English silver plate and ostrich egg elephant-form tobacco box, Anthony Redmile
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1960s-70s
This decorative tobacco box is designed in the shape of an elephant, featuring an organic ostrich egg as the central body. Crafted in England during the 1960s or 1970s, the piece is the work of designer Anthony Redmile.
The elephant's head, legs, and base are constructed from silver-plated metal, displaying a detailed sculptural aesthetic. The hinged cover, which opens to reveal the interior of the egg, is topped with a distinct malachite knop. Measuring 11-1/2 inches in height, 7-3/4 inches in width, and 4-3/4 inches in depth, the piece presents a whimsical blend of natural materials and metalwork. The item is marked with an inscription on the rear basal edge reading "redmile London".
While visually striking, the piece shows characteristic wear including silver plate loss on the base and the top of the elephant's head, and the tusks are notably lacking. The interior remains in good condition, and the ostrich egg itself displays scattered small surface scratches, consistent with its age and use as a functional decorative object.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- ostrich egg, silver plate, malachite
- Dimensions
- 11-1/2" h, 7-3/4" w, 4-3/4" d
Technical characteristics
- Construction
- hinged cover
Design
- Motif
- elephant
- Signature
- redmile London
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Anthony Redmile
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.