Lot 199
Joseph Willmore 1837 Sterling Silver & Gilt Snuffbox
Joseph Willmore 1837 Sterling Silver & Gilt Snuffbox
Starting Bid: $300
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Western Europe, England, ca. 1837 CE. An exceptional English silver-gilt snuff box crafted in 1837 by renowned Birmingham silversmith Joseph Willmore, showcasing fine artistry and stamped hallmarks. This rectangular casket-form piece features a hinged lid framed with guilloche rims, repousse floral and foliate sides in high relief, and a guilloche-engraved base. The lid is further embellished with a blank central cartouche, intended for a monogram or inscription. The interior is fully hallmarked with "J.W" in an indented scalloped oval (for Joseph Willmore), the cursive "D" date letter for 1837, the anchor mark for the Birmingham assay office, the rampant lion denoting sterling standard, and the duty mark of King William IV's right-facing profile - used until his death in 1837 before being replaced by Queen Victoria's portrait the following year. These precise hallmarks confirm both the date, maker. Size: 4.25" L x 3" W x 1.3" H (10.8 cm x 7.6 cm x 3.3 cm); silver quality: 78% to 81%; gold quality: 11% to 15%
Joseph Willmore (1773-1855) stands out as one of Birmingham's most versatile and prolific silversmiths of the early 19th century. A grandson of Thomas Willmore - one of the founders of the Birmingham Assay Office in 1773 - Joseph carried on and expanded the family legacy, establishing himself as a leading maker of "smallwares." He first registered his maker's mark at the Birmingham Assay Office in 1806 as a snuff-box maker, a form for which he quickly became admired, particularly his repousse-decorated and architectural "castle" lids. Willmore also maintained a London showroom on Bouverie Street, ensuring his work reached a wide clientele. He continued registering marks until 1843, remaining a central figure in Birmingham silver until his death in 1855, which marked the close of nearly a century-long Willmore connection with the trade. Joseph Willmore's work is widely recognized today and held in major public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His pieces also continue to appear at leading international auction houses such as Sotheby's and Christie's, underscoring both his enduring reputation and the lasting appeal of his craftsmanship.
Provenance: private Parker, Colorado, USA collection
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#197116
- Condition: Choice. Some minor white oxidation and dark patina on the surface. Hallmarks are clear and legible.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |