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Stock: 16638

A fine and large Grand Tour Bronze, traditionally thought to depict Narcissus, after a bronze discovered at Pompeii in 1862. The figure has been identified as both Bacchus and Narcissus, the former has been suggested as the position of the hand might have indicated that he once held a bunch of grapes.
The sculpture was almost certainly produced by the Fonderia Sommer, which was known to produce bronzes that replicated the antique finish seen on the original artefacts.

Italian, c.1870.

Notes: The Sommer Foundry was one of the main Neopolitan foundries that manufactured Grand Tour bronzes for the grand-tourists of the nineteenth-century. Giorgio Sommer was a German photographer and artisan and started the foundry in the 1870s.

View our collection of: Antique sculptures, carvings, bronzes, plaques and tablets

	Base diameter	Height
	10" 25.5 cms	25 5⁄8" 65 cms

Stock: 16667

A very fine William and Mary chest on stand, in a rare combination of burr ash and burr yew. The chest has a cross grained moulded cornice above two short and three long graduated drawers, the drawers in burr ash, crossbanded in yew. The pear drop handles are original, as are the pierced and engraved escutcheons, mounted over the original locks. The sides are grained pine, in line with furniture of this date.
The chest is mounted on its original stand fitted with three drawers, with an ogeed line to the frieze in burr elm. The cupped and turned legs and stretchers are a later replacement.

English, c.1690.

Awaiting restoration.

Notes: In the late 17th century, fine veneered furniture of this type had grown in popularity enormously. Whilst the wealthiest homes would often have had lacquered furniture, mercantile and landowning homes had chests with fine veneers. During both the reigns of William and Anne, war had impacted the economy and the mercantile class to such an extent that the market for fine furniture had dwindled enormously, so furniture of this quality is rare.

View our collection of: Antique furniture

	Width	Height	Depth
	39 3⁄8" 100 cms	61 3⁄8" 156 cms	22" 56 cms

Stock: 16209

A large and grand Renaissance Revival fire basket in cast iron. The ornate shaped back is centred by a mask cartouche which looms over the generous basket with log spikes mounted on the front bars, to prevent logs rolling out. This is supported by substantial andirons.
A statement piece for a large fireplace.

English, circa 1850.

View our collection of: Antique fire grates and log baskets.

	Width	Height	Depth
	37 13⁄16" 96 cms	34 1⁄4" 87 cms	21" 53.3 cms
Back width	34 1⁄8" 86.5 cms

Stock: 16626

A charming early 18th century Japanese Arita porcelain baluster vase and cover, the cover surmounted with a cockerel, such a charming addition to a beautiful vase. The body of the vase is sparsely decorated with flowers and trellis work in blue and red.

Japan, c.1700.

View our collection of: decorative antiques and furnishings

	Diameter	Height
	7 7⁄8" 20 cms	15 3⁄8" 39 cms

Stock: 16676

A late Victorian cast iron 'Nautilus' fire basket with brass finials and front mounts, designed by James Petter for the Nautilus Stove Co. circa 1881, makers plate to verso No.3561.
This lovely grate is cast with Aesthetic Movement motifs and mounted with wheels for ease of movement. The name was based on the internal shape of the Nautilus shell by means of which the fumes and smoke are circulated in a chamber before being drawn out through the flue, thus achieving greater efficiency than more traditional designs.

English, circa 1880.

FROM FIRE BASKETS TO HELICOPTERS, VIA MOUNT EVEREST.

The earliest incarnation of the Nautilus stove company, makers of kitchen ranges and fire grates, was founded by John Petter in 1865, when he bought an ironmonger's business in Yeovil, Somerset as a present for his son James Bazeley Petter, upon his marriage to Charlotte Branscombe. A few years later James expanded the business when he bought Yeovil Foundry and went into partnership with the manager Henry. F. Edger. Around 1881 James founded the Nautilus stove company and in 1882 he exhibited his Nautilus grate in the Smoke Abatement exhibition in Manchester. Queen Victoria had these fire grates installed in both Osborne house and Balmoral castle; after this demand grew substantially.

