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

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A black caviar leather makeup or costmetic bag by Chanel. Chanel’s Tall Timeless Cosmetic Case is one of those early-2000s pieces that sits perfectly between handbag and object. In black caviar leather with gold hardware, it brings the same codes as the house’s best-known classics, but in a rarer, more utilitarian format that was designed to be used, carried, and kept close.

This example dates to 2002 (circa 2000–2002) and is finished in Chanel’s hard-wearing caviar grain, with a structured silhouette and top handle. The interior is lined in tonal leather, keeping the piece consistent inside and out, and true to the period’s emphasis on clean, durable construction.

This bag originates form a time in Chanels history under Karl Lagerfeld that was iconic. From 2000 to 2002, Chanel was in a disciplined, high-confidence stretch. Ready-to-wear tightened the house codes into pieces that read instantly as Chanel, while couture leaned into spectacle, turning familiar silhouettes into pure atmosphere.

Across these seasons the balance sharpened: references to the past were handled with restraint, skirts grew longer and lighter, and tailoring became more exact, with stronger shoulders and cleaner lines. The result was contrast done properly, severity with sensuality, romance kept under control by structure.

In 2002, Chanel formalised its commitment to craft with the first Métiers d’Art collection, “Satellite Love,” created to spotlight the specialist ateliers behind the work. It is the perfect context for early-2000s Chanel pieces, where the codes are classic, but the execution is the point.

Condition overall is superb, with light tarnishing to the zipper hardware. There is no damage to be found and the interior is clean and free of heavy wear or staining. A superb icon from one of the most iconic names in bag design.

Height: 6.69 inches / 17 cm
Width: 5.91 inches / 15 cm
Depth: 4.72 inches / 12 cm
Handle Drop: 1.18 inches / 3 cm

Price $1,745.00

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Item Dimensions
Height
6.69 inches (16.9926cm)
Width
5.91 inches (15.0114cm)