Burnell and Rowe

Description

This is a handsome large Edwardian Sterling Silver Mounted Glass Lucifer for holding and striking matches. The lucifer is spherical with a flattened base and ribbed sides for striking vesta type matches on. There is a central well, surrounded by the silver collar, in which the matches would have been stored.

The lucifer was made in London by H.W King & Sons and dates to 1903. The firm was established by Henry William King in London in 1896 and operated from the Silverdale Works in Charterhouse Street. Although based in London their mark is often seen on items assayed in Chester. They produced perfume bottles, decanters and decanter labels, photo frames and smoking accessories amongst many other items and also imported pieces from continental Europe. The firm ceased trading around 1920.

Condition is very good, with no chips or cracks in the glass, one truly ting ding in the silver collar and just the superficial surface wear that has to be expected after over 120 years of good service. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The lucifer stands 6.3cm / 2.5ins high and is 7.0cm / 2.75ins in diameter. It weighs in at a hefty 550g / 19.4oz.

The hallmarks on the silver collar are a little rubbed but can still be deciphered. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the leopard's head assay mark for London, the date letter h for 1903 and the Kg & Sns makers' mark for H.W. King & Sons.

Shipping in the UK is £13.50 by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes cover for the value of the lucifer.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.