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 large hobnail cut crystal scent bottle.  This stunning scent bottle can be used for perfume or aftershave, or even for oil or vinegar on a dining table due to its size, or simply enjoyed as the master piece in glass cutting it is.  When light catches the body, it comes alive.  The long sterling pouring spout screws into the neck of the bottle allowing for easy filling, and closes tightly allowing for clean and easy pouring.  The size of this bottle is very striking, and quite large compared to the majority that are found from this period.   Not only does it make it more visually attractive, but it also lends itself to a variety of purposes.  It could even be used in a bar for keeping bitters etc.

The body of the pitcher is hand cut through a thick piece of crystal.  The method of sculpting and cutting decorative designs into glass was achieved by the use of a Copper Wheel Crystal Engraving Lathe. A vast array of spindled copper and stone grinding wheels of varying size and form could be attached to the lathe to create the desired cut-glass incisions.

The glass was very carefully hand held and maneuvered as it made contact with the grinding wheels. This was a very skilled, precise and incredibly time consuming technique, but the results could be spectacular, with decorative three dimensional surfaces creating brilliant light refractive effects, as can be seen on this piece.

What is particularly beautiful about this piece is the scale of the pattern engraved into the body.  There is smaller diamond shape ‘Hobnail’ pattern starting at the top which then gets bigger towards the middle of the body.  Once again getting smaller ass it moves toward the base.  The base of the just also has a classic radial pattern that is often found on the bases of cut crystal decanters and jugs.

The condition of each piece is immaculate having seen very little signs of being used. There is a little wear to the silver at the very tip of the spout, but it is not detrimental to the overall appearance.  The assay marks are crisp and deeply stamped.  The maker of this piece is Hilliard & Thomason.  Made in Birmingham, England, 1907.


Price $0.00

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Item Dimensions
Height
8 inches (20.32cm)
Widest Part of Body
5 inches (12.7cm)