Liberty Silver Sketch Book, Westminster City Archives, p. 275, no. 518 
Stephen A. Martin, Archibald Knox, London, 2001, p. 229 

Overall in very good condition. The surface presents with a very subtle and delicate martele finish, which further enhances the brightness of the silver. The silver surfaces present with a few minute surface scratches and very light evidence of tarnishing concentrated to the recessed areas of the design, consistent with age and gentle handling. The proper left upper enamel decorative element has been sensitively restored in a manner that is consistent with the rest of the enamelwork. The frame is lacking one pin at the lower center, immediately above the enamelwork, visible in the catalogue illustration. The glass face is likely later. The reverse with the original velvet, which presents with light fading, consistent with material of this age. A superb example displaying an exceptionally elegant form, extraordinary color and finely articulated decoration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This photograph frame and the example presented in the following lot, dating from 1904 and 1905, are the most successful and popular of a grouping of about eight designed by Knox that are illustrated in the Liberty Silver Sketchbook, some of which apparently were never manufactured.  That they were considered so in Knox’s time is evidenced by their inclusion in the Liberty & Co Yule-Tide Gifts catalogues printed and distributed by the company from 1903 onwards.  What makes these frames distinctive is not their construction, which is relatively simple, with a thin sheet of chased silver and applied enameling attached to a wooden, fabric covered stand, but how Knox abstracted the complex Celtic interlacing decoration and coloration that can be found in the great examples of early Christian manuscript illumination and adapted them to these objects.  The results are compelling silvered pages with the distinctive Knox silhouette, masterfully graphic Celtic line and lustrous enameled accents.

DR. STEPHEN A. MARTIN