George III Antique Silver Sweetmeat Basket


Date: 1764

Maker: Samuel Herbert And Company

Country: England

Stock: 9628

Description

A classic style antique sterling silver basket with swing handle. Small size, possibly a Georgian epergne basket. Attractive cut work design incorporating scroll, ring, star and flowerhead motifs. Hand engraved monogram to the centre.

Weight 127 grams, 4 troy ounces.
Height 4.2/10.5 cm. Length 14 cm. Width 12 cm.
London 1764.
Maker Samuel Herbert & Co.
Sterling silver

Marks. Stamped with a full set of English silver hallmarks on the outside of the body, handle with lion mark only.

Literature. Sweetmeat Baskets are usually miniature versions of a cake basket of the same period. This useful item is still made today but with a change of use as a bonbon or sugar basket (sugar baskets are either unpierced or contain a glass liner).

Biography

Samuel Herbert And Company

Samuel Herbert, London silversmith, apprenticed 1736 to Edward Aldridge I, of the Clothworkers Company, and goldsmith of Gutter Lane. Free 1744. 1st mark as largeworker entered 1747. 2nd mark as Samuel Herbert & Co 1750 (initials SH.HB), in parnership with Henry Bailey who was apprenticed to and then journeyman to Edward Aldridge (the Constable’s Book for the precinct of St Leonard’s, which included the southern part of Foster Lane, includes Bayley and Herbert in the list of New Comers in 1750. In 1763 Herbert took Burrage Davenport as apprentice. Herbert’s workshop specialised in pierced platework particularly baskets and some epergnes.

Condition

The basket is in very good condition.

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