Large Sterling Silver Casket, Launch of H.M.S. AJAX, Duchess of Sutherland, Glasgow 1911

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 , engraved with ” 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, the front in relief depicting the H.M.S Ajax, superb detailing right down to the fish/dolphin handles which can be raised to carry the piece.

Silver is in excellent order, the original gilt scissors (not silver) have some minor tarnishing, 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 300x192mm, to the edge of lid it stands 103mm , overall height including the cast figure of Ajax is approx 200mm.

The box gets a small mention in the newspapers of the time, as in mentions the Duchess was presented with the box .

An impressive piece by one of the best silversmiths of Glasgow at the time.

There is one thing that can be said with certainty , if you own it, no one else will have one!.

Lots out there on the internet about the shipbuilders, The Duchess of Sutherland, Ajax (the figure), H.M.S Ajax.