ANTIQUE 19thC RARE INDIAN P ORR & SONS SOLID SILVER SPOONS & TONGS, MADRAS c1880
19th Century Indian Colonial Silver set of cased 6 spoons & tongs, beautifully chased and decorated depicting Hindu gods and goddesses. The silver features an unusually heavy gauge and high-quality compared to the one generally found on swami silver from Madras.
Tongs are hallmarked with the famous firm P. Orr & Sons. Unmarked, but acid tested shows a 900+ silver standard, it dates to between 1870-80.
Reference Number: A4379
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century rare Indian Colonial Solid Silver set of cased 6 spoons & tongs, beautifully chased and decorated depicting Hindu gods and goddesses. The silver features an unusually heavy gauge and high-quality compared to the one generally found on swami silver from Madras.
Indian silver depicting deities and religious processions is inspired by the bas-reliefs on the famous temples in southern India and is called "Swami" (see Wilkinson).
Tongs are hallmarked with the famous firm ORR ( P. Orr & Sons, the most important silversmith firm in Colonial South India, reputed to be the largest and best appointed establishment of the kind in India). The firm was founded in 1848 by Peter Orr, a watchmaker originally from Edinburgh. It became famous as P Orr & Sons in 1863. Maharajah Gaekwar of Baroda, Maharajah Holkar and Maharajah of Cohin commissioned impressive silver pieces presented to the Prince of Wales during his visit to India (1875-76). The firm is particularly known for its "swami silver", depicting Hindu deities such as in this set. P. Orr & Sons also produced impressive silver pieces in the Victorian style. Indian silver is often unmarked, but acid tested shows a 900+ silver standard, it dates to between 1870-80.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - no damage.
SPOON
Height: 11cm
Width: 3cm
Weight: 21g (each)
TONGS
Height: 14cm
Width: 2 x 5cm
Weight: 75g
