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 pocket match vesta, or match safe, in the classic form featuring a stunning double sided stamping of a Native American Chief portrait front and cartouche back.  There is Native American iconography featured throughout, including the lid; Bear claw necklaces, feathered headdresses, axes and shields, arrow heads and sterling jewellery details are found throughout. This stunning personal item was common place in people’s lives all the way through the early part of the 20th Century until the cigarette lighter would eventually take over the use of matches. However, examples of this detail and quality are exceptionally rare and sought after by collectors and smokers alike. The design stamped into the front differs slightly from that on the back. The main difference is the loss of the face of the Chief, leaving a cartouche, a space for the initials of the owner, and/or a personal message.

The design features a very tightly snapping top hinged lid, and then on the underneath of the base is a striking plate. The striking works well with a non-safety match, and is in excellent condition, as can be seen from the picture of it on its side. The quality of the stamping from the die is exceptional, and is reminiscent of a similar series of products made by Unger featuring an imposing and striking Native American Chief.

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 piece is marked with the makers mark of Gorham on the inside lip of the lid. The makers mark is that of the period 1900-1914. However, being the cartouche of the reverse side is engraved "Nov. 7 '05", it is safe to say it was made between 1900/1905. Also, along with other Gorham signed pieces it has the model number stamped on the opposite side of the interior lip of the lid 'R2507'. The condition of the piece is exceptional, considering it is now nearly one hundred and twenty five years old. The details and the faec are perfect throughout. The only condition issues are that of a series of small bruises along the edges where is has been dropped. However, they certainly do not detract and actually serve to add a little character to the piece. This is a very rare and spectacular part of American history from the nineteenth century. An example of this match vesta is part of the Cooper Hewitt permanent silver   collection.

 


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Item Dimensions
Width
1.75 inches (4.445cm)
Height
3 inches (7.62cm)