A Nelson and Edith Dawson silver and enamel bookmark

Price range: £595

For sale is this is very lovely silver bookmark by Nelson Dawson with ladybird enamel that is almost certainly by his wife Edith Dawson.  The piece is fully hallmarked for London 1905.  It is a remarkable survivor in nigh on perfect original condition.  The ladybird enamel is brilliantly done.

Nelson Dawson and Edith Dawson, were two of the earliest designers of arts and crafts metalwork.  Their work appeared in the 1896 Arts and Crafts Society Exhibition and they received Royal Commissions.  In 1902 they founded the Artificers Guild. Leaving that in around 1905 they continued to make superb metalwork, and occasional jewellery up to about 1920.  Edith Dawson, Nelson’s wife, was the enameller and likely also made pieces like this.

Maker: Nelson and Edith Dawson

Designer: Nelson and Edith Dawson

Date : 1905

Marks: “ND”, London, K

Material: Silver, enamel

Condition: Excellent

Size: Length 12 cm

Weight: 11 grams (not all silver weight)