Lot 59
Inverness - a scarce Scottish provincial silver mounted oak sugar caster
Auction: 13 February 2008 at 11:00 GMT
Description
by Ferguson & MacBean of Inverness, marked F&M, camel, INVs, Edinburgh 1891-92, the tapered baluster oak body profusely carved with intertwined Celtic beasts and knot work borders, with studded details, on simple silver mounted foot rim, the domed pull off cover with beaded border and pierced design
Dimensions
16.5cm high
Footnote
Notes: While there is a large amount of work known for Ferguson & MacBean (and later Fraser, Ferguson & MacBean) it is unusual to find examples of such high quality.
Their work often specialised in items of historical revivalism and interest in the antiquity as can be seen with the Celtic knotwork on this piece. It is interesting to note the extremely high quality of the carving, the depth and intricate detail are far higher than often seen on the more standard mass produced quaichs.
The addition of the silver studs to the knotwork borders, the use of stained hardwood and the overall outline of the piece are very reminiscent to the high quality carved dirk and sgian dubh handles. From the quality it must be assumed that the wooden body was specially commissioned from a wood carver and mounted in-house.