A rare Keswick School silver letter holder

For sale is this rare solid silver Keswick School of Industrial Art’s letter holder.  Letter holders by Keswick in copper or brass are not uncommon, but I have never seen one in sterling silver.  Likely this was a special commission as it has the letter M monogrammed into the design.  The letter holder is fully assayed for Chester 1936 and it, also unusually, exhibits elements of the art deco movement, as well as arts and crafts, in its design.  The base is oak which is screwed into the silver along the holder’s bottom.  The surround of the screw heads have been chased to create a trefoil or floral design.  In excellent original condition.  The oak base shows some wear.

Price: £975

Maker: Keswick School of Industrial Arts

Designer: Unknown

Date : 1936

Marks: KSIA, Chester, date letter “k”

Material: Sterling silver

Condition: Excellent

Size: 22 cm wide, 11.0 cm deep, 11.5 cm high

Weight : 671 grams, 23,7 oz (incl wood base)