A magnificent Nelson and Edith Dawson silver and enamel casket

Price range: Sold

A rare silver and enamel casket by Nelson and Edith Dawson.  This large casket is unmarked but has all the distinctive features of a Nelson Dawson piece.  The enamel plaques are pinned within silver curving frames and the whole construction is pinned or rivetted, not simply soldered.  The legs are of classic Dawson architectural form.  The distinctive enamels would certainly have been made by Edith Dawson and are very similar to those set in a buckle held by the V & A that can be seen at this link.

Looking at the style and construction of the casket and its enamels, I would say it is an early piece, pre- dating the Dawson’s registration of their sponsors mark at the London assay office in 1902.  The casket probably dates to c 1896-1898, prior to the Dawson’s formation of the Artificers Guild.

This is a substantial and striking piece, of a good gauge of silver.  Condition is excellent and original.  The pins for the hinges have been replaced and, as is common with arts and crafts pieces, there is some “broken fire” (varied patination/colour) to the silver.  On request I am happy to have it sensitively lined in velvet for use as a jewellery box.

Nelson Dawson and his wife Edith were early innovators in the area of metalwork and enamel in this period of the arts and crafts movement.

Maker:  Nelson and Edith Dawson

Designer: Nelson and Edith Dawson

Date: c 1896

Marks: Unmarked

Material: Sterling silver, enamel

Condition: Excellent – see description

Size: Length 20 cm, Width 14 cm, Height 14 cm

Weight: 1228 grams,  43.3 oz