The Nautilus grate was first manufactured in a building known as the Rink in Hendford, so named as it was formerly a skating rink, later becoming known as the Nautilus grate works, before the company moved to a purpose-built factory in Reckleford.
The company also dabbled with steam and electric road vehicles. Percy Petter took the first car to London in 1896, it was basically a horse drawn carriage with an engine, known as the horseless carriage. The car division however was not a great success financially and after not winning a thousand guinea prize in a national competition in 1897, they closed the car division and concentrated on the production of their oil engines, such as the Petters 'Handy Man'; these were exported all over the world.
Lesser known is the use of some of their larger engines to light Yeovil before the advent of the National Grid.

In 1913 the company bought land to build a new foundry which became one of the largest in the country. After war broke out in 1914 the Petters offered their manufacturing resources to the government and in 1917 they supplied the admiralty with "Short 184" float planes; part of this went on to become the Westland aircraft branch of the business. Two biplanes built by Westland were the first to fly over the summit of mount Everest on the 3rd of April 1933. A modified Westland PV-3 Registration G-ACAZ and a PV-6 prototype Westland Wallace bomber, registration G-ACBR. The Petters continued to make oil engines until 1937 when they were taken over by Associated British Engines Ltd. The Westland part of the business went on to become one of the world's most successful helicopter manufacturers.

View our collection of: Antique fire grates and log baskets.

	Width	Height	Depth
	20 1⁄4" 51.5 cms	28" 71 cms	21 7⁄8" 55.5 cms

Stock: 16710

A large and dramatic Reformed Gothic fire basket in cast iron. The most eye catching feature is without doubt the fireback, cast with a dragon being engulfed by flames. This is mounted over a generous basket with a fret apron and supported by andirons terminating in a trefoil style finial.

English, late 19th century.

Provenance: Property from the estate of the late David Cornwell, best known as the author John le Carré.

Awaiting restoration.

View our collection of: Antique fire grates and log baskets.

	Width	Height	Depth
	39 3⁄8" 100 cms	33 11⁄16" 85.7 cms	20 1⁄8" 51 cms

Stock: 16706

A gilt-bronze Louis XVI style adjustable fender of excellent quality, the chenet in the form of twin-handled ribboned urns, the central bar centred by a ribbon-tied cartouche.

French, c.1900.

View our collection of: Antique Fenders, Firescreens and Nursery Guards

	Width	Height	Depth
max	53 1⁄2" 136 cms	14 5⁄8" 37 cms	5 1⁄8" 13 cms
min	36 5⁄8" 93 cms

Stock: 16719

A pair of fine patinated bronze volute kraters after the antique. The theme of both vases is one of offering to the gods, and this is cast in low relief and bordered by palmette motifs. The handles of the kraters terminate in swan's heads as they join the vase.

Italian, early 19th century.

View our collection of: decorative antiques and furnishings

	Width	Height	Depth
	11 1⁄2" 29.3 cms	21 1⁄8" 53.5 cms	9 1⁄8" 23 cms

Stock: 12781

A near pair of antique cast iron plant holders or jardinières in the Roman Revival manner, with raised cast detail of olive branch, laurel wreath and ribbons on one, and raised cast wreath and ivy leaf on the other, each rests on four acanthus style feet.
English Victorian mid 19th century.

View our collection of: decorative antiques and furnishings

	Width	Height	Depth
	29 1⁄2" 75 cms	13 3⁄8" 34 cms	14 3⁄16" 36 cms

Stock: 14728

A charming and imposing Louis XV style antique Rococo chimneypiece in Fleur de Pêche Marble with exceptional ormolu mounts by Francois Linke (1855-1946). The serpentine shelf rests above a panelled frieze centred with an applied ormolu shell cartouche, cushioned on trailing acanthus leaves, above a wide serpentine opening. The tapering, canted jambs, embellished with very fine applied ormolu female terms and with delicate ormolu foliate mounts at each foot, are supported on elegant footblocks. French, late 19th century.

Notes: Francois Linke was a leading Parisian ébéniste of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and this fireplace was almost certainly commissioned by a client around that time. His signature can be clearly seen on the shoulder of the female term to the left.

