Lot 39
  • 39

A pair of Victorian parcel-gilt silver flagons, Charles Thomas and George Fox for Lambert and Rawlings, London, 1851

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description

  • marked on neck and finial
  • height 18in.
  • 45.8cm
the lobed body outlined by gilt spiky "Gothic" foliage, matched on the finial, elaborate chain to stoppers

Exhibited

(a larger example)
Crystal Palace Exhibition, London, 1851
A Grand Design: The Art of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London: V&A, 1999-2000, cat. no. 2, pp. 90-91

Literature

The Great Exhibition - London 1851: The Art Journal Illustrated Catalogue of the Industries of All Nations, p. 140, illus. (larger example)
John Culme, Nineteenth-Century Silver, Country Life Books, 1977, pp. 76-77

Condition

each with several small dings and one larger dent to lobed sides, chains detached from neck rings, one could use very slight straightening, otherwise good
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A 24-inch tall version of these flagons were made by the Fox firm for Lambert & Rawlings, and shown by them at the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851.  The Art Journal noted:

"We have selected from their contributions a pair of massive WINE FLAGONS... they are richly chased and partly gilt, their style is antique, and they are hammered out of the plate."

One of these flagons was recommended for purchase by the Department of Science and Art for the future Victoria and Albert Museum.  It was described as "remarkable for the elegance and simplicity of the general form, and the delicacy and subordination fo the ornamental portions."  Acquired for £28 8s., it was featured in the recent travelling exhibition on V & A.  These smaller examples, made the same year as the Great Exhibition, show Lambert and Rawlings already capitalizing on the success of their design.