Lot 213
Castle Douglas / Dumfries - a rare Scottish provincial snuff mull
Auction: 13 February 2008 at 11:00 GMT
Description
by Adam Burgess of Castle Douglas or Dumfries, circa 1835 marked AB (in script), ruined castle, D, fouled anchor, the tapered cow horn body with carved seal head terminal, the top with applied band mount, the hinged horn cover with applied thistle design with circular cut amethyst, collet set to the centre
Dimensions
11cm long
Footnote
Notes:
It has often been the case that this combination of the makers mark for Adam Burgess and the ruined castle mark signify his time working in Castle Douglas rather than Dumfries. It does seem a little hopeful that the surviving body of work featuring these marks comes from this short period, of eleven months. There can be no firm differentiation between these periods unless the items are fully hallmarked in Edinburgh (as is often the case) and the time line examined
This item is the only recorded item by this maker other than flatware and has to be considered his only item of holloware to come to the marketplace to date. It is interesting to note from contemporary newspaper articles Burgess routinely expresses his ability and wishes to 'manufacture silver forks, spoons and every description of tea services, cups, child's cans and all kinds of gold and silver work' (taken from an advert in the Dumfries Courier). It seems likely that as with many provincial silversmiths his wishes and abilities to make sophisticated items were not realised against the needs of his customers. This also explains the known body of his extant work only being items of flatware.
Reference:
For full information on this maker in Castle Douglas and Dumfries see 'Dumfries Silversmiths' by Kirkpatrick H. Dobie FSA Scot