In the nineteenth-century, François Linke was considered one of the finest cabinet makers and designers in France, and one of the finest in the world. Born in the small village of Pankraz in Bohemia - now Jitrava in the Czech Republic - François Linke was the second son of eleven siblings. His father was a farmer and sent François to be apprenticed to a local cabinetmaker at just thirteen years of age, after which he settled in Paris in 1878; only five years after his apprenticeship had been completed.

The applied ormolu decorations designed by Léon Messagé were an essential part of Linke’s allure and brought him to the forefront of the Paris makers of meubles de haut luxe. At the famous Exposition Universelle in 1900, one of Linke’s finest items - a grand bureau - won a gold medal. The Art Journal reported in 1900 on Linke’s stand:
‘The work of M. Linke … was an example of what can be done by seeking inspiration amongst the classic examples of Louis XV and XVI without in any great sense copying these great works. M. Linke’s work was original in the true sense of the word, and as such commended itself to the intelligent seeker after the really artistic things of the Exhibition. Wonderful talent was employed in producing the magnificent pieces of furniture displayed...’

Linke’s work was so fine that he was invited to undertake an extraordinary commission to furnish the Ras al-Tin Palace in Alexandria with over 1,000 pieces of furniture and decoration for King Fuad of Egypt; the single largest furniture commission ever conceived, which eclipsed even Versailles. It is here that other examples of his exquisite marble and ormolu chimneypieces can be found.

The designs for these majestic Rococo chimneypieces were in fact inspired by the chimneypieces of Versailles. These were designed in the late 18th century by Jacques Verberckt with gilt bronze mounts by Jacques Caffiéri. The two master craftsmen embodied the Louis XV Rocaille style of the eighteenth-century. When Linke and Messagé were allowed access to these designs, they sought to reproduce both the style and quality for a nineteenth-century audience. As a result, the Louis XV style saw a great revival. The chimneypiece in our collection has figural ormolu mounts almost identical to those found in the sumptuous Council Cabinet of Versailles. Linke has subtly updated the design by choosing a soft, fleur de pecher marble to provide the perfect backdrop for the glowing ormolu.

This chimneypiece is a testament to both Linke and Messagé's exquisite craftsmanship and represents the finest of nineteenth-century design. If you would like any further information about this piece, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.

	Width	Height	Depth
External	84 5⁄8" 215 cms	47 5⁄8" 121 cms	20 1⁄8" 51 cms
Internal	60 5⁄8" 154 cms	38 3⁄8" 97.5 cms

Stock: 16683

A large quartered oak and bronze bound log bin, with drop handles and a makers' label for R A Lister & Co.

English, circa 1930.

R. A. Lister and company was founded by Robert Ashton Lister (1845-1927) in 1867 in Dursley, Gloucestershire. The company produced a wide range of agricultural machinery and in 1897 the Dursley Pedersen cycle. In 1909 the company introduced its first petrol engine into its range of products; these versatile engines became the mainstay of the company until it introduced a range of diesel engines in 1929. These were used to power electric generators, pumps and Listers' other newly introduced products such as its sheep shearing machines. Such was the demand for its products that in 1909 its Victoria works had to be extended.

Robert Aston Lister took a keen interest in the wellbeing of his workforce, for example he closed the whole works in 1910 and chartered a train to take his workers for a day out at the seaside at Weston-Super-Mare; this trip was to be repeated on several occasions in the following years. Over time the company diversified further to produced among other things Rail Auto trucks, dairy equipment and wooden products like butter churns, pales, log bins and the classic Teak park bench. Now Lister-Petter, the company concentrates on Diesel engines and generators, the sheep shearing business is now a separate company. Although the production of many of R.A.Listers models ceased many years ago many are still in daily use all over the world.

View our collection of: other antique accessories

	diameter	height
	18" 45.7 cms	17 7⁄8" 45.5 cms

Stock: 16624

A charming Victorian giltwood overmantel mirror, the arched frame mounted with an acanthine and shell surmount, this decoration is echoed on the bottom of the frame. English, c.1860.

