Description
Reserved for E only ****
A beauty of a wrist wrap by American Arts and Crafts silversmith William deMatteo (1923-1988). It is such a wonderful piece of design and a real rarity. Age would be somewhere between Art Deco and mid-century. The design is actually really quite Art Deco, with its bold simplicity of a bow on this lovely hammered silver bracelet / wrist wrap. I was in love with this as soon as I saw it and it looks AMAZING when worn.
It is a heavy, solid and snug bracelet. You can see every mark where it has been hammered into this design by deMatteo. I am assuming this was William L. deMatteo and not his father (William G deMatteo-also a master silversmith who had trained in NY). Bill deMatteo was a highly esteemed silversmith, who became the Master Silversmith at Colonial Williamsburg. He designed pieces for the White House and was commissioned to make pieces for many dignitaries including, Presidents’ Kennedy and Nixon, Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II. He was the first ever American silversmith to be inducted into the Goldsmiths’ Company in London. He even designed for Georg Jensen for a period during the Second World War apparently.
The bracelet is clearly beautifully made and feels substantial on the wrist. It is stamped inside with “DEMATTEO” “STERLING” “HAND MADE”. The marks are in keeping with the reference for the company. It is an adjustable bracelet but at its current sturdy, static point-the inner circumference measures approx 17.5 cm (approx 6.75 inches). The width of the bracelet is approx 3.1cm.
A tasteful and attractive design and beautifully made. I shall send in a new gift box to keep her safe. Tracked and signed postage is complimentary. Thank you.
