Description:

Joseph Asscher
Netherlands, ca. 1908
Commemorative Book on Cullinan Diamond, Centerpiece of Crown Jewels, Signed by Joseph Asscher, with Set of Glass Reproductions of Stones - 1 of Only 3 Known to Exist!
Signed book
A fascinating and rare set of items regarding the historic Cullinan Diamond, second largest in history and the origin of the most important diamonds in Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

Includes the signed book titled "The Cullinan", namely a photographic record of the cutting of the Cullinan Diamond, privately published by Joseph Asscher, whose firm was tasked with cutting the stone. Signed and inscribed by Asscher to Joseph Hirsche, then-director of the famed De Beers Consolidated Mines. [Amsterdam]: [Joseph Asscher & Cie], [1908]. Oblong folio (14" x 11"), 15 leaves of plates; VG; bound in publisher's maroon cloth, gilt lettering to front cover; all edges gilt; patterned endpapers; mild shelfwear and rubbing; two loose tissue-guards present. With: two bookplates belonging to Hirsch, each 5.75" x 7.75" and one signed "Weidemann."

Asscher inscribes on the verso of the first free endpaper: "To Mr. H. Hirsche with compliments from Joseph Asscher Cie 1.12.1908."

Sotheby's cites a copy they sold in 2009 as "No. 1 of 12", although we have not been able to verify this. OCLC lists two known copies, one in the collection of the Gemological Institute of America in New York City, and the second at Indiana University.

The book is also described as: "Published for presentation only...The photographs, often reproduced in other gemological books...This is the sole authentic photographic record of the cutting of the Cullinan. Rare." in Gemology by J. Sinkankas, entry no. 228. Sinkankas lists "The index leaf, considerably smaller than the others...", possibly referencing the GIA copy. Our copy has a full-sized sheet matching the plates.

Herman Hirsche was born in Hamburg and went to Kimberley, Northern Cape in South Africa in the early 1880s. From 1896-1899 he was a resident director of De Beers Consolidated Mines as an alternate to diamond magnate Sir Alfred Beit. He was also a director of the Jagersfontein Co., where he handled the Excelsior Diamond, and the Koffiefontein Estates.

Offered with: a collection of nine glass replicas of the diamonds cut from the Callinan, presented in a velvet-lined, linen-bound fitted case measuring 9.5" x 7" x 2.75". A space is made for a replica of the Callinan rough, but only one half is present. The box also contains a separate replica of the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Also included is a small paper box labeled on the lid "Model & puzzle of Cullinan Diamond," which may be the missing half of the replica housed in the case. Part of this replica is intact with a solid base, while half are sliced pieces. A vintage note within the box reads: "Largest diamond in the world found in The Premier Mine outside Pretoria S.A. / [pear shape] 515 1/2 carats in the [Sovereign's] Septer [sic] / [square shape] 308 [carats] in the Crown / Koanoor [sic] diamond from India (separate in box) given to Queen Victoria."

The Cullinan, a 3,106 carat, fist-sized diamond was discovered in the Premier diamond mines of Transvaal, South Africa, on January 26, 19, 1905 and named for Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner and proprietor of the mine. It was given as a gift by the Transvaal Colony to King Edward VII, who reigned over the territory. He entrusted it to the Joseph Asscher & Co. diamond firm in Amsterdam, where it was cut into nine spectacular gems, the largest of which is the pear-shaped Cullinan I (sometimes called the Great Star of Africa), weighing 530.4 carats and set into the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross. Cullinan II (Second Star of Africa) weighs 317.4 carats and is the centerpiece of the Imperial State Crown. The seven other stones were created into jewelry for Queen Mary, who passed them down to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 11" x 14" x 3"
  • Medium: Signed book

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