AN IMPORTANT MID-VICTORIAN HEAVY-GAUGE STERLING SILVER STANDISH, LONDON, 1853

A monumental and rare collaborative desk stand of rectangular form, weighing a substantial 1,633 grams. The heavy-gauge body (hallmarked EJWB, London, 1847) features deeply chased scrolling foliate borders and sits upon four bold, cast Rococo scroll feet. The central hinged lid (hallmarked CTF & GF, London, 1853) is exquisitely chased with a border of naturalistic scrolls and vines, a hallmark of the Fox brothers' celebrated style.

The interior houses two original square-cut lead crystal inkwells with silver-mounted octagonal covers, flanking a central compartment. The front features a vacant scrolled cartouche of generous proportions.

Historical Note:
The six-year disparity between the hallmarks of the base (Barnard, 1847) and the lid (Fox, 1853) suggests a prestigious and prolonged commission. Barnard, the premier manufacturing house of the period, likely provided the structural chassis, while the Fox brothers—renowned for their artistic hand-finishing—provided the decorative lid to complete the suite for a discerning Victorian patron.

L. 9 in., B. 6.75 in., Ht. 2.75 in.