View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

	Width	Height
	40 7⁄8" 104 cms	65 11⁄16" 167 cms

Stock: 16673

An extraordinarily fine and large George II pier mirror in the manner of Thomas Johnson (1723-1778). The giltwood frame is finely carved, embracing the asymmetry of the Rococo style, with c scrolls, rocaille, waterfalls and acanthine motifs, surmounted by a ho-ho bird. This exquisite frame encloses the original plate, which has been later re-silvered, but you will notice the undulations of the original plate.

English, c.1760.

Please note that the backboards were likely replaced when the mirror plate was re-silvered. Awaiting further research.

View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

	Width	Height	Depth
	28 11⁄16" 73 cms	67 1⁄8" 170.5 cms	4 11⁄16" 12 cms

Stock: 16657

A large Regency Period convex wall mirror, having a reeded ebony border and applied ball decoration, within an ornate gilt gesso surround modelled as scrolling acanthus leaves.

English, c.1820.

View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

	Width	Height	Depth
	29 7⁄8" 76 cms	49 13⁄16" 126.5 cms	3 1⁄4" 8.5 cms

Stock: 16579

A large, boldly carved Victorian corbel fireplace in a pencil statuary marble. The generous moulded shelf rests over a plain frieze, and is supported by bold panelled and acanthus corbels, over plain jambs.

English, c.1860.

View our collection of: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.

	Width	Height	Depth
External	74" 188 cms	47 5⁄8" 121 cms	12 3⁄16" 31 cms
Internal	38 3⁄16" 97 cms	38 1⁄4" 97.3 cms

Stock: 16711

A charming A George IV burr oak writing table, the hinged top with a blue tooled leather writing surface above a dummy drawer. The interior is fitted with the original blue satin top for letter storage, with pen holders to the sides. This is supported on turned, tapered legs. Perfect as a lamp table.

Provenance: The Estate of Jill and Michael Barrington.

View our collection of: Antique furniture

	Width	Height	Depth
	21 1⁄8" 53.5 cms	29 1⁄8" 74 cms	15" 38 cms

Stock: 16709

A French gilt and patinated bronze adjustable fender in the Rococo style, the scrolling foliate chenet mounted with bronze putti and the fender bar centred by an urn.

French, c.1900.

View our collection of: Antique Fenders, Firescreens and Nursery Guards

	Width	Height	Depth
max	57 1⁄8" 145 cms	22" 56 cms	6 1⁄4" 16 cms
min	50 3⁄8" 128 cms

Stock: 16704

A grand gilt-bronze Gothic Revival fender, with an adjustable central bar with pierced trefoil decoration. This is flanked by andirons of an architectural form, with fleur de lys detailing and urn finials.

French, late 19th century.

View our collection of: Antique Fenders, Firescreens and Nursery Guards

	Width	Height	Depth
max	52 3⁄8" 133 cms	23 3⁄16" 59 cms	7 1⁄2" 19 cms
min	40 3⁄16" 102 cms

Stock: 11534

A large burnished steel and iron register grate in the Georgian manner of Robert Adam. Supplied in the 1930's by the firm of Thomas Elkington and removed from the Savoy Hotel, Strand, London.
English 1930's.

View our collection of: Antique Fire grates and Register grates.

	Width	Height	Depth
External	42 1⁄8" 107 cms	39 3⁄16" 99.5 cms	11 3⁄16" 28.5 cms

Stock: 16698

A very fine 18th century alabaster copy of the Medici Vase, after the antique. Almost certainly made in Italy for a wealthy Grand Tourist and a faithful copy of one of the most renowned Roman artefacts from Italy.
The origins of the Medici Vase are uncertain, the first record of the vase being in an inventory of the Villa Medici in Rome in 1598. In 1780, it was moved to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
It is particularly significant as it is the only extant Roman krater to not have a Dionysian theme, although the subject remains unclear. It depicts a statue of Apollo Lyricine, who was later restored mistakenly as Diana, with a bare-breasted woman at the foot of the statue, while other figures gaze solemnly towards this scene.
The narrative scene is bordered by a decoration of vine shoots and leaves to the upper portion, whilst the lower portion has phytomorphic, acanthine decoration also carved in low relief. The original vase would have once been brightly decorated, and highlighted in gold.

