George Edward) |
| ASSAY OFFICE | Glasgow |
| WEIGHT (Grammes) | 2061 |
| WEIGHT (Troy) | …. |
| REF:- | 562G |
