posted 07-30-2009 04:31 PM            

The two images (if they work), show a silver seal, length about 8.5cms (3 1/4"). I have an opinion of my own on the likely age of this, but would appreciate more informed opinions than mine. Cheers,
Adelapt.

I should add that the seal unscrews from the hollow shaft (you can see where it is not quite square at the right hand end). The opposite end has an oval flat plate with engraved initials.

posted 07-31-2009 04:44 AM            

Nice item you have, it looks to me as a 18th century piece. In Holland we have that kind of patterns, but often the top end is with initials of the owner).

Needle-case they are called here.

If you want I can send you an example from here.

The way it is engraved it gives me the 18th century style.

The family weapon (?) is perhaps a(re) symbol(s) placed as family name.

What I sea from the clear photo is a shield, in it a house standing in a boat.

At the top of the shield a knight helmet with a bird standing above.

The twig of a tree with blossom good stand for symbolic continue of the family life?

Is it possible the piece came to Australia by early immigrants from England, Holland?

Is it a family piece from your side?

My second thought is that the symbol with the house in the boat stands for the emigrants thought, starting a new life, building a house in a country with a new start, after a long boat journey brought the foreigners into Australia?

Greetings Silverhunter.(Andr� (not Rieu) from Holland).

posted 07-31-2009 05:42 AM            

My interpretation of the device on the seal is that it shows Noah's Ark, with the dove and olive branch/twig above. The bird is above what looks to be, as you say, a helmet, but could possibly be a small and deep punchmark of a crown (less likely though). No family history with it, just gathered on my travels.

posted 07-31-2009 09:30 AM            

But I think you already tried that.

What's your own opinion about time registration? Is the item in combination, a needle-case, like I thought?

Did you bought it in Australia or in Europa?

Adelapt, I hope to get a reaction from your side?

posted 07-31-2009 06:27 PM            

On the question of date, I can see why you suggest end 17th century. What little expertise I have is really limited to flatware but I am inclined to offer the tentative suggestion that mid 18th century may be nearer the mark. This is partly because I think I perceive rococo influence in the shape and decoration of the shield (if indeed it is intended to be a shield) surrounding the ark and partly because I associate the polygonal shape of the handle/container more with the 18th century. I can't offer any even half-informed view on the country of origin.

posted 08-01-2009 09:43 PM            

This set also has a cork screw contained in a tapered container much like your seal is housed in. Could it be that your piece is just missing the screw portion - certainly Noah must have had wine on board and a cork screw would have come in handy.

Charming piece - you have a good eye.

posted 08-03-2009 05:46 PM            

The full name for the set is “A Silver Steel Fish-Skin Wood Velvet and Bullion Braid Traveling Set”.

Do you know how the napkin holders were used?

Art

posted 08-04-2009 01:58 AM            

I wonder if the napkins? are no reservoirs for salt/pepper/sugar?, because it looks the patterns are connected and I can't see through them.(seeing a bottom).

I'm still thinking about Adelapt's needle-case, perhaps that one was used by a well fortuned cloth designer/seamstress and had to send a lot of sealed envelopes using her mark?

posted 08-04-2009 08:40 AM            

The cylinder is described as a nutmeg grater - The hollow portion of the knife may have been large enough to store a nutmeg in addition to the grater.

I do not know if travelers took there own salt and pepper.

posted 08-04-2009 04:44 PM            

And in #802, a Neapolitan sewing etui of c. 1730, the needle case part is similarly faceted. It is examples like this that tempt me to suggest 18th century for Adelapt�s case because the earlier cases/handles more typically have a round cross-section.

Of course, the Albert examples are relatively sophisticated items while the engraving on Adelapt�s case is distinctly provincial, as Kimo has implied, and this is a major part of its charm. In England at least, such unsophisticated engraving becomes much less common in the 18th century as manufacturing became more concentrated in the major centres with assay offices where there was a network of specialist engravers, die-cutters etc.. This could cast doubt on my 18th century ascription, but I still believe I see clear rococo elements in the ark armorial which would again point to mid 18th century, and perhaps an origin one of the smaller towns of continental Europe rather than England.

Incidentally, I do wonder how well the ark would work as a seal. I would be tempted to try it out on something like a piece of modelling clay. Might it simply be a decoration/sign of ownership rather than having this specific function?