RECENT ACQUISITIONS - 28th May
A superb 20th century English solid silver ‘Captain’s Wheel’ cigar cutter. Modelled as a ship’s wheel mounted on a stem and set on a circular, flared wooden base. The wheel rotates freely. On the reverse is a small notch to position the cigar. Pressing down on the top of the wheel and stem operates the cutter. A small silver plate beneath the wooden base slides out to remove the cuttings.
The design references the maker’s home location on the Isle of Wight. It is strongly associated with shipbuilding and sailing, particularly through Cowes, one of the world’s best-known yachting centres and host of Cowes Week (established 1826). The island was home to major builders including J. Samuel White and Saunders-Roe, the latter developing early hovercraft. It is also linked to the first America's Cup race in 1851, sailed around the island, and lies close to Portsmouth, one of Britain’s principal historic naval ports.
Hallmarked English solid silver (925 standard), London, year 1929 (o), Maker's mark H.B.S (Herbert Simpson Benzie)
Reference Number: J11903