Description:
- Pair of Nutcrackers and Punches, presented in a period box, making this a very unique and valuable set.
- The pair of Nutcrackers are reversible, substantially the same, made of turned, forged and chiselled iron, plated with a thick layer of silver, also chiselled.
- One arm of one of the Nutcrackers has three punches with different marks or contrasts, which probably correspond to the place where it was made, the manufacturer's details, and the date of its manufacture. The first is a monogram 'TLEM', the second is what looks like an emblem in the shape of an 'octopus, jellyfish or ghost', and the third is another monogram 'AI'. On the other Nutcracker, which is a pair, we have not found any distinctive markings or contrasts.
- The two Nutcrackers, which are a pair, are very similar in size and shape, as they are handmade.
- The pair of Punches are substantially the same, made of iron plated with a thick layer of silver, as are the Nutcrackers, with handles of bakelite or similar.
- The two punches are very similar in size and shape, as they are both hand-made.
- The silver plating is probably done by electroplating, with a layer of considerable thickness, which makes it possible to carry out the detailed chiselling that the Nutcrackers have, with a spectacular result.
- We think that the workmanship could be English, from the Georgian period, between 1714 and 1830.
- The well-known English brand Walker & Hall, from Sheffield, began its activity in 1845 making various types of Nutcrackers, with similar characteristics to ours, but using a much more industrialised manufacturing system.
- In this type of pieces, it is very rare to find any distinctive mark or contrast, so as in our case we do have them, this makes the pair of Nutcrackers and Punches very peculiar pieces.
Conservation and Damage:
- The Nutcrackers and Punches are in very good condition.
- They have been thoroughly cleaned and the rust has been removed. Both the two arms of the Nutcrackers, as well as the two Punches, are perfectly straight, not having suffered any curvature, due to their little use.
- The box is in quite good condition. The inside of the lid retains the original cloth padding, although with some rust stains. The velvet on its base, where the Nutcrackers and Punches fit, is also in very good condition.
- The box opens and closes perfectly. It is made of wood lined with black imitation leather, with a gold band around the lid. The bottom had a tear and minor rubbing to the outer edges. All of this has been restored.
Comments:
Approximate measurements: Nutcracker: Height: 14,6 cm.
Width: 4,8cm.
Thickness: 2,1 cm.
Punch: Height: 13.1 cm.
Diameter: 1,2cm.
- Both measurements and weight are approximate.
- Very interesting as a collector's item and as a decorative element.
- The tones of the colours in the photos are not the same as the tones of the real colours.
- The object for sale is the one that corresponds to the photos. The description is not a detailed exposition of it.
- The data provided here are personal opinions not contrasted.
DELIVERIES ARE MADE ON MONDAYS.
4178 - PAIR OF NUTCRACKERS AND PUNCHES. WITH BOX. CONTRASTES.