Omar Ramsden, an Arts & Crafts silver and enamel cigarette casket, London, 1926, of plain rectangular form with narrow mouldings along the base, the mouth and the edge of the cover, the hinged top decorated with a pierced panel of a man-of-war galleon in stormy seas against an enamelled background enclosed within a raised border with rope mouldings, engraved along the front edge of the cover "W.H.B TO E.F.S. 1927", and under the base "OMAR RAMSDEN ME FECIT" 6 x 10.5 x 10cm Exhibited 'Omar Ramsden, 1873-1939, Centenary Exhibition of Silver' at City Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham, 1973, Exhibit No. 58 Born in Sheffield in 1837 to silver engraver Benjamin Woolhouse Ramsden and his wife Norah, Omar Ramsden was expected to follow in his father's footsteps, though nobody could have predicted that he would become regarded as one of the most significant silversmiths of the 20th century. Celebrated for its intricate detailing, innovative design and exceptional quality, Omar Ramsden silver remains prized amongst collectors and enthusiasts alike. Ramsden's work is a celebration of nature, inspired by the Art Nouveau movement's organic forms and intricate decorative motifs. He wove elements of flowers, foliage and animals into his designs with such finesse that they seemed to come alive. His creations were more than mere objects - they were works of art, each one telling its own story through intricate patterns and delicate detailing. Ramsden's commitment to traditional craftsmanship was evident in every piece he created. He used age-old techniques such as hand-hammering and chasing to create intricate surface textures and patterns that added a sense of depth and dimension to his work. Throughout his career, Ramsden received numerous prestigious commissions, including a silver casket for Queen Mary in 1926 and a ceremonial mace for the University of Reading in 1927. His work is today held at prestigious institutions, including the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Fitzwilliam Museum.