artificers-guild-british-arts-crafts-jeweled-silver-and-ormolu-crucifix
Lot 166
Artificers' Guild, British Arts & Crafts Jeweled Silver and Ormolu Crucifix
Lot Details & Additional Photographs
Mark of The Artificers' Guild Ltd., London (1918), double-sided silver crucifix with ormolu cast figures of Christ, one side with Christ's head bowed to the right having quatrefoil filigree designs to cross terminals surrounding cabochon gem mounts, including blue sapphire (likely synthetic), garnet, quartz, and green stones (likely glass), base with enamel armorial of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland; the other side with Christ's head upright having blister pearl mounts. Given the tang at the base, the crucifix was likely commissioned as an altar or processional cross.

24 x 14 1/2 x 5 in.

The Collection of the late Mr. William Hulbert, Chesapeake, Virginia

Founded in 1901 by the metalsmith and enameller Nelson Dawson (1859-1942), The Artificers' Guild was in operation in London with its first location in Chiswick from 1901-1906, moving to Maddox St. in 1906, later to Conduit St. in 1914, and subsequently to Bruton Place and other premises until 1938. The Guild is now identified as an important producer of high quality metalwork and jewelry with a wide ouvre of projects varying by commission and evolving fashions of the time. The guild was inspired by the Art & Crafts movement and themes including mythology, the Bible, and Arthurian legends, as well as adapting to the Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry trends of the period. At it's height of success, the Guild employed 20-40 skilled craftsmen, mostly under the direction of Edward Spencer (British, 1872-1938).

Some scattered rubbing to ormolu; missing lowest pearl mount; Christ with head downcast missing nimbus mount and one nail to Christ's left hand.

$1,000 - 2,000