This version is a good size, and of exceptional quality.

Italian, c.1770.

View our collection of: decorative antiques and furnishings

	Diameter	Height
	16 1⁄8" 41 cms	21 1⁄4" 54 cms

Stock: 8096

A pair of Victorian cast iron bench ends with scrolling foliate decoration on splayed scrolled feet. The top rail and armrests both terminate in griffin-like masks.
We can add a back and seat in teak and paint the ironwork if desired, please contact us for a quote.

English, mid-19th century.

View our collection of: Antique, old vintage fountains, sculptures, garden furniture and statuary

		height	Depth
		32 1⁄2" 82.5 cms	27 5⁄8" 70 cms

Stock: 16554

An ornate antique French wall mirror with cushioned marginal plates. The egg and dart and bead and husk frame is surmounted by a typically French ribboned rose and laurel garland.

French, mid-19th century.

View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

	Width	Height	Depth
	36 3⁄8" 92.5 cms	50" 127 cms	5 1⁄2" 14 cms

Stock: 16647

A wonderful Louis XIV fireplace in a beautifully worn limestone. This fireplace is a rare survival from the reign of the Sun King, and conforms to the drama of the Baroque, with a beautifully carved cushion moulding, centred by a cartouche.

French, c.1700.

Please note that the back has been left rough as it was originally set inside a wall, but we can cut this flat for a more modern installation if desired. It would look absolutely wonderful with a Delft tiled interior, or with a boldly cast fireback.

View our collection of: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.

	Width	Height	Depth
External	44 1⁄4" 112.4 cms	38 5⁄8" 98 cms	11 5⁄8" 29.5 cms
Internal	31 1⁄2" 80 cms	33 11⁄16" 85.5 cms

Stock: 16646

A dramatic French bolection fireplace in a boldly veined verde antico marble, with a cushion moulding around the opening.
Unlike English bolections, this fireplace has the useful addition of a shelf making it a practical choice when you are looking to decorate a mantelpiece.

French, late 19th century.

View our collection of: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.

	Width	Height	Depth
External	57 1⁄2" 146 cms	42 1⁄2" 107.9 cms	9 11⁄16" 24.6 cms
Internal	41 13⁄16" 106.2 cms	34 13⁄16" 88.5 cms

Stock: 16042

A fine French 18th century Louis XVI gilt gesso mirror, with a beaded slip and trailing leaves decorating the frame. There is a beautifully modelled laurel ribboned garland centred by a quiver of arrows and a trophies of war to the surmount. This detail perhaps alludes to the unrest in France at the end of the 18th century.

French, c.1780.
Original gilding but a later mirror plate.

Provenance: From the estate of the late Marguerite Littman.

View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

	Width	Height
	32 1⁄4" 82 cms	69 13⁄16" 177.2 cms

Stock: 6620

A bold and very grand Louis XV Rococo fireplace in a buttery yellow Siena marble. This fireplace is truly a statement piece, with a wonderfully ornate frieze, centred by a mask of Hercules wearing the Nemean lionskin. This cartouche is framed with foliate scrollwork which is echoed on the corners of the panelled frieze, and also on the canted, console jambs.

French, mid-20th century.

Notes: This fireplace was clearly influenced by the Salon de Hercules in The Palace of Versailles. After Antoine Vassé.

View our collection of: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.

	Width	Height	Depth
External	79 1⁄8" 201 cms	51 5⁄8" 131 cms	23 13⁄16" 60.5 cms
Internal	51 11⁄16" 131.3 cms	41 1⁄8" 104.5 cms

Stock: 16264

A fine early 18th century Queen Anne walnut cabinet on chest, in a beautifully figured walnut veneer. The top section comprises a cushion frieze, which opens to reveal a hidden chart drawer, over the cross-banded double door cabinet which opens to reveal a fully fitted interior of drawers and pigeonholes.
A waist moulding separates the two parts of the piece with an arrangement of two short over two long drawers in highly figured feather banded walnut, oak lined with brass handles.

English, c.1710 with later 18th century modifications.

