Baradelle-type cylindrical etui of silver drawing instruments with inkwell
Date: 1726-1732
Inventory Number: 1997-1-1855
Classification: Etui
Dimensions:2.7 × 13 × 2.7 cm, 76 g (1 1/16 × 5 1/8 × 1 1/16 in., 0.17 lb.)
Accessories: leather etui
DescriptionThis type of cylindrical etui is known as "Baradelle," after its inventor. It was very popular in France between 1720 and 1780.
The drawing instruments are stored in a cylindrical black black shagreen case with silver framing, decorative studs, and seal. The lid at one end opens on a single hinge with a release button. The other end of the case is slightly larger than the rest in diameter and it screws off to serve as an inkwell. The inside of the case is contoured with silver dividers to hold the instruments in place.
There are four drawing instruments in the case: three ebony nib holders (one threaded) and one folding rule of silver marked "Demy Pied de Roy" (half royal foot). The rule has engraved decorations and is punched with the maker's mark and a French silver hallmark. There is one drawing instrument missing from the set, evidenced by the empty hole in the etui.
The underside of the inkwell is engraved with a three-letter monogram and serves as a wax seal. It appears to read: JTC
Signedstamped French silver maker's mark: PR[D] with a crescent and fleur-de-lys above the R, and a circle on each side. R is the principal letter, so the initials of the maker would be PDR.
Inscribedseal with monogram: JTC
FunctionThis set of drawing instruments is equipped with pen holders, likely for differently shaped and sized nibs, for writing and drawing. The folding rule facilitates drawing straight lines. the bottom of the leather etui screws off to serve as an ink well in which pen nibs would be dipped.
ProvenanceDavid P. Wheatland, Topsfield, MA.
Related WorksPatrick Rocca, "French Silver Drawing Instruments," Bulletin of the Scientific Instrument Society, 114 (Sept. 2012): 30-38, see figs. 3 and 26 for similar examples.