Lot 156
Dundee - a Scottish provincial mounted glove box
Auction: 13 February 2008 at 11:00 GMT
Description
by John Austen of Dundee, circa 1830, marked JA, pot of lilies, JA, the rectangular oak casket of simple rectangular form with applied rectangular plaque to the lid with script engraved signature 'John Austen Dundee', the interior of the box lined with red velvet and applied central disk reading 'part of the roof of the Cross Church DUNDEE founded 1139 taken down 1829'
Dimensions
box 32cm x 16cm x 9cm
Footnote
Notes:
This is an extremely scarce piece where the owner of the item is known not from a crest or arms but from the engraved signature to the applied panel. The signature gives us the tempting answer that this piece was made by John Austen silversmith in Dundee for his own personal use. The makers and town marks indicate he is the maker and the safe assumption that his signature to the panel is a sure indicator he was the owner.
In the nineteenth century there was a great historical revivalism and the crafts of the time reflect this. Souvenir items made from 'historical' wood were quite commonplace at this time and wood from famous buildings, ships and indeed trees from battle field etc were a main stay of this booming souvenir industry.
For another item made from 'historical' wood by Scottish silversmiths, see the oak and gold brooch by John Lyle of Ayr, Lyon & Turnbull 7th of December 2005 lot 343, now in the collection of the National Museum of Scotland