Lot 001 - Antique Ivory and Whale's Tooth Page Turner with Sterling Silver Mounts, Applied Tuckerman Family Coat of Arms with "Paratus Et Fidelis" Motto, Inscribed to Prof. Edward Tuckerman, in W. Thornhill Presentation Case, London

Antique ivory page turner with a whale's tooth handle fitted with sterling silver mounts. The silver band encircling the handle is engraved "WITH THE AFFECTIONATE REGARDS OF J. T." on one side and "PROF. EDWARD TUCKERMAN" on the other, with hallmarks including a lion passant. An applied silver coat of arms on the handle bears the Tuckerman family motto "Paratus et Fidelis" ("Prepared and Faithful"), and the reverse side of the handle carries an applied silver interlocking monogram. The piece is housed in its original fitted leather presentation case with a blue velvet and satin interior, the lid gold-stamped with a crown and "W. Thornhill, 144 New Bond Street, London."

Professor Edward Tuckerman (1817–1886) was an American botanist and lichenologist who served as professor of botany at Amherst College in Massachusetts. W. Thornhill & Co. was a prominent London silversmith and retailer.

The page turner is in overall good condition with tarnish and surface scratching to the silver mounts, and hairline age cracks and some discoloration to the whale's tooth handle. The ivory blade shows natural grain patterning. The presentation case shows wear along the edges where sections of the decorative border have broken away and been lost, and the interior lining shows wear and staining.