Dimensions (cm): 32.5 x 44.5 x 2

Year: 1932

A large silver Photograph Frame of upright rectangular form, with allover engine-turned decoration within a continuous floral rim, the arched top centred by an applied lion crest over a banner inscribed Nil Desperandum (Latin for 'never despair').
Hallmarked for London 1932, mark of CD for Charles Dumenil, containing an original colour photograph of an Indian Maharaja, signed and dated 21.1.35, the silver weighing approximately 585 grammes or 19 troy ounces; contained in a canvas and silk-lined triptych case with retailer's mark for Hunt & Roskell Ltd in Alliance with J.W.Benson Ltd, 25 Old Bond Street, London.

The business of Charles Dumenil Ltd was established in 1879 and was wound up in 1938\\. They had premises in Golden Square, Soho, London and expanded in 1910 by opening additional premises in Beak Street, Golden Square. They are listed as manufacturing goldsmiths and silversmiths, making a speciality of gold and silver dressing bag fittings, also toilet sets, table mirrors such as the present example, cigar and cigarette boxes.
Hunt & Roskell, established in 1843, were silversmiths and jewellers to Queen Victoria and one of the most important firms of silversmiths in Victorian England.
J W Benson Ltd were highly regarded London silversmiths who traded between 1847 and 1973 and were then taken over by Garrards. All three firms who combined to make this exceptional frame and case were thus at the top of their profession.

Bar Code: 10288