Stuart Devlin Limited Edition Christmas Carol Surprise Boxes Collection
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A collection of ten limited edition sterling silver, silver-gilt and enamel Christmas Carol surprise boxes, Stuart Devlin, 1971-1980, property from a distinguished private collection, New South Wales One box issued each year between 1971 and 1980, each as part of a limited edition of 500, comprising: Good King Wenceslas, 1971, numbered 259, the matte rectangular cover with an applied bow and ribbon concealing King Wenceslas looking out with a pile of logs at his feet; God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, 1972, numbered 316, the textured cylindrical cover with an applied holly sprig concealing two gentlemen beneath a lamppost; Christmas is Coming, 1973, numbered 181, the satin finish cylindrical cover with an applied bow and star concealing an oxidised figure holding a top hat with a goose under one arm; Hark! the Herald angels Sing, 1974, numbered 181, the textured rectangular cover with an applied holly sprig concealing an angel; The Holly and the ivy, 1975, numbered 181, the satin finish rectangular cover with an applied string bow concealing a figure holding sprigs of holly and ivy; Kings of Orient, 1976, numbered 181, the satin finish cylindrical cover with an applied enamelled holly sprig concealing three Kings under a palm tree; I saw three ships, 1977, numbered 181, the engine-turned rectangular cover with an applied star and flower concealing three ships; Ding Dong Merrily on high, 1978, numbered 181, the textured cylindrical cover with an applied bow concealing a bell tower, fir tree and two carol singers; While Shepherds Watched, 1979, numbered 181, the polished and textured rectangular cover with an applied string bow concealing an angel appearing to four seated shepherds; Away in a Manger, 1980, numbered 181, the textured cylindrical cover with an applied cross concealing Mary and Joseph watching over Jesus in a manger; each height approximately 65 mm, marked Sd for Stuart Devlin, London assay and date marks, Silver Jubilee commemorative mark (1977 only), accompanied by Stuart Devlin boxes and nine numbered booklets. (10). Provenance: David Jones limited, Sydney private collection, New South Wales, acquired from the above 1971-1980
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- Assay / Assayed - Assaying is the testing of a metal, most commonly silver and gold to determine its ingredients and quality. In Britain, once an item of silver or gold has been assayed, a mark is stamped on it, certifying its purity. Known as hallmark, it derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay and mark articles of gold and silver.
- Sterling Silver - Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver, and is relatively soft and the addition of the very small amount of copper gives the metal enough strength and hardness to be worked into jewellery, decorative and household objects.
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