RECENT ACQUISITIONS - 20th May
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