George II Silver Tea Kettle


Date: 1730

Maker: Thomas Farren

Country: England

Stock: 8674

Description

A handsome antique sterling silver samovar of plain design and having a shaped folding handle with raffia finish. Hand engraved to the front there is a large armorial within a decorative cartouche there is a matching crest on the reservoir lid. The matching stand has a cut-work frieze and stands on large shell feet, it has a removable burner well with push on top. Weight 2247 grams, 72.2 troy ounces. Total height 34 cms. Kettle height 24 (handle extended)/ 16 cms, spread 16 cms. Stand height 11 cms, diameter 14 cms. London 1730. Maker Thomas Farren.

Biography

Thomas Farren

Thomas Farren, apprenticed to John Denny 1695, free 1707. First mark as largeworker 1707. Second (sterling) mark 1720. Third mark 1739. Died circa 1743, the date of entry of Ann Farren’s mark. Subordinate goldsmith to the King 1723-42. Described by Arthur Grimwade “his work at best is of fine quality and shows some influence of Huguenot work.” His most important pieces are probably the fountain and cistern of 1728 at Burghley. His best known apprentice was Thomas Whipham.

Condition

This impressive antique silver kettle is in very good condition with no damage or silver restoration. The hand engraved armorial is still crisp, the lion crest on the burner lid has a bit of wear. With a full and matching set of English silver hallmarks under the kettle and burner; lion and makers mark inside the lid, lion mark under the burner lid. The raffia to the handle is restored in places but still looks good and is very usable. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Images