3-052-739 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Casket presented to the Right Hon. W. H. Smith, M.P., by the Stationers' Company, 1880. 'The Casket...was designed and executed by Mr. Benson, of Ludgate-hill and Bond-street. It is carved in dark oak, fine oi grain, and richly mounted with silver. It stands about nine inches high, oblong in form, with curved ends, and rests on a blue velvet cushion. The body of the box is divided into eight panels of repousse silver. The centre panel of one side bears the arms of Mr. Smith enamelled in heraldic colours; that of the obverse contains the inscription, "Presented, with the freedom and Livery of the Company, to the Right Honourable William Henry Smith, M.P., Citizen and Stationer. June 9, 1880." The end panels are composed of winged figures supporting dolphins, each alternate panel being occupied by naval emblems and the monogram, W.H.S. Supporting the box are two carefully modelled sea-horses, which, with the carved reliefs, especially suggest Mr. W. H. Smith's official position in the late Government as First Lord of the Admiralty. There are heraldic shields festooned, which contain the arms of London and Westminster. The cover is surmounted by the arms of the Stationers' Company, in enamel, supported by angels proclaiming truth'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.