View our collection of: Antique furniture

	Width	Height	Depth
	44 1⁄8" 112 cms	63 3⁄8" 161 cms	20 1⁄2" 52 cms

Stock: 6613

An exceptional Louis XV Rococo fireplace in dramatically figured breche violette marble of grand proportions. This is perhaps one of the most magnificent French Rococo chimneypieces we have had in our collection. The moulded serpentine shelf rests on the wide frieze, also of serpentine from, and is boldly carved with a central rocaille motif and panels. This carving is echoed in the endblocks, which are mounted above beautifully bold Rococo jambs.

French, 19th century.

View our collection of: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.

	Width	Height	Depth
External	79 11⁄16" 202.5 cms	51 3⁄16" 130 cms	15 11⁄16" 40 cms
Internal	59 1⁄8" 150 cms	42 1⁄4" 107.5 cms

Stock: 16699

A fine French Louis XVI gilt gesso overmantel mirror with an elegant tongue and dart moulding to the frame, which is beautifully burnished so to contrast with the matte gilding which borders it. This is surmounted by a spray of olive leaves and a corbel cartouche. The fine frame encloses a crisply bevelled mirror plate.

French, mid-19th century.

Provenance: The Grange, Wendover.

View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

	Width	Height	Depth
	46 1⁄8" 117 cms	68 7⁄8" 175 cms	4 11⁄16" 12 cms

Stock: 16402

A very large cast iron urn in the form of the Warwick Vase, after the antique popularised by 18th century collectors. This piece is on a grand scale and woluld make a fantastic statement on a plinth.
Attributed to the Handyside foundry, as illustrated in their catalogue.

English, c.1850

Notes: The Warwick Vase was excavated from Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli in 1771 by Gavin Hamilton, and dates to the second century AD. Hamilton sold the vase to his nephew, the 2nd Earl of Warwick, who built a specially commissioned conservatory in the grounds of Warwick Castle to house it.

View our collection of: decorative antiques and furnishings

	Width	Height	Depth
	33 1⁄2" 85 cms	20 1⁄8" 51 cms	23 3⁄16" 59 cms
Base	14 5⁄8" 37 cms	14 5⁄8" 37 cms

Stock: 16689

A fine and ornate giltwood Louis XVI overmantel mirror profusely decorated with floral swags and sprays of laurel and surmounted by an urnular crest filled with flowers.

French, mid-19th century.

View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

	Width	Height	Depth
	38 13⁄16" 98.5 cms	68 11⁄16" 174.5 cms	3 1⁄2" 9 cms

Stock: 16660

A fine gilt gesso 19th century mirror in the manner of William Kent. The rectangular mirrored plate in enclosed by a bead and reel moulded slip, and the frame is embossed with a scrolling foliate design and a diamond pattern, with stippling to the lower portion of the frame. The mirror is topped with a broken pediment, centred by a central cartouche.

English, c.1860.

View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

	Width	Height	Depth
	24 1⁄4" 61.7 cms	49 3⁄8" 125.5 cms	2 13⁄16" 7 cms

Stock: 16688

A 19th century hand painted Chinese Temple Jar later converted to a table lamp. This lidded jar has a floral decoration and is highlighted in gold. It is mounted on a later rosewood stand.

Chinese, 19th century.

We have a smaller lamp of the same design, see stock no. 16650.

View our collection of: Antique candelabras, candlesticks and lamps

	Diameter	Height
	10 3⁄16" 26 cms	22 13⁄16" 58 cms

Stock: 16282

A very fun set of French bayonet fire tools with Gras Bayonet handles, the shafts of which incorporate the original blades.

French, 19th century.

View our collection of: Antique Firetools.

	Width	Height	Depth
	5 1⁄8" 13 cms	27" 68.5 cms	1 5⁄8" 4 cms

Stock: 16652

A 19th century French giltwood overmantel mirror with a Rococo foliate surmount above a cushion moulded, ogee frame. This encloses the crisp bevelled glass. A very elegant mirror.

French, late 19th century.

View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

	Width	Height	Depth
	37 3⁄8" 95 cms	57 1⁄8" 145 cms	5 1⁄4" 13.5 cms