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 sterling silver and gilt lined cigar or cigarette case. This wonderful and high quality case is designed to hold cigars. The original gold elasticated straps are present along with the clips to hold them in place. The cigar case is made so that it is slightly deeper in order to hold the thicker gauge cigars. The shape, much like with most hip flasks, has a curvature to the body, in order for it to sit more comfortably in the breast pocket.  There is a good thickness of the gauge of metal making sure it can stand up to the rigours of strenuous use.

The body of the both the front and back of the case is meticulously hand engraved with a repeating pattern of ivy spreading across it.  This is not merely decorative.  During Victorian times there were often hidden messages coded into items that were worn or carried by men and women.  This manor of messages were known as "sentimental" pieces.  Being very English, and reserved!, little was openly said or gestured, so these types of items were a way to express fondness to a loved one in a coded way.  The significance of ivy during Victorian times translated to; 'I cling to thee'.  A romantic notion of always being its the person, not matter near or far.  Ivy itself, being an evergreen plant, represents eternity, fidelity, and strong affectionate attachment.

The case was made in Birmingham, England, in 1893. It has the makers marks of HM, for Henry Matthews. Matthews operated a fairly large operation on Vittoria street in Birmingham's world renowned jewellery quarter. They began operating in 1893 and were in business until 1930, making this one of the very first pieces to come out of their workshop. The pride and quality that was involved in making this is very clear on the eye today and in the hand. It is a superb piece of silver making.

The condition of the piece is exceptional, and shows no signs of damage. The button release for the clasp still functions perfectly, and the lid has a satisfying snap upon closure. The original gilt wash is present and also has a warm, attractive patinated hue to metal. The central cartouche has three initials hand engraved into the center; MIC, and the date of April 23rd 1894.

If you are looking for a case for cigarettes, cigars, or anything that will fit inside this case, it is hard to find anything contemporary that even comes close to this piece. To hand engrave a piece like this today, to even find anyone talented enough to undertake it, would be an exceptionally expensive operation, and very hard indeed to accomplish.


Price $925.00

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Item Dimensions
Length
5 inches (12.7cm)
Width
3.5 inches (8.89cm)