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 snake skin Art Deco gentleman's hip flask. This example is very rare, and exceptional looking with a real feel of the exuberance of the "Jazz Age". Sure to draw a very jealous gaze. It is sometimes common to find these types of luxury pieces with a combination of alligator skin and sterling. The snake skin found here is exceptionally uncommon. The flask is two thirds wrapped in exotic python skin, which has matured over the years to a stunning colour and has a very tactile feel. The skin has a window cut through it to expose the body in order for the consumer to keep a wary eye on the fuel in the tank!

The bottom third is a thick gauge of sterling silver with gilt wash interior which not only helps protect the glass beneath the metal, it also detaches to be sued as a cup. The overall shape is a soft oval shape, and is not designed to fit into a breast pocket! This is very much designed to be a picnic or travel flask. It is very large in size, having the capacity of a pint.

This stunning example of the ultimate accessory was undertaken by one of the finest names in American silversmithing; Gorham. Gorham was established in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, a master craftsman, in partnership with Henry L. Webster. The fledgling American silver manufacturing market was boosted in 1842 when Congress enacted a tariff which effectively blocked the importation of silverware from outside the United States. However, the company stuck to mainly making spoons and assorted silverware until Jabez's son, John, took over the company in 1847.

Under his direction the company improved production methods, expanded the range and quality of pieces, and brought in skilled craftsman from throughout Europe. A notable edition was the English silversmith and designer, George Wilkinson. He became the workshop manager.

The company went on the make a silver service for many administrations in the White House. Mary Todd Lincoln's set is now on display in the National Museum of American History. Many other trophies, such as the Indianapolis 500 trophy were produced by Gorham, along with famous statues throughout America, such as the monument of George Washington in the Capitol's Rotunda.

The flask is in perfect condition throughout, with no adverse wear to the snake skin or to the silver elements. The lid of the flask, on the top, has a personalised engraving hand etched into the metal, beautifully so. Perhaps the most attractive, and unique feature to the flask is this stunning engraving of an oyster shell. While it is not uncommon to find family armorial crests engraved into flasks, or initials. To find an early engraving of an oyster into any piece of silver is rare, to say the least!

The flask bears a perfect set of American hallmarks on the base of the cup, with matching set of stamps on the neck, and was made in America, circa 1900's.


Price $3,750.00

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Item Dimensions
Height
8 inches (20.32cm)
Width
5 inches (12.7cm)