British & Continental | May 29, 2025
Thu, May 29, 2025 10:00AM EDT
Lot 515
Fine William IV English Silver Book Form Inkstand, Benjamin Smith II
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
London, 1836, book form, gilt highlights and interior, two cut glass inkwells, mounted on velvet covered pillow form wooden base with rope twisted border and tassel feet, top with Royal Duke's badge, marks for Benjamin Smith II, .925 fine, 39.10 oz. T. weighable silver
Provenance: Presumably Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge K.G. (1774-1850), seventh son of King George III, given to, Richard William, 1st Earl Howe (1796-1870), then by descent to, Francis, 5th Earl Howe P.C., C.B.E. (1884-1964), The Earl Howe, P.C., C.B.E.; Christie's, London, 15 May 1963, lot 95; with Bulgari, Rome, Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, New York, 19 October 1995, lot 316; A Private Collection; Christie's, New York, 27 October 2005, lot 354; Christie's, London, July 7, 2023, lot 11, sold for $10,341.69 USD; Private Collection, Greensboro, North Carolina
Note: From Christies: "The Royal crest is almost certainly for Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge K.G. (1774-1850), seventh son of King George III (1760-1820) of Great Britain and Ireland. When the inkstand was sold in 1963 a label on the base read 'Cambridge' and it was assumed the inkstand had once been in the collection of the Duke of Cambridge. It does not appear in the 2nd Duke of Cambridge's sale at Christie's in 1904 suggesting it was a gift to the 1st Earl Howe."
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Presumably Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge K.G. (1774-1850), seventh son of King George III, given to, Richard William, 1st Earl Howe (1796-1870), then by descent to, Francis, 5th Earl Howe P.C., C.B.E. (1884-1964), The Earl Howe, P.C., C.B.E.; Christie's, London, 15 May 1963, lot 95; with Bulgari, Rome, Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, New York, 19 October 1995, lot 316; A Private Collection; Christie's, New York, 27 October 2005, lot 354; Christie's, London, July 7, 2023, lot 11, sold for $10,341.69 USD; Private Collection, Greensboro, North Carolina
good condition, possibly regilt on interior, scratches, and typical wear Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.
