TENDER CO. LOST WAX CAST BRASS ELEPHANT'S BOOT KEYCHAIN

$160.00 Sale

Tender’s ‘caligulae’ elephant’s boots are lost wax cast in England in two asymmetrical pieces, from solid brass. They are fitted onto a brass-plated steel keyring.

The elephant illustration woven into Tender’s clothes labels is taken from a 19th Century American advertisement encouraging prospectors to hurry to Nevada where they would find unparalleled wealth. This gold rush coincided with, and possibly caused, the development of jeans. The elephant wears a smart set of boots, and these castings are modelled on them. The Plautus face logo is impressed into the sole of the right boot, and they are complete with hobnails and tassels.

To produce the boots, first Tender’s jeweler made a pair of master patterns with hand tools, using hard jeweller’s resin. These masters are then used to make a rubber mould, into which casting wax is poured. The waxes of each section are packed in plaster, and molten brass is run in, melting away the wax and hardening inside the plaster. The plaster is then broken away and the pieces are filed and cleaned up. The boots are polished in a vibrating tub of marble chips, but are not varnished or lacquered, so will patinate and develop even more character over time. The boots are available rusted, bringing out the copper verdigris from the yellow brass, turning it green.

4 easy payments of $40.00

Brand Bio

Tender has its roots in antique workwear and machinery, especially from the Great British Steam Age. On a steam train, the tender was the truck which carried the coal and water to power the locomotive, and was coupled in between the engine and the carriages. They were built incredibly solidly, mostly from riveted cast iron, and had to hold enough fuel to take a train weighing many tons all over Britain.

Polymath William Kroll is from the UK where he hones his various crafts and designs his British-made clothes and accessories. They are manufactured in small factories, ateliers, and homes around the country, exploring new approaches to traditional weaving, making, tanning, and dyeing.

His pieces are truly unique, possessing a rough, everlasting charm that only increases with age and use.
Ship/ Returns

Domestic Shipping Within Australia

Shipping costs are based on the size and/or weight of the item purchased. All orders over $300 AUD are shipped express for free Australia-wide.

All orders shipped within Australia are sent using Startrack Express or Australia Post Express. A signature will be required for delivery, which is usually the next business day after shipping.

All orders received before 2pm will be shipped the same day wherever possible. However, we cannot guarantee next day delivery due to courier collection and occasional delays. If your order will be significantly delayed we will always do our best to keep you informed of progress.

To maximise efficient delivery, please specify an address and/or preferred delivery time when someone will be around to receive the parcel. If no-one is home the parcel will be taken to your nearest post office for collection, which can incur a re-delivery fee on our part.

International Shipping - Rest of World

Shipping costs are based on the size and/or weight of the item purchased. All orders over $850 AUD are shipped free of charge.

All orders are sent using a door to door international courier service. A signature will be required for delivery. Each country has their own system for imports with individual duty and charges based on the origin and value of the item(s). The buyer is responsible for all customs charges and/or fees.

All orders received before 2pm will be shipped the same day wherever possible. However, delays can sometimes happen due to courier collection. If significant delay is expected prior to shipping your order, we will do our best to keep you informed.