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

Scene 1:
‘Morning’
Scene 2:
‘Noon’
Scene 3:
‘Evening’
Scene 4:
‘Night’
The End

Early and Rare Sterling Silver Gorham Martini Mixing Bucket

Golf Cocktail Shaker
and Matching Golf Bag Cup

Sterling Silver Woven Bottle Coaster

Foundwell

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15 Carat Bicycle Pin

15 Carat Bicycle Pin


A solid fifteen carat gold pin featuring a beautifully hand-made bicycle. The quality and make of this pin, or brooch, is second to none. It almost allows you to climb aboard and ride off into the sunset! Highly detailed and finished it is a mini marvel with hand pinned wheels that move freely and cleanly still today over one hundred years on.

At the turn of the 20th century, the bicycle became far more than a means of transport. It offered something newly valuable: independent movement. For the first time, ordinary people could travel beyond the limits of foot, horse, or timetable with relative ease, modest cost, and complete control over their own direction. Distance began to feel smaller, and daily life became wider.

For women in particular, the bicycle carried a deeper significance. It provided practical mobility at a moment when personal freedom was still heavily prescribed. A bicycle allowed one to move unaccompanied, to choose one’s route, and to occupy public space with new confidence. It is no coincidence that the bicycle became closely associated with changing dress, changing habits, and changing expectations. As society modernized, two wheels often arrived first.

Its influence reached well beyond the road. The bicycle encouraged mechanical literacy, leisure travel, courtship, commerce, and a growing sense that movement need not depend on wealth or status. In that sense, it was one of the quiet revolutions of its age: elegant in form, democratic in purpose, and transformative in practice.

This style of bicycle captured in this pin is a ladies frame complete with chain guard and extended and beautifully adorned real wheel mud guard. By 1915, the distinction between a ladies’ bicycle and a men’s was less about mechanics and more about the conventions of the day. The principal difference lay in the frame. Men’s bicycles typically employed the diamond frame, with a straight top tube that offered maximum strength and rigidity. Ladies’ bicycles were built with a lowered or open frame, allowing the rider to mount and dismount more easily while wearing skirts or dresses, still the accepted dress of the period.

Beyond the frame, the two were often mechanically similar. Wheel size, chain drive, braking systems, and upright riding posture changed little between them. Ladies’ models, however, were often fitted with practical additions such as chain guards and rear dress guards to protect garments from oil, fabric snags, or spokes. These details were not decorative afterthoughts, but considered necessities for daily use.

Seen now, the 1915 ladies’ bicycle offers a clear view into its era. It reflects a moment when personal mobility was expanding, yet still shaped by social expectations. The machine itself remained modern and capable, even as its form was asked to accommodate the customs of the time.

This particular pin can be worn through a scarf, or lapel and would add a eye catching talking point look to any outfit.  There is a P. Pending mark on the chain guard meaning the design of the pin was submitted the English patent office. The pin is marked engraved "15ct" on the back, which is a standard of gold used in England and finally phased out in 1932 as either nine or eighteen carat became the more used standards. This therefore dates the piece to around the turn of the 20th Century.  It is in wonderful condition, untouched, and ready to be enjoyed. The pin measures one and a half inches across and around an inch tall. It is in fabulous original condition.

Price $1,750.00

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Item Dimensions
Length
1.5 inches (3.81cm)
Height
1 inches (2.54cm)