A SINGLE ROSE, Exceptionally Carved from a Single Piece of Ivory

A SINGLE ROSE, EXCEPTIONALLY CARVED IN IVORY, including stem with thorn & a single leaf

Carved in deep relief, size : 2-5/8" x 2" x 3/4"

Purchased circa 1927 by "China Marine" Francis McAlister and his wife Willie Bernice Wilkins McAlister.

Apparently carved as a cabinet piece, later mounted
on lacquered sterling silver brooch fitment with quality mark "835”
# wk 16106 ...........................................................SOLD

Provenance : circa 1927-1930 purchase in China by Ms. Willie Bernice Wilkins McAlister & her husband "China Marine*" Francis M. McAlister.
(*4th Marine regiment, Shanghai, 1927-41)
According to her heir, Willie married US Naval Academy graduate Francis McAlister about 1927.
They lived together in China where he served the Marine Corps patrolling the China coast. He fought in WWII, was wounded in the Korean War & retired as Major General