1

A Day
Observed

A story presented by

Scene 1:
‘Morning’

It was a bright cold day with glassy surfaces that looked hard.
Into the square frame he stood as if in a dream.

What emerged was precisely what he expected to find: a reflection of memory images. Contemplating his face in the photo frame he waited.

1960s lucite and chrome 3 image photo frame

By the steady hands of his watch, he listened to time. Every day for the past sixteen days he saw her. Silver lingered in the crease of
an open book.

Rolex burlwood dial, Jubilee bracelet Miniature
oar English university trophy, sterling silver.

So absorbed in his thoughts
he hardly saw the platinum catch-all, the key, or the revelation locked inside those lapis lazuli cufflinks tossed unmistakably in cold blue.

Hans Hanson catch-all. Mid-century, Danish sterling silver. Stirrup money clip, by Hermès. Padlock keyring, sterling silver " Tie bar-slide " Round lapis lazuli cufflinks" Square cufflinks, two tone rose and yellow gold, diamond."

Only by whirling on his heel could he hope to comprehend
the panorama.

Shoe horn, circa 1930. American sterling silver
Scene 2:
‘Noon’

He remained.Trapped in that enormous room,
unmistakably familiar in feeling yet so peculiar.

Above the mantle was
displayed an Austrian hound
of impeccable integrity.

Hagenauer sculpture, 1930

His gaze fell on the letter opener. By accident she had learnt more about his life from the contents of that letter than anywhere.

Dunhill letter opener with lighter top, circa 1950

Cleopatra’s eye reflected
the sun. Through the hypnotism
of precious metals there
emerged a dark slender shadow.

Cleopatra’s eye magnifying glass. Mid-century, gold plated
Hermès weighted pen. Silver plated.

A lighter presented itself, smooth to the touch
it gave the impression of
intelligent company.

Table lighter St Dupont, circa 1960. Gold plate
Scene 3:
‘Evening’

All this time light was receding from the room.

“I should explain why I spend so much time here”, said the silhouette. Leaves moved like shadows across her eyes.

Hermès rope bottle opener. Plated silver.

It’s not too late to turn back. Time moved with faint sounds.

Venini hourglass. Hand-blown lurid Murano glass.

He unscrewed the telescopic cup, rolled and remained still. Black eyes on the dice prophesied a new cycle.

Telescopic cup, J. E. Cauldwell. Gold plated. Dice,
Cartier for America. Vitreous enamel glass, silver

Staring down at the varnished surface her mouth worried him while her eyes examined the gold cufflink.

Audemar Piguet evening watch. gold plated, Roman dial, alligator strap
Scene 4:
‘Night’

Everything went crashing black.

Pale graceful hands placed
the gold stud box delicately
on the table.

Men’s Edwardian jewellery box, 1910. Gold plated.
Mid-century British cigar ashtray. Sterling silver and crystal.

He lit a match to make sure the watch had really stopped. Smoke lingered from its vesta case.

Realist wrapped tobacco leaf march vesta. Silver.

As the travel clock neared
one the figure vanished into dappled shadows.

Art Deco Jaeger LeCoultre travel clock.
Gold and silver plated. Retailed by Aspray.

On the newly varnished table two bronze shot cups sat alive like in a dream.

Tooth shot cup by Foundwell. Bronze and silver plated.
Set of 4, 3 silver 1 gold. Heath & Midleton champagne decanters circa 1900.
Sterling silver and glass.
The End

‘A DAY OBSERVED’
A story by FOUNDWELL
Photography Matthieu Lavanchy, creative direction OK-RM,
notes by Kate O’Brien and objects selected by Alan Bedwell

‘A DAY OBSERVED’
A story by FOUNDWELL
Photography Matthieu Lavanchy,
creative direction OK-RM
notes by Kate O’Brien
and objects selected by Alan Bedwell

Early and Rare Sterling Silver Gorham Martini Mixing Bucket

Golf Cocktail Shaker
and Matching Golf Bag Cup

Sterling Silver Woven Bottle Coaster

Foundwell

A SELECTION OF ITEMS BY THE PRODUCER OF
CRAFTED GOODS & PURVEYOR OF ANTIQUE WATCHES,
JEWELLERY & OTHER SUCH OBJECTS

Shopping Bag

Your cart is empty.


A solid fourteen carat yellow gold chain featuring a coral set pendant.  This is a beautiful piece of antique jewellery.  The piece consists of a fourteen carat gold fine curb link chain with a wonderfully hand made pendant that is set with a series of cabochon cut pieces of coral.  The back of the pendant is all open work to allow light to pass through this elegant and eye catching pendant and to let the natural beauty of the antique coral glow.

Coral has been used in jewelry for at least 10,000 years and has been worn by civilizations near shallow water or with trade routes. Coral is a soft gem that is easy to shape and work with, which allowed prehistoric people to use it for personal ornamentation. 

The beauty and appearance of coral has had a place in so many ancient cultures and civilizations around the world, where it was adored and revered.  In Ancient Rome coral was associated with Venus, the goddess of love, and was often used to create love talismans and amulets. It was also believed to protect children and ward against evil. Pliny the Elder is said to have recommended coral to protect against lightning strikes and temptresses. 

In ancient China coral was viewed as a symbol of longevity and official promotion, and was often worn by the emperor and other members of the royal court. The Ancient Greeks coral was believed to have the power to counteract witchcraft and protect against storms, poisons, and robbery. 

In Renaissance paintings of the Christ Child often depict him holding or wearing protective coral amulets. The love and use of coral also made its way to America where, in the early 19th century, the Navajo named coral one of the eighteen sacred objects, which is why it is common in Native American jewelry and ornament.

The piece is in perfect condition.  It is hallmarked for "14k" gold at the top of the loop attaching it to the chain.  The stunning antique chain itself is also marked "14k" on the tongue of the clasp. The clasp has a safety catch on the side to secure it.  The total chain length is just over sixteen inches long.  The pendant itself is quite a statement  piece in itself at one and a half inches long to the top of the bale and nearly an inch across at its widest.

A really wonderful piece of historically loved jewellery, expertly made and presented in superb condition.  Made in America, circa 1890.


Price $2,450.00

×

Enquire
Item Dimensions
Chain Length
16.2 inches (41.148cm)
Pendant Length
1.5 inches (3.81cm)