3-053-507 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Gold casket presented to Sir Albert Sassoon, 1873. Casket presented at Guildhall, '...with the freedom of the city of London, to [that] eminent Jewish merchant of Bombay...in recognition of his munificent and philanthropic exertions in the cause of charity and of education, more especially, though not exclusively, in our Indian empire. The illuminated scroll containing the freedom of the City is inclosed in a casket designed in the Renaissance style of art, and executed in solid eighteen-carat gold. The centre panel contains an ornamental shield with the arms of Sir Albert enamelled in true heraldic colours, suspended from which is a perfect miniature model of the badge of the Star of India, of which order Sir Albert is a companion. The body of the casket is supported by four ornamental columns, relieved by panels in repoussé and carved gold, each end inclosing a medallion finely painted in enamel with crest and monogram; the lid is dome-shaped, and surmounted by the arms of the City in gold and enamel...the centre of the miniature badge beneath the front shield contains one of the smallest pietra-dura cameos that has ever been produced. This exquisite work of art has been designed and executed...by Messrs. Howell, James, and Co.'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.