ANTIQUE 19THC INDIAN SOLID SILVER TIGER SCROLL HOLDERS, C K CHETTY & SONS C.1900

DESCRIPTION

Antique 19th Century Indian Important cast solid silver pair of document scrolls holders, realistically modelled as pairs resting tigers, mounted with elaborately decorated pierced floral panels to support the suspended scrolls. Although the pair are not marked by the maker they are undoubtedly made by the workshop of Cotha Krishniah Chetty, founded in 1860, he began his business by selling jewellery to the British servicemen in the Bangalore settlement. In 1869 he founded C Krishniah Chetty and Sons jewelers (today they are one of India’s major jewellers)

By the late 19th century they began producing silver articles alongside jewellery and had been appointed Official goldsmiths to the Maharaja of Mysore. In 1901 the sons took over, with Cotha Audinarayana Chetty managing two retail stores, the first in Avenue Road, Bangalore and another in Mysore, collectively employing over 40 craftsmen. Cotha Audinarayana Chetty workshop exhibited at the Delhi Exhibition in 1903 and were awarded a Bronze Medal for gold and silver caskets and a large assortment of silver and plated items. By the 1920’s they were providing silver, gold and jewellery to the rulers of twenty Indian principalities.

Engraved to the bases, United Service Stores Bangalore, The Bangalore Club is the oldest club in the city, founded in 1868. It was originally formed for exclusive use by British and later, after independence, Indian military officers stationed in the cantonment. At present, it is largely a civilian club. Members of the services, however, continue to enjoy special privileges. It counts among its previous members the Maharajah of Mysore and Winston Churchill.

A ledger on display in the main building of the club is open to a page that has a list of "irrecoverable debts" that were written off by the club. One of these is the sum Rs.13, owed by Winston Churchill, Former prime minister of Great Britain. Churchill is one among the 17 defaulters named in the ledger entry dated June 1, 1899. Lt WLS Churchill's name accompanied by his photograph comes third in the defaulters' list.

Secretary of the Bangalore Club Colonel Krishnan Dakshina Murthy told that the issue has gained significance since Churchill went on to become the prime minister of Britain. He had arrived in Bangalore in 1896 as an army officer and left the city in 1899 to fight in the North West Frontier, which is now Pakistan.
"This is a rare case," says Colonel Murthy.
"Who would have thought back then that he would become the prime minister of Britain? He also adds that the dues that Churchill owed to the club were discovered posthumously and after it had become public several visiting British citizens offered to clear off the dues. Churchill during his stint in Bangalore spent many evenings at the Bangalore Club drinking whiskey. He may have accumulated this sum due to this. Churchill had also mentioned in his memoir 'My Early Life' that Bangalore was a "third rate watering place" with lots of routine work to do, without society of good sport.

Membership at present for the category of new permanent members is closed, but last when open, had a waiting list of over 30 years. The club has limited number of restaurants, bars, libraries and sports facilities. In addition to these, it also has a number of stores for the convenience of its members and it would explain how these spectacular book ends would have ended up being sold at this club.

CONDITION

In Excellent Condition - No Damage.

SIZE

Height: 12cm
Width: 11cm
Both Weigh: 1410g