The Manny Davidson Collection: A Life in Treasures and Benevolence - Day Sale

A pair of silver-gilt nutcrackers, probably English, dated 1716, maker’s mark FL in a heart

No reserve

No Reserves

Estimate

4,000 - 6,000 EUR

Lot Details

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Description

engraved with flowerheads, crosses and reeded sections, stylised acorn terminals, one engraved IF THEE DOSNT WORK THEE SHASNT EAT 1716” and the second “THY DESART HATH WON MY HART 1716”, marks: maker’s mark on each part

(2)

Length. 4 ½ in(11,5 cm); Gross weight. 8.35 oz.(260 gr.)

SJ Phillips, London, 2012

The first aphorism inscribed on these nutcrackers

derives from a passage in the New Testament by Paul the Apostle. The original Greek is roughly translated as 'If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.' (The

Second Epistle to the Thessalonians, chapter 3, verse 10). The second 'THY DESART HATH WON MY HART' (i.e.'Thy desire has won my heart') is an inscription or 'posy' more usually found engraved on betrothal and wedding rings. (See George Frederick Kunz, Rings for the Finger, Philadelphia and London, 1917, p.245).

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