ANTIQUE 20thC INDIAN SOLID SILVER SET OF FOUR MENU HOLDERS, HAMILTON & CO c.1900

Antique early 20th Century Indian colonial solid silver set of four menu or place name holders. Each piece is of a very heavy gauge, finely modelled as an elephant adorned with traditional ceremonial trappings. The bodies feature a delicately matted texture enhanced with hand-hammered detailing. A small silver clip is mounted at the top, designed to hold a menu or name card securely in place.

The distinctive workmanship leaves no doubts that this piece is attributed to 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. 

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. They are not hallmarked but has been acid tested and shows a 900+ silver purity.

Reference Number: A00093