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Silver
Diameter: Each 10.5 in (26.6 cm)
1.1 kilograms


This pair of silver plates, bearing the coat of arms of the Nawab of Murshidabad, are probably a part of the dinner service of Nawab Amir-ul-Omra, Wasef Ali Mirza Khan Bahdur, dating to the early twentieth century. The elaborate coat of arms includes a shield bearing a column and crossed canons, flanked by a lion and a unicorn. Above the shield, a fish represents the Persian order of emperors, Mahi-Maratib, and is surmounted by a crown and crossed bifurcated swords. Scrolling across the bottom, the banner reads "Nil Desperandum" or "never despair".

The plates are also inscribed 'Hamilton & Co.' on the reverse. Hamilton & Co. was one of the best known British silver firms, established by Robert Hamilton in Calcutta in 1808 under license from the East India Company. Known as the 'Garrard of India', the firm mainly produced tableware including complete tea and dinner services in a typical pre-Raj, British-Indian style. This pair of plates is crafted of smoothly polished silver, which almost entirely substitutes decoration, and creates a simple yet fine design that highlights the gadrooned rim.




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  Lot 89 of 137  

TRAVEL AND LEISURE AUCTION
29-30 JULY 2013

Estimate
$1,300 - 1,800
Rs 75,400 - 1,04,400

Winning Bid
$3,232
Rs 1,87,427
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)

USD payment only USD payment only. Why?






Provenance: Formerly from the Estate of the Late Nawab of Murshidabad
An Important Private Collection, London



 



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