Antique and collectible history

Charles Murat Silver, Murat et Cie History, Patents & Designs

Charles Murat Silver, Murat et Cie History, Patents & Designs

1850 was an important year for Charles Murat, as he married Julienne Geneviève Eudoxie Lhermitte, in January. Julienne was reasonably well off having been left property and an inheritance from her father. In the same year they moved to rue des Archives in Paris. The premises served as both a dwelling and a jewellery manufacturing concern, as Murat had founded his own firm, Bijoux Murat c.1850.

This post gives details of La Maison Murat successes, catalogues, patents, designs and history. 

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Antique Bakelite Terri Powder Compacts, Terri Inc. Patents And Designs

Antique Bakelite Terri Powder Compacts, Terri Inc. Patents And Designs

The fascination and love for all things antique, vintage and retro extends to articles crafted from Bakelite. The invention of Bakelite made possible the manufacture of some of the most recognisable Terri Inc vanities. The Bakelite Corporation and Terri Inc. are responsible for the production of some of the most iconic Bakelite vanities. 

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The Inventor Sahatiel Mandalian His Mandalian Brand Mesh Bags, History And Patents

The Inventor Sahatiel Mandalian His Mandalian Brand Mesh Bags, History And Patents

The owner of Mandalian Mfg. Co. was a Turkish man named Sahatiel Garabad Mandalian.  Mandalian was a prolific inventor with many patented designs registered to him. He emigrated from Turkey to the United States of America in 1898. In 1906 Mandalian entered into partnership with Eugene A. Hawkins. At this time the firm was known as Mandalian & Hawkins. On November 7 1912 the partners applied to patent a machine for making coat of mail fabric. The inventor was George Gos.
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Origins Of Damascene And Chokin Adornments As Seen On Vintage Japanese Powder Compacts

Origins Of Damascene And Chokin Adornments As Seen On Vintage Japanese Powder Compacts

The term damascene is said to be English and derived from the view that this sort of decoration resembles damask silk. This technique originated in Syria, Western Asia. Some hold the opinion that the term damascene derives from the name of Syria’s capital city, Damascus. It is believed that the process of creating damascene adornments was first practiced over 1,500 years ago. The people of the Orient regard damascene as a symbol of good fortune. 
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Antique French Silver Japonisme Geisha Locket

The French Fascination For Japanese Culture, Japonisme And The Mysterious Geisha Locket

 The word Japonism (from the French word Japonisme) is the influence of Japanese aesthetics, art, and fashion on Western culture. The term is used particularly to refer to Japanese influence on European art, most notably the Impressionist Movement. In France Japonisme referred to a style of French design found in the fine arts and it was a natural progression that this country's master silversmiths would be inspired by this exotic theme to create the most coveted objet d'art. 
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Victor Mayer Faberge Workmaster

The History Of Victor Mayer Jewellery And The Fabergé Connection

Victor Mayer was born in 1857. His portrait is courtesy of Victor Mayer GmbH & Co KG Pforzheim. He trained as a steel engraver and also as an artist. In 1877 he commenced his studies at the Grand Ducal School of Arts and Crafts. It was during his studies at this institution he became known as a highly talented draughtsman. Whilst studying in Vienna he also worked as an engraver to pay for his tuition. His training involved perfecting the art of guilloche engraving and enamelling. He was to become one of the finest jewellers of his time. 
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The Bohemian Silver Trade And Czechoslovakian Silver Compact Mirrors

The Bohemian Silver Trade And Czechoslovakian Silver Compact Mirrors

Before WWII Czechoslovakia was made up of Bohemia and Moravia in the west and Slovakia in the east. At the turn of the 14th century trade of Bohemian silver to Venice was already well established. Archaeological finds from Bohemia and Moravia lend weight to the theories that that silver bullion from this area was exported to Italy. In return the Italians exported glass to Bohemia.

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Whiting & Davis History & Patents

A Complete History Of Whiting & Davis

 

 

This post will give you answers to these questions:

1. When was the Whiting & Davis Manufacturing Company formed?

2. Who formed the company?

3. When was the making of mesh purses and accessories automated?

4. Who invented these machines?

5. What are Dresden / Baby Fine mesh purses?

This post includes:

Patent numbers of Whiting & Davis machines and jewellery designs.

Patent drawings & descriptions of Whiting & Davis Manufacturing Company machines and designs and also of those owned by Wade Davis & Company, the company that preceded them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Brief History Of Vesta Cases And Match Safes

A Brief History Of Vesta Cases And Match Safes

This post will answer these questions: 

What are vesta cases?

What are match safes?

Why are they called vesta cases?

What are vestas?

How can I date a precious metal vesta case?

How can I spot a fake?

 

 

 

 

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Renzo Cassetti Italian Silver Powder Compact 1950s

Renzo Cassetti Gruppo Cassetti The Ponte Vecchio And The Vasari Corridor

This post is paying tribute to this wonderful goldsmith, the Cassetti family, Benvenuto Cellini and the superb art and architecture of Italy. According to the Cassetti literature this exciting atelier was founded in 1929.  Renzo Cassetti was inspired by the work of the master goldsmith, sculptor and artist Benvenuto Cellini (November 3 1500 - February 13 1571).

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The History Of Boots The Chemist & Boots Makeup Compacts

The History Of Boots The Chemist & Boots Makeup Compacts

John Boot (1815 – 1860) was the founder of Boots The Chemist. He was born in Radcliffe on Trent and studied at Tiffin School in Kingston. He became a farm worker but his poor health did not give him the great strength and resilience needed for this type of employment. He moved to Hockley Village. Unable to afford doctors’ fees his mother made herbal remedies for him. She taught him how to make remedies too. John married Mary Wills and they had two children Jesse and Jane. John died in 1860. On his death Mary continued the business they had founded - M & J Boot Herbalists.
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Asprey Jewellery Store New Bond Street London

Asprey Silver Powder Compacts & Cases With An Illustrated Historical Timeline

Asprey International Limited is one of Britain’s most well known luxury jewellery chains. The firm has supplied crowns, sceptres and coronets to royal families all over the world. Splendid jewellery, accessories and decorations for the home are sought after by those who wish to acquire items made to uncompromisingly high standards. Asprey was founded in 1781 by William Asprey. The firm’s flagship store has been located at the current address New Bond Street, Mayfair, since 1847.

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