Rare Hallmarked Silver Cocktail Shaker designed by Keith Murray

Art Deco cocktail shaker, with stepped and lined decoration to the top and body of the shaker, by Keith Murray for Mappin and Webb. Hallmarked Sheffield 1932.

The cocktail shaker has a one pint capacity, with a cork filled lift-off cap and removable strainer inside in order to strain the cocktail upon serving.

Dimensions: 8.5cm/ 3⅜ inches (max. Diameter) x 21cm/ 8¼ inches (Height).

Who was Keith Murray?

Keith Murray was a New Zealand born architect and designer who is considered one of the most influential designers of the Art Deco style.

Born in Auckland, his family emigrated to England when he was 14. After school he attended the Architectural School of Architecture and completed his studies in 1921.

In this same year he started work in the offices of architects Maxwell Ayrton. The economic crash of 1929 and the depression of the early 1930s reduced the demand for architecture which forced him to seek other employment and he became a full-time product designer.

It was at this time that the Royal Silversmiths Mappin and Webb approached him to produce some designs. Mappin & Webb have been silversmiths to all of the United Kingdom’s sovereigns since 1897.