Description

A fine antique silver plate of plain design with traditional shaped gadroon borders. This large size is generally referred to as a second course dish. Excellent quality and weight. Hand engraved to the edge with a large coat of arms with crown and motto “Perdeum Etferrum Obtinui” for the 1st Earl of Hillsborough.

Weight 816 grams, 26.2 troy ounces.
Diameter 29.4cm.
London 1763.
Maker Sebastian & James Crespel.
Sterling silver.

A perfect match with #9983 Plate. By a different maker but obviously from the same expansive dinner service.

Marks. Stamped to the underside with a full set of clear English silver hallmarks. The plates is numbered 33 and will have come from a large solid silver dinner service. The scratchweight is incised below the plate number.

Arms. The armorial commemorates the marriage of Wills Hill, 1st Earl of Hillsborough (1718-1793) and his 1st wife Lady Margheretta Fitzgerald (1729-1766) on 1st March 1747. The Latin motto “Per Deum Et Ferrum Obtinui” translates as  “Through God and my sword I have obtained”.

Literature. Dinner plates were usually made in dozens and larger quantities and often came as part of a suite of dishes including soup plates, oval serving plates and mazerines. These dishes very often came from grand houses and have finely executed coats of arms.

In very good condition. The engraving is sharp and clear. The central surface show some light scratching commensurate with age and use.

Maker: Sebastian & James Crespel

Sebastian & James Crespel, London silversmiths, no record of their apprenticeship or freedom. Their mark is assumed to have been entered in the missing largeworkers’ register circa 1760. The Crespels are noted in Edward Wakelin’s workmen registers and it’s likely that they learnt their trade in Wakelin’s workshop; the entry for 1769 records them as supplying plates and dishes, which seem to constitute their greatest output. Their careers certainly seem to have been tied to Wakelin and from 1782 it’s likely that all pieces bearing their mark went through the latters' hands. From 1788 Wakelin’s ledger account is headed 'James Crespel', indicating Sebastian's probable death or retirement. The ledgers finish in October 1806 without any apparent successor to the business. James Crespel had at least four sons apprenticed in the trade.

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