A Rare Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Malachite Three Piece Desk Set By Leuchars of London
Item # 6972
$12,500
James Leuchars
The highly decorative mounted malachite set consisting of a letter box, inkwell and a leather bound journal, each with a rope design and etched roses on the corners, the inkwell fits on the top of the journal.
Signed Leuchars 38 Piccadilly to the inside of the box and opening of the inkwell.
Leuchars was established at 47 Piccadilly, London in 1794 by James Leuchars. In 1820, the business moved to 38 Piccadilly shortly before James Leuchars died in 1823.
Lucy Leuchars, James’ widow, continued the business under the name of L. Leuchars. In 1837, the same year as Queen Victoria came to the throne, the firm was awarded the Royal Warrant for their supply of dressing cases to the royal family.
Expanding to 39 Piccadilly in 1841, the name had now changed to Lucy Leuchars & Son; the ‘Son’ referring to William Leuchars. After Lucy’s death in 1847, William gained sole responsibility for the business. Leuchars exhibited and won prize medals for his dressing cases at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the International Exhibition of 1862, winning a further silver medal at the International Exposition of 1867 in Paris.
In 1870, under the name of Leuchars & Son, William Leuchars along with his son, also called William, opened a further shop at 2 Rue de la Paix in Paris. When William Sr died in 1871, William Jr took control of the business, later winning a gold medal for their dressing cases at the International Exposition of 1878 in Paris.
Malachite is a semi-precious stone and also a valuable copper ore, hydrous copper carbonate. It is a beautiful green earth stone with irregular black banding. It is easily recognized by its color, green streak, and silky or velvety luster. It was used to make beautiful jewelry and to adorn only the finest pieces of furniture. In the 18th and 19th centuries malachite was popular with Russian Czars and Nobility. They often used it to decorate their palaces and own personal furnishings. The Hermitage Museum has one of the biggest and best displays of Malachite pieces in the world.
Box:
Height – 6.5 inches / 17cm
Width – 8.5 inches / 22cm
Depth – 5 inches / 13cm
Inkwell:
Height – 4 inches / 10cm
Width – 8.5 inches / 22cm
Depth – 7 inches / 18cm
Journal:
Length – 11 inches / 28cm
Width – 8.5 inches / 22cm