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

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A solid eighteen carat gold ring with a faceted Mexican Fire Opal. This style ring is akin to those worn by noblemen and kings for centuries. It is a simple formed shank that rises up to hold the stone in its center. The cut of this magnificent looking stone is a soft cushion cut with a flat girdle framing the table. The pavilion is beautifully faceted allowing enchanting light to pass through the stone and catch the eye.

This classic signet ring design, with a framed ribbed rub setting, has a thick and beautifully made shank that has a stunningly selected piece of fire opal to be set into its center. Fire opals held deep cultural significance within Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans. The roughly three carat stone's vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues resonated profoundly with these sun-worshipping cultures, as they were seen as a physical embodiment of the sun's life-giving power and warmth.

The Aztecs, in particular, held fire opals in the highest regard, associating the stone with divine favor. They believed fire opals brought blessings and protection from the gods, even naming the stone "quetzalitzlipyollitli" - "stone of the bird of paradise."

Beyond their celestial symbolism, fire opals also represented strength, courage, and leadership. The fiery colors evoked a sense of determination, making the stones popular adornments for warriors and rulers. Aztec culture imbued the stone with protective qualities, believing it could ward off evil spirits and safeguard individuals from misfortune.

Fire opals were woven into the fabric of daily life, crafted into jewelry, ornaments, and decorative items that served as a constant reminder of their cultural significance. They are believed to promote emotional balance, release negativity, and foster a sense of peace, increase creativity, inspiration, and a boost in self-confidence. Some even believing fire opal can aid with issues related to the eyes, heart, and reproductive system.

The condition is excellent, it is worn, but shows no damage. It can be brought up to a high shine if required, but the choice is made to leave this in a 'as found' condition to keep the integrity of an old piece. The ring is English made and features a wonderful crisp set of hallmarks having been made in London in 1919, is a US size 7 ring size, but can easily be sized if needed. It has makers marks of "G&Co", but the maker cannot be accurately ascertained.


Price $2,595.00

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Item Dimensions
Front of ring width
.42 inches (0.0cm)
Front of ring height
0.5 inches (1.27cm)