Marks Antiques
Mayfair, London
A VICTORIAN PARCEL-GILT SILVER JEWEL BOX
ELKINGTON & CO
BIRMINGHAM, 1866
THE DESIGN ATTRIBUTED TO AUGUSTE ADOLPHE WILLMS
Shaped rectangular, on four almost spherical supports, the shaped sides decorated in relief with oval panels of winged cherubs and flowers between shield and winged monster corners, the similarly decorated hinged lid with a central vignette depicting the Triumph of Galatea, lion mask and drop handles, padded brown silk lining, complete with key
Length 10 in, 25.5 cm, Patent Office Design Registry mark, the underside engraved: 'ELKINGTON & CO / SILVERSMITH / 22 REGENT ST / LONDON.'Elkington & Co
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A. A.. Willms (1827-1899), an experienced French designer who had worked at various times for Jean-Valentin Morel, Froment-Meurice and Christofle in Paris, transferred to Elkington's employ as head of the firm's design studio in 1859. He succeeded Pierre-Emile Jeannest (1813-1857) in this position and remained with Elkington's until his death on 12 September 1899.
For a comparable jewel box, Elkington & Co, Birmingham, 1865, the design also attributed to A. A. Willms, see John Culme, 19th Century Silver, Country Life Books, Feltham, 1977, p.173.