Thoughts on this... piece?

[Nigel N]

Agree on the EK part Alex....super quality, the enamelling is excellent!!
@Steven......is there any clue from the seller as to where this came from...did he know he was selling something unusual????
-Nigel

[StevenB3518]

Glad to read all of the comments!

I had thought at first that this would have been put together later, but the EK fits quite perfectly against the curve of the peice behind it that I would think would be difficult to fake (and there would be no way to bend an enameled piece).

As to the "why", I still have no idea, and I agree that altering this would make it work less than a standard piece - unless maybe someone found a damaged DKis(?)

Would better photos of any areas help anyone? These were taken with my phone but I can take some macro photos.

Nigel, that was actually a though I had this morning! I will see if the seller has any more information..

Thanks everyone,
Steven

[Nigel N]

Hi Steven!!
I think any closer photo's of the EK device would be great!!
I don't think theres any chance this is an attempt by anyone to fool, its just too well made!!
S&L have something of a history of making interesting and unusual pieces....
They made several variants for the collectors market, and more for exhibition pieces...but they were later...70's/80's+, this is a much earlier, much better quality piece....I think that's whats so interesting about it!!!
-Nigel
PS....told you it would make for a good discussion!!!

[StevenB3518]

Yes, great discussion Nigel!!

I contacted the seller earlier today - have not heard back yet.

Here are a few shots of the EK device and a close up of the hinge block....

[Nigel N]

Thanks for close-ups Steven
When you look at the EK, it looks like its always been there...no sign of anything else. and as Alex said, the silver finish looks a perfect match to all the other silver parts!!
So I would also agree, that it looks more like a factory finished piece!!!!!
No idea why it would be done.....but a really great piece whatever the story behind it!!!
-Nigel

[StevenB3518]

Heard from the seller, he didn't know much and had apparently purchased it early last year (hadn't had it long).

He did say: "According to seller this cross is from the collection of the Grand Chancellor His Excellency Lorenzo Michel De Valitch Titular Archbishop of Ephesus"

I think I have located the person who he bought it from and I am checking to see if they have more information..


Steven