A Three-Piece George V Silver and Niello Dressing-Table Service by Henry George Murphy, London, 1931, With Falcon Studios Mark
in the Art Deco style, each piece with niello flowers and foliage, with niello initials 'RA McQ', comprising a hand-mirror; a hair-brush, each with carved ivory finial and a comb-back, teeth lacking the hand-mirror 25.5cm long (3) Niello is a traditional technique which Murphy himself describes as '... dating back to the 1st century A.D.' (P. Atterbury and J, Benjamin, Arts and Crafts to Art Deco The Jewellery and Silver of H. G. Murphy, Woodbridge, 2005, p. 168), in the working notes for a lecture he presented at Goldsmiths' Hall in 1935. He describes the process in some detail and his receipe in particular as using '3 parts silver, 2 parts copper and 1 part lead. The copper and silver and melted together in a crucible and when properly mixed the lead is added'. Other examples of dressing-table services by Murphy which are decorated with niello are known, for example a six-piece service with very similarly carved ivory finials (op. cit., p. 116). With non-transferable standard ivory exemption declaration number 4L7PDRYK.
Each piece fully marked and further struck with Falcon studios mark. The marks are generaly clear. There is some scratching and wear to the marks overall. The bristles on the brush are very worn. The comb is lacking the teeth. The mirror with some minor flaws to the mirror plate. The ivory shows no indication of additions or restoration. We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated. Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession. We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
Bid on this lot
in the Art Deco style, each piece with niello flowers and foliage, with niello initials 'RA McQ', comprising a hand-mirror; a hair-brush, each with carved ivory finial and a comb-back, teeth lacking the hand-mirror 25.5cm long (3) Niello is a traditional technique which Murphy himself describes as '... dating back to the 1st century A.D.' (P. Atterbury and J, Benjamin, Arts and Crafts to Art Deco The Jewellery and Silver of H. G. Murphy, Woodbridge, 2005, p. 168), in the working notes for a lecture he presented at Goldsmiths' Hall in 1935. He describes the process in some detail and his receipe in particular as using '3 parts silver, 2 parts copper and 1 part lead. The copper and silver and melted together in a crucible and when properly mixed the lead is added'. Other examples of dressing-table services by Murphy which are decorated with niello are known, for example a six-piece service with very similarly carved ivory finials (op. cit., p. 116). With non-transferable standard ivory exemption declaration number 4L7PDRYK.
Each piece fully marked and further struck with Falcon studios mark. The marks are generaly clear. There is some scratching and wear to the marks overall. The bristles on the brush are very worn. The comb is lacking the teeth. The mirror with some minor flaws to the mirror plate. The ivory shows no indication of additions or restoration. We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated. Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession. We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
