ANTIQUE 20thC INDIAN SOLID SILVER INKWELL & POCKET WATCH DESK SET, HAMILTON & CO c.1908

£9,995.00

Antique early 20th Century Indian colonial solid silver desk set, featuring a removable pocket watch retailed by Hamilton & Co., Calcutta. The piece is flanked by two finely modelled elephants with realistically textured hide. Lifting the lid on each elephant’s back reveals a small glass inkwell. Centrally positioned at the rear of the piece is a pocket watch, elegantly mounted within an ornate, high-relief silver backplate.

 Engraved on the central plaque between the two elephants is a presentation inscription: “From the workshop staff of Messrs Hamilton & Co Ltd. Calcutta to: William Smith. Esq. On his retirement 31st October 1929 a token of their deep respect.” The intricately pierced floral surround frames a repoussé depiction of a grand building, the famous jewellery and silversmithing workshop of Hamilton & co and subsequently the workplace of William Smith Esq. The watch dial is inscribed Hamilton, Calcutta and features a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o’clock position. The movement is of Swiss manufacture, the esteemed house of Breguet, and is wound via a crown adorned with a sapphire cabochon. The composition marries fine horology with detailed silver craftsmanship, evoking historical significance.

At the front of the desk set is a pen rest, and beneath it, a pull-out drawer designed for storing postage stamps. As is common with Indian silver of the period, the inkwell is unmarked; however, it has been acid-tested, confirming a silver purity of 900+ or higher. The distinctive workmanship and provenance of the inscription leaves no doubts that this piece is made by the prestigious firm Hamilton & Co, founded in 1808 when Robert Hamilton, a British citizen, moved to Calcutta and opened his Jewellery and Silversmithing shop at 5 Tank Square under license from the East India company.

Reference Number: A11066

Antique early 20th Century Indian colonial solid silver desk set, featuring a removable pocket watch retailed by Hamilton & Co., Calcutta. The piece is flanked by two finely modelled elephants with realistically textured hide. Lifting the lid on each elephant’s back reveals a small glass inkwell. Centrally positioned at the rear of the piece is a pocket watch, elegantly mounted within an ornate, high-relief silver backplate.

 Engraved on the central plaque between the two elephants is a presentation inscription: “From the workshop staff of Messrs Hamilton & Co Ltd. Calcutta to: William Smith. Esq. On his retirement 31st October 1929 a token of their deep respect.” The intricately pierced floral surround frames a repoussé depiction of a grand building, the famous jewellery and silversmithing workshop of Hamilton & co and subsequently the workplace of William Smith Esq. The watch dial is inscribed Hamilton, Calcutta and features a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o’clock position. The movement is of Swiss manufacture, the esteemed house of Breguet, and is wound via a crown adorned with a sapphire cabochon. The composition marries fine horology with detailed silver craftsmanship, evoking historical significance.

At the front of the desk set is a pen rest, and beneath it, a pull-out drawer designed for storing postage stamps. As is common with Indian silver of the period, the inkwell is unmarked; however, it has been acid-tested, confirming a silver purity of 900+ or higher. The distinctive workmanship and provenance of the inscription leaves no doubts that this piece is made by the prestigious firm Hamilton & Co, founded in 1808 when Robert Hamilton, a British citizen, moved to Calcutta and opened his Jewellery and Silversmithing shop at 5 Tank Square under license from the East India company.

Reference Number: A11066

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Three years later, Robert Hamilton was the first English silversmith to open a shop in Old Court House street where the business remained until its closure in 1973. Henry and James Glazbrook joined the business in 1811 and new branches were opened in Bombay, Delhi and Shimla. The business quickly grew and the best artisans of the country were employed in its big workshop.

The brand’s polished silverware, with elegant lines and delicate decorations appealed the members of the British government as well as the Indian aristocracy. Soon the firm became a proper statement among European royalties, no less considered than Tiffany or Cartier.

In 1817 Robert Hamilton lost interest in the company but the business carried on thanks to new partnerships. After the independence of India in 1947 the business survived 26 years more, and it definitely closed in 1973.

CONDITION

In Great Condition - Wear expected with age. Please refer to photographs. 

SIZE

Height: 14cm // 5.5 inches
Width: 31cm // 12.2 inches
Depth: 20cm // 7.9 inches
Weight: 1875 grams // 60.27 ozt