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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An exceptional and very rare, sterling silver and eighteen carat gold mechanical travel alarm clock. This stunning piece of design, and workmanship was undertaken by one of the world's premiere, luxury jewellery houses of the 20th Century; Boucheron of Paris. Boucheron was formed in Paris by Frédéric Boucheron in 1858, making it the oldest jewellery Maison on the Place Vendôme, producing sumptuous creations for the world's royals, dignitaries, and celebrities alike.

This clock is a fine representation of the exceptional level of craftsmanship employed within the workshop of this legendary Maison. The case is cased in a bark-like sterling silver and framed in eighteen carat gold. The dial itself is also a similarly detailed piece of this technique, but fully oxidised to a stunning deep slate grey colour. Applied to the top area series of solid eighteen carat yellow gold baton and round style markers. The 12 o'clock marker being a double baton in order to know which was is 'up' once the clock is placed on a surface. There is also an additional small gold lip at the top of the case in order to assist with orientation.

The technique used to make both the dial and the case is very unusual, especially from this period. It resembles the Russian 'Samorodok' technique popular in the nineteenth Century.  Samorodok is a technique that produces a beautifully textured nugget like effect on the surface, that resembles tree bark. It is achieved by heating the silver to a temperature just below melting point, then cooling it abruptly in water. It is a very difficult technique to master, and even at the height of its desirability was only able to be reproached by the most skilled silversmiths. Most examples found are of Russian origin, the most notable by Carl Faberge.

Perhaps one of the most interesting details of the clock is the way in which the case is designed. It is made as a true travel clock, and as such folds inside to prevent the glass and dial side being exposed once on the move. This is done via a process of hinging and revolving (as can be seen in the second picture). Once done then the clock looks more like a small box.

The clock is powered by a Lemania movement, and is marked as such, along with a movement number of 204***. There is also an additional hand on the dial, which is to set the tie for the alarm. All this is done, winding, setting through a singular crown and stem that is also beautifully hinged and hidden at the bottom of the case once pivoted on its hinge.

The case has a number of French control marks on various parts of the case for both gold and silver, along with a hand engraved Boucheron Paris signature, along with the unique in-house production serial number. (Boucheron have been contacted for any additional information). The clock is in superb condition throughout, and the movement is working well. Made in France, circa 1950's.


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Item Dimensions
Width
0.9 inches (2.286cm)
Length
2.7 inches (6.858cm)