Lot Details
Description
A Victorian silver parcel gilt rectangular stationery casket, John Samuel Hunt, stamped Hunt & Roskell, late Storr and Mortimer, London, 1858
A Victorian silver parcel gilt rectangular stationery casket by John Samuel Hunt, London 1858, and stamped Hunt & Roskell, late Storr and Mortimer and numbered 9193, the cover with an oval panel inscribed Presented to Joseph Heron Esquire by His Fellow Citizens, 1858, within elaborate arabesque border, the front with the coat-of-arms of the city of Manchester, the back with the shield and crest of Heron, with velvet lined interior for stationery and silver pen rest, engraved with the crest for Heron; all over a pull-out presentation parchment scroll to Joseph Heron as thanks for his services as Town Clerk to Manchester and detail of subscribers, on four outstanding scroll feet, 34cm (13 1/2in) wide overall, loaded Sir Joseph Heron (1809-1889) served as Town Clerk of Manchester for over forty years playing a dominant role in the city's growth throughout the 19th century. He was born in Deansgate House, Manchester, the fourth of ten children of James Holt Heron, a cotton merchant in 1838 he was handpicked by Thomas Potter to become the first Town Clerk of Manchester. Heron was unique amongst British municipal administrators due to his longevity and influence. He remained as Town Clerk from the inception of the role until his death in 1889. Amongst his contemporaries he was described as a consummate ruler of men, where his will was considered law in all civic matters and common public perception was that he was not only the Town Clerk but Mayor and Corporation all in one. He was instrumental in bringing clean water to Manchester by constructing the Longdendale chain of reservoirs - then the largest such project in the world. He was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1869 and in 1879 Alderman John King gifted the Manchester Corporation a bust of Heron sculpted by Warrington Wood. From 1879 he served as consultant Town Clerk and spent his later years in Bournemouth. He died in Cannes, France in December 1889.
Sterling Silver with 5 Hallmarks:
- The Maker’s Mark: John Samuel Hunt, stamped Hunt & Roskell, late Storr and Mortimer
- The Lion Passant: The Mark that indicates Sterling Silver
- Leopard’s Head Crowned: City of London
- The Date Letter: 1858
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Duty mark: Head Queen Victoria
Dimensions
HxLxD 5,31in x 13,38in x 9,84in
Weight
-
Provenience
Private Collection
Condition
Slight signs of age and superficial scratches. The five hallmarks are present on the entrée dish, while the base of the cover features the manufacturer’s marks, the passant lion, and the date letter year. On the handle of the lid, we find the manufacturer’s logo, the passant lion, and the duty mark. The Sheffield hallmarks are present on the base of the handles' supports. Each entrée dish and cover with stand consist of four pieces. Each piece is numbered as follows: 1 (cover), 2 (entrée dish), 2 (entrée dish support), 4 (stand with handles).
Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers must understand that any statement made by Coradi Rare Finds is merely a subjective opinion.
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