Description This Dutch silver woodcock figure is dated 1919 and carries later military presentation interest. Modelled in dutch silver as a naturalistically cast woodcock, the bird is formed with a long pointed bill, compact wings and carefully worked plumage. Beneath the head is a lift off cover pierced with small holes and finished with a spire finial. Although the form resembles a sugar caster or sifter, objects of this nature were often said to be produced to avoid specific tax classifications and may have served as spice holders, potpourri containers or simply decorative novelties. The figure is hallmarked in several locations including the collar, the removable cover and one leg. Marks include the Dutch second standard silver mark of a lion passant facing right indicating a minimum purity of .833, the straight sword mark used between 1906 and 1953, and the date letter J for 1919. Each component is individually stamped, a detail typically found on larger and more substantial Dutch silver pieces. The woodcock is mounted on an ebonised wood plinth fitted with two applied silver plaques. One is engraved “Presented to Major J.A.G. Le Coq on the Occasion of his Marriage 25th Sept 1954” and the second reads “From the Officers of the 60th Rifles.” The combination of novelty silver modelling and documented military presentation places this example within both the tradition of early twentieth century continental silver and the culture of regimental gifting. See more from our Silver collection. The 60th Rifles (The King’s Royal Rifle Corps) The 60th Rifles were an infantry regiment formed in 1756. They were one of the first regiments in the British Army to be equipped with rifles. Over the years the regiment gained 5 battalions and fought in most prominent wars around the world including American War of Independence (1775-83), Peninsular War (1808-14), American Civil War (1861-65), Boer War (1899-1900) and both the First and Second Word War. In 1966 the regiment merged with the two other regiments of the Green Jackets Brigade to form The Royal Green Jackets. Measurements 21cm High x 30cm Long x 11cm Wide Inc. Base (8.27 x 11.81 x 4.33 Inches) Condition Excellent WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production. Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to enjoy ten percent off your first online purchase.
