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Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box

Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box

$ 1161.07

Availability: 100 in stock

Description

Rare Antique 1830s French Gilt Silver & Enamel Desk / Writing Set - Original Box
It is already difficult to find individual items from antique writing sets in good condition but complete high-quality sets are exceedingly rare.
This is a complete original 1830s French writing set in the fitted presentation case. All the tools are masterfully hand enameled and hand painted and are in exceptionally fine condition. The common design features a white enamel center piece with hand painted floral designs surrounded by intensely green translucent foil backed kiln-fired enamel adorned hand painted gold ornaments. The enameled pieces sit between ornate gilt silver mythological figures and/or intricately decorated elements.
The original case is
covered in gilt embossed green leather on the outside
and each piece fits perfectly in the recessed fittings made from velvet and silk.
The set consists of the following writing tools:
- Pen:
The tip opens and clamps closed to hold a nib while the clamp is held by a sliding ring - an ingenious design
- 2 "lids": Likely for holding sealing wax; covered with blue enamel on the inside
- Letter Opener / Paper Knife: with an acid etched and partially gilt steel blade
- Ink Knife / Scraper: with a steel blade
- Stamp Seal: engraved with the monogram "DY"
The box and set are both in remarkably fine condition for age and type. There are a few very fine hairline cracks visible upon very close inspection. The foil backed kiln-fired enamel work is lovely, and typical for the work of the artisans of Bresse, Limoges and Sevres in France. The gilding on the silver is partially worn off. The box is also in wonderfully preserved condition with some wear to the edges and near the hinges; it is also missing the hook of the left side clasp.
A few measurements:
Box: 8 1/2" x 4" x 1/2"
Letter Opener / Paper Knife: 7 3/4" long x 1 1/2" wide
Stamp Seal: 3" long x 1" wide
Ink Knife: 5 3/4" long x 1" wide
Pen: 5 3/4" long x 3/8" wide
Lids: 1 7/8" long x 11/16" wide
Incredibly beautiful set!