Description

A substantial Scottish sterling silver toilet box, or casket, of plain rectangular form with canted corners. Very rare. Enormous size. The hinged domed is engraved to the centre with a Barons coronet above initials “KH”. Weight 2305 grams, 74.1 troy ounces. Top measures 29.3 cm x 23 cm. Base measures 31.3 cm x 25.2 cm. Height 11.3 cm. Edinburgh 1729. Assay master and possible maker Archibald Ure.

Literature: This previously unrecorded Scottish toilet box / casket appears to have only one other similar example in existence. That one forms part of the highly important Kerr Toilet Service by Colin McKenzie made in 1703 (see “Silver made in Scotland, Dalgleish and Fothringham item 4.10 page 62 for further details). No other boxes of this period and size are known to survive.

Signed/Inscribed: *Although apparently lacking a makers mark it seems highly likely that Archibald Ure’s mark is seen to represent himself as both maker and Assay Master. The role of assay master did not preclude the holder making silver and running a workshop and in some cases items are found with the makers mark struck twice to denote this. It seems in this example however that it was not deemed necessary and it was only struck once to denote “both maker and assay marker”. Information courtesy of Lyons and Turnbull.

This important silver box is in good, clean condition. Stamped underneath with Edinburgh, assay master* and date marks, lid unmarked. Shows signs of wear and possible repairs to the edges. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Maker: Archibald Ure

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