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EXTREMELY RARE ANTIQUE SOLID STERLING SILVER MINIATURE PHEASANT DESK SEAL – BY THE FAMOUS SAMPSON MORDAN & CO - HIGH QUALITY - GEORGE V ERA - HALLMARKED CHESTER 1912 - HIGHLY COLLECTABLE – GREAT GIFT!

On offer is this extremely rare antique solid sterling silver desk seal in the figural form of a miniature pheasant with a very determined look on his face! He was crafted by the renowned Sampson Mordan, hallmarked for Chester 1912, and you only have to look at him to see his high quality.

This fabulous little solid silver pheasant has super detail - you can almost see him in motion, his back foot raised. And just look at the intricate work that has gone into crafting the feathers, the beak, and that determined face - maybe he's just heard that it's the glorious 12^th - a sign of a skilled craftsman at work. He is in lovely condition - hard to believe he is 104 years old.

The base is marked with the letters "E.C" for the seal. It would be a super piece to use for a City firm or barrister's chambers for that part of the London postcode!

This lovely miniature pheasant seal was crafted just two years before the outbreak of the First World War, hallmarked for 1912 from the Chester Assay Office, by the renowned firm of Sampson Mordan & Co, which closed in 1941. For these two reasons alone, this seal is very desirable and highly collectable - being by Sampson Mordan & Co and hallmarked for Chester. This Assay Office closed over 50 years ago in 1962 – so pieces hallmarked Chester are gradually becoming harder to find.

You can imagine how expensive this gorgeous pheasant would have been to purchase when it was crafted in 1912. He has such a great expression of determination on his face - and why not - he has survived for 104 years in amazingly good condition. This would be the smartest bit of kit for anybody to have on their desk - sheer quality - what a brilliant gift for you to give this Christmas!

HISTORY: Sampson Mordan (1790–1843) was a British silversmith and a co-inventor of the first patented mechanical pencil. Upon Mordan's death in 1843, his sons Sampson (junior) and Augustus inherited the firm. "S. Mordan & Co." continued to make silverware until 1941, when their factory was destroyed by bombs during the London Blitz.

HALLMARKS: On the upper side of the base: "S M & Co" into three circles for Sampson Mordan & Co; the lion passant denoting solid sterling silver; a shield with three wheatsheaves around a sword for the Chester Assay Office; the letter “M” for the year 1912.

APPROXIMATE MEASUREMENTS/WEIGHT: He stands at just over 2cm in height to the top of his head; just over 4cm across the side to the tip of the beak and tail; 1.6cm in diameter across the base and weighs about 6.4g.

CONDITION: As stated previously, he is in super condition. Any darks marks, etc are either reflections or age related patina.

This is a stunning piece of antique solid silver in the form of a miniature pheasant desk seal, of the highest quality. You will not want to miss out on this extremely rare piece, by the renowned Sampson Mordan & Co!

The Buy It Now price reflects its rarity, age and condition - we will also consider offers.

THANK YOU FOR LOOKING

P.S. Whilst you are here, why not take a look at our other lovely pieces of solid silver? In particular, we have another rare piece of Sampson Mordan antique silver in the form of a small chick pepper pot, hallmarked for Chester 1906.

SIMPLY ENGLISH SILVER

We specialise in high quality silver items that carry the hallmarks of solid English silver. We have many collectable silver pieces of different eras and styles – antique, vintage and modern – from before Victorian times to Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and all decades up to the present day.

We also have various, assorted English silver items to offer in lots. If you are looking for a specific English silver piece, please let us know and we will try and find it for you. We also occasionally have on offer high quality silver pieces from around the world. Please check our page regularly for new items. Thank you!

POSTAGE & PACKING: Please note that postal charges are at the rate they are because we send by 'signed for' mail to ensure safe delivery of your item, which costs more. We add on a small amount for packing and materials and are not trying to make money out of postage. International buyers should check for any Customs charges for their country, as this is not included in the final price.

RETURNS: We have a no quibble policy. Returns accepted if you are not 100% happy for any reason. Please let us know as soon as you have received the item if you wish to return it. Then you can simply return the item within 14 days in the same state in which it was received. Please note that we take extra photos of items for our records prior to sending to show condition. We do not give discounts. Thank you.