David Foord-Brown Antiques

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Description:

A MAGNIFICENT PAIR OF 18TH CENTURY MAHOGANY KNIFE BOXES WITH SILVER MOUNTS GEORGE III, CIRCA 1775.

A superb and extremely rare pair of serpentine-form flame mahogany knife boxes with original fitted interiors, embellished with elaborate filigree silver furniture, hall marked by James Wiburd, a silversmith identified by initials “IW” (James Wiburd is recorded as working in the 1760s and 1770s known for producing tea caddy and casket mounts. Silver ball and claw feet, twin pilaster fronts with ebonised capitols, kingwood herringbone banding, parquetry stringing and ebony and boxwood stars, combine to create unmistakable note of elegance & sophistication.

Monogrammed with the arms of two Devon families,

Cholwich impaling Duntz. Although not signed, this outstanding pair of knife boxes are in the manner of John Lane, the pre eminent knife box specialist of 18th Century London, whose work was considered to be of the “best taste” by Thomas Sheraton. John Lane who was cited as a knife-case maker by Thomas Sheraton in Drawing Book (1791-1794) and working in London at 44 St. Martin-le-Grand.  These boxes stand among the very finest of their type, uniting the artistry of the 18th Century cabinet maker with the silversmiths skill.

Height: 12 x 7.75 x 7.75in.  A single but very similar knife box with the V&A,  accession No:  W.65-1950

Origin: English

Circa:1775

Height: 12 in. (30 cm.) | Width: 7.75 in. (20 cm.) | Depth: 7.75in. (20 cm.)

Stock Ref: AT114

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