18th Century Paktong Fire Fender

Name: 18th Century Paktong Fire Fender
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA984689
Availability: SoldOut

18th century

Sold by Jane Short Antiques

Description

A fire fender from the 18th century made from paktong. In very good original condition without any corrosion.

Paktong, a rare Chinese alloy imported in small quantities during the eighteenth century, was used by European craftsmen to make domestic objects in imitation of silverware. This metal has been shrouded in mystery since it was first recorded by Western travellers in the seventeenth century. The vital silver-coloured ingredient, nickel, was not identified in the West until the second half of the eighteenth century, and it was to be a further fifty years before scientists were able to perfect a viable imitation of paktong. In more recent times the mystery of paktong has lain in the lack of documentary evidence concerning its use in the Georgian period. This has given rise to many myths and speculative theories about the metal.

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Payment by bank transfer, PayPal or card via telephone

Physical Dimensions

Height

13cm (5.12")

Width

127cm (50.00")

Depth

36cm (14.17")

Declaration

Jane Short Antiques has dated this piece to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA984689

Dealers Internal Reference

A0381

Description

A fire fender from the 18th century made from paktong. In very good original condition without any corrosion.

“

Paktong, a rare Chinese alloy imported in small quantities during the eighteenth century, was used by European craftsmen to make domestic objects in imitation of silverware.

Jane Short Antiques

This metal has been shrouded in mystery since it was first recorded by Western travellers in the seventeenth century. The vital silver-coloured ingredient, nickel, was not identified in the West until the second half of the eighteenth century, and it was to be a further fifty years before scientists were able to perfect a viable imitation of paktong. In more recent times the mystery of paktong has lain in the lack of documentary evidence concerning its use in the Georgian period. This has given rise to many myths and speculative theories about the metal.

We can discuss delivery options

Payment by bank transfer, PayPal or card via telephone