1899 George Aloysius Lucas Plaque. White Plaster. 147.2 mm. Smedley-28, var. Nearly as made. Obv: Bearded man in suit coat facing right, GEORGE ALOYSIUS LUCAS above. Signed V. D. BRENNER PARIS 1899 at 5 oclock. Rev: blank except for some presentation messages: Hand-carved TO MR. O. WOOD / DEC 4th 1900 / V.D. BRENNER, also a later message, in ink, apparently noting the presentation by a member of the Wood family to another person - although the handwriting is quite hard to decipher. The front of the plaque is treated with some material that makes it porcelain-like and it imparts a very pleasing tactile sensation when touched - which is attested to by the slightly darkened appearance of the highest design elements, no doubt caressed by many over the years! The edge is somewhat roughly finished with a chisel or similar tool. A unique item, actually hand-signed by Brenner on the reverse. From the Richard Jewell Collection.
