CALCUTTA - AN INDIAN EGG EPERGNE
WILLIAM HENRY TWENTYMAN, MID 19TH CENTURY
Estimate: £400 - £600
Auction: The Fiona Buchanan Indian Silver Collection | Wednesday 4th March at 10am
Description
of circular form, loop handle, the plain egg cups with a threaded border, raised on a circular foot, with six associated British hallmarked spoons, of Fiddle pattern, engraved motif to terminals
Dimensions
32.5cm high, 34.5oz (gross weight)
Footnote
William Henry Twentyman working in Calcutta mark and name is seen to many fine examples of Colonial Indian silver made in a British style. Due to his very ‘British style’ of design and manufacture his work for many years was often confused as a Scottish provincial maker. In many early exhibition, books and sale catalogues work by the ‘unknown WHT’ was attributed to Greenock, presumably due to the use of an anchor mark on many of his pieces.
Arriving in Calcutta in 1810, William was apprentice to his uncle John Hunt for five years. He set up on his own immediately leaving the employ of his Master in 1815 and worked at Tank Square and Hare Street until 1842.
Through his career the business would have various partnerships, with some partners taking control of certain aspects of the business, George H Hosmer controlling the watch making for example. These partnerships also allowed Twentyman to leave India and return to Europe leaving the business partners in control.
By 1829 William takes back full control of the business and works until his retirement in 1842.