Y AN EDWARDIAN SILVER MOUNTED AND INLAID TORTOISESHELL DESK/...

Estimate

£400 - £600

Y AN EDWARDIAN SILVER MOUNTED AND INLAID TORTOISESHELL DESK/CARRIAGE TIMEPIECEUNSIGNED, THE MOUNTS WITH MARKS FOR WILLIAM COMYNS AND SONS, LONDON 1909The French rectangular eight-day back-winding movement with platform lever escapement regulated by sprung balance and stamped MADE IN FRANCE to the lower edge of the backplate, the 1.25 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with blued steel hands set behind convex glass with moulded bezel, the ogee top case with fine symmetrical foliate scroll engraved silver inlay executed in the style of Robert Adam beneath the dial and lion's mask cast ring handles to sides, the rear with full-height hinged door fitted with silver hinges and clasp, on four bell-shaped silver feet, the mounts Hallmarked for London 1909 makers W.C. for William Comyns and Sons.8.2cm (3.25ins) high, 5.7cm (2.25ins) wide, 4cm (1.625ins) deep.The celebrated firm of manufacturing silversmiths, William Comyns, was established in 1859 when Comyns purchased the business of Robert Tagg, 2 Carlise Street, Soho Square. He then moved to 1 Percy Mews, Rathbone Place, followed by 16 Silver Street, Golden Square, Soho, then finally to Beak Street, Regent Street. The Beak Street premises were later expanded to encompass numbers 41 to 47 and additional premises were acquired at 54 Marshall Street, Soho from circa 1903. The name of the firm was changed to William Comyns & Son in circa 1885 when William Comyn's two sons, Charles Harling Comyns and Richard Harling Comyns were admitted to their partnership. William Comyns died in January 1916, and C.H. Comyns while attending a sale at Christie's in 1925. The business was incorporated as Limited Company in October 1930 and continued under R.H. Comyns until his death in 1953, when was subsequently purchased by Bernard Copping.

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