SILVER DESK WRITING SET. PLATERÍAS MARTÍNEZ, MADRID, SPAIN, 1845. WITH HALLMARKS.5

Writing desk with three inkwells. Silver. Real Fábrica de Platerías Martínez, Madrid, 1845. With contrast markings. Silver notary in its color composed of a rectangular tray with raised and openwork sides and openwork decoration on the longer sides (down), and three containers (two cup-shaped) topped by figurative elements. Both the decoration of the elements and their lines show a clear influence of Neoclassical models based on Antiquity. The contrast marks present link the piece with the city of Madrid (Spain), also adding the date and the silversmith. The Royal Silver Factory of Martínez was founded in 1778, and marked the introduction in Spain of the industrial manufacturing method in the field of silver work and of neoclassical aesthetics in Spanish silversmithing. Likewise, it was one of the most important silversmithing centers in the history of Spain, and was characterized by the originality of its designs and the perfect finish of its pieces. Compare the present piece, for example, with the mancerina with tray and acanthus leaves from the same factory dated 1834 in the History Museum of Madrid, and with other works preserved in private collections. Weight: 490 grams.

· Size: 23x11x10 cms