Silver Bosun's Whistle and Chain

Preserved as the binding for a 'book of common prayers, and administration of the sacraments', in an embroidered stumpwork binding, the front cover showing Saint Anne, Mary and the Child, the back cover with a large floral design; the folio text with some handwritten amendations, title page printed in red and black. 2.75 kg, 38.7 cm



Emil Offenbacher and Cornelius J. Hauck, with his ex libris beneath an elaborate hand-coloured early armorial bookplate. Ex Cultured Oyster Books, 2007. Ex central London gallery. Accompanied by a previous catalogue page, listed as no.10.

Stumpwork is sometimes called 'raised work' and is an embroidery style in which the stitched figures are raised from the surface creating a three-dimensional effect. Historically, this type of embroidery, here probably made for an ecclesiastical vestment, was employed to decorated a variety of secular household artefacts and reached its greatest popularity by the second half of the 17th century A.D. Embroidered folio bindings are fairly uncommon.

Including decorative examples displaying lion heads; rosettes and geometric motifs, together with other designs; remains of foam mounting backing to reverses. 28.5 grams total, 18-62 mm



Found Thames foreshore spoil, 1980s.

Composed of bichrome and polychrome stone and glass eye inlays, including examples with iridescent surfaces. 290 grams total, 7-74 mm



Previously in a private collection, acquired between 1965-2020.