ANTIQUE 19thC INDIAN COLONIAL SOLID SILVER PRESENTATION CASKET, ORR & SONS c1892
19th Century rare Indian Colonial Silver presentation casket, of typical rectangular form, on a stepped ebonized wooden base.
The casket is presented as an official gift, the cover is engraved "To Alfred Forbes Sealy Esq. M. A. Fellow of the Madras University Director of Education Cochin, Presented on his retirement from the service of the state by his friends and pupils as a token of affection and regard, April 1892".
Maker's mark "ORR", for P. Orr & Sons.
Reference Number: A2904
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century rare Indian Colonial Solid Silver presentation casket, of typical rectangular form, on a stepped ebonized wooden base.
The casket is presented as an official gift, the cover is engraved "To Alfred Forbes Sealy Esq. M. A. Fellow of the Madras University Director of Education Cochin, Presented on his retirement from the service of the state by his friends and pupils as a token of affection and regard, April 1892".
The front is beautifully engraved with a family crest with a chained dog and the Latin motto "Dum Spiro Spero", surrounded by a lovely foliate decoration, similar foliage to the sides.
Alfred Forbes Sealy was Head Master and Director or Education in Cochin, University of Madras, and this piece offers a rare and interesting glimse on the Indian Colonial culture and society of the late 19th Century.
The interior is lined in velvet and the inside of the cover has the original manufacturer and retailer gilt seal that reads: "By Special Appointment P. ORR & SONS, Goldsmiths & Silversmiths, MADRAS".
The silver rim bears the Maker's mark "ORR", for P. Orr & Sons, the most important silversmithing 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. Maharaja Gaekwar of Baroda, Maharaja Holkar and Maharaja 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. P. Orr & Sons also produced impressive silver pieces in the Victorian style, please follow this link to Victoria & Albert Museum in London. A similar presentation casket but in swami style is in Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire, National Trust Collection (please follow this link).
CONDITION
In Great condition - No damage to the silver, just a tiny chip to the wooden base.
SIZE
Hight: 9.2cm
Width: 22 x 10.5cm
Weight: 940g
