Important Notice

Lot 61

 

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Silver
138.4 grams
3.5 x 3.5 x 1 in (8.9 x 8.9 x 2.5 cm)


A silver hip flask, marked 'P. ORR & Sons, Madras' on the base, 'O.H' on the lid, and 'OOTY A.T. TWENTY' on one side

P. Orr & Sons of Madras was the most popular silver firm in South India in the 19th century. Its silverware was chosen as a present for the Prince of Wales during his visit to India in 1875-1876, and thanks to the appreciation of this firm by the Prince, P. Orr & Sons were appointed "Jewellers and Silversmiths to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales", on 22 April 1876.

Madras was the main trading settlement founded by the British in 1644, and for this reason the best silver craftsmen were protected by European firms. By 1880, P. Orr & Sons became very successful and supplied European, Australian and American markets. P. Orr was also responsible for new legislation enacted in 1884, enabling the import of silver to Great Britain under regulations.

The main characteristic of P. Orr silver was the juxtaposition of European shapes with Indian patterns and designs. They often represented gods, 'swamis', or traditional Indian myths and, as a result, P. Orr silverware is also referred to as 'swami' on occasion.

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