British Bespoke Auctions
Lot 186
A 9ct Gold Cigarette Case, London hallmark dated 1926, mm P & F LTd, approx 100 x 85mm, approx 130 gms, the cigarette case having an engine-turned finish and engraved 'A.W Martyn Esq, a token of esteem and affection from his boys', with three signatures S. Parker, C.A Denley (company secretary) and G.F Learner.Note: Alfred Willie Martyn was the son of H.H Martyn who established the well-known and respected Cheltenham based company H.H Martyn & Co. The role of managing director was handed to the then 30 year old Alfred and the partnership of H.H & A.W Martyn and H.A. Dutton was established on 28th May 1900.The company were specialists in architectural decoration and were renowned for carving in wood, stone and marble. Other mediums included modellers of decorative plaster enrichments,wrought iron, stained glass, casters in bronze and other metals. Notable works include St Paul's cathedral pulpit, Cambridge University library entrance, a life-size bronze of Robert the Bruce, wood panelling and carving at Balliol Library Oxford, cast bronze of Sir Winston Churchill and The Marble Arch Gates which took a team of 80 to manufacture. Other notable orders from abroad such was the company's reputation included a pulpit for Brisbane cathedral, wood and plaster work for the Maharajah of Lal Baghs palace, carving and bronze work for Peles Castle Romania, King Farouk's royal train amongst many of our nations grandest homes and institutional buildings. Martyn's was also responsible for the fitting of more than 100 ocean liners including the Titanic, Lusitania, Queen Mary and the QEII. Later the company moved into the aviation field and was involved in the establishment of the Gloster Aircraft Company. This cigarette case was a small token of affection to A.W Martyn from three colleagues who clearly held him in the highest esteem and affection.
