George III Silver Butter Shells


Date: 1810

Maker: William Burwash and Richard Sibley

Country: England

Stock: 9805

Description

An excellent quality pair of Georgian silver dishes with gilded centres. Charming little feet in the form of a whelk shell. Gilt interior. Suitable for butter or sweets. Engraved to the front with an elephant crest.

Very good weight of 376 grams, 12 troy ounces.
Tops measure 10.2 x 11 cm. Height 4cm/1.5cm.
London 1810.
Maker William Burwash & Richard Sibley.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Stamped on the reverse with a matching set of English silver hallmarks.

Literature: Antique Silver Dishes were originally made for very specific purposes such as the shell “butter” dishes and scalloped “strawberry dishes” which first appeared in the early 1700’s. During the later 18th and 19th centuries an extensive range of small open silver dishes evolved which make a practical addition to any dining table.

Biography

William Burwash and Richard Sibley

William Burwash & Richard Sibley registered their partnership mark on 7 October 1805.

William Burwash, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. 1st mark entered in partnership with Richard Sibley 1705. 2nd mark alone 1812. 3rd mark (sizes) 1812. 4th mark 1813. His son George was apprenticed to Richard Sibley 1806 and another son William to William Chawner 1816.

Richard Sibley I, apprenticed to Fendall Rushworth 1785, turned over to Daniel Smith the same day, and again to Robert Sharp 1791. Free 1793. Livery 1811. 1st mark entered as plateworker in partnership with Thomas Ellerton 1803. 2nd mark alone 1805. 3rd mark in partnership with William Burwash 1805. