| |
When
made in Brass, the wise monkeys are generally cast to shape. So far no
fabricated monkeys have been found. The designers have to consider the
production method and for most sets have opted to have their protégés cast
in moulds that are split between front and back sections. The tops of
the heads are on the parting line which has to be smoothed off and often
leads to the baldness mentioned earlier. There seems
to be freedom of choice of the order in which they are positioned. For
this page they are grouped into common order, described from left to right,
and then classified by height.
|
| |
|
|
| |
See - Speak - Hear No Evil
These are all modelled sitting closely together which makes
casting the metal much easier. It is understood that the patterns for
the models are often made of lead and that as these wear, so the detail
shown in the castings diminishes. These range in width from 33 to 95mm
(1¼" - 3¾"). |
 |
| |
|
|
| |
Speak - See - Hear
No Evil The largest of these has been given a
bronze patina. It is 3" (75mm) wide.
|
 |
| |
|
|
| |
Shown in
their catalogue of products in 1932, Pearson Page Jewsbury Co.
Ltd. listed the three monkeys in a variety of sizes from 1¼"
to 2⅞" (31-73mm) in width.
The smaller models were cast solid and the larger size was also available as
a cheaper hollow casting. The wholesale prices ranged from 7/-
(shillings) per dozen upwards.
(20/- = £1 in old money and at that time there were US$4 to the £). |
 |
| |
|
|
| |
Hear - See - Speak No Evil
These are all modelled with just elbows and knees touching.
The central ones are not just intelligent looking ornaments - they act as a
handle to a useful ruler/straightedge/paperweight. |
 |
| |
|
|
| |
These all look much the
same at about 55mm (2") high but there are differences. Obviously the
sharpness of the casting varies from one to another. The three on the
right are all hollow and weigh about 200g (7oz). The one top right is
hollow but thick walled and weighs 274g (9.7oz) and the bottom right one is
a solid heavyweight of 434g (15.3oz). Around 1933 they were in the
Pearson-Page-Jewsbury, Birmingham, catalogue as features on bookends. |
 |
| |
|
|
| |
Speak - Hear - See no Evil
This is a less common grouping so has been augmented by two
sets that are freestanding and can be placed in any order. On the left
at the back are a set of candlesticks with wise monkey bases. The set
on the right are on a stand that is 215mm (8½
") wide.
|
 |
| |
|
|
| |
This 5" (125mm) wide
tray was in the Peerage catalogues during the 1930s and again in the 1950s
as No 19497 priced at 16/- per dozen wholesale. |
 |
| |
|
|
| |
Four Wise Monkeys
The order of the first three monkeys varies but 'Do No
Evil' is always on the right. |
 |
| |
Next Page
More Brass Monkeys |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Back:
Three Wise Monkeys |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Back: Special Topics
Makers Marks
Home Page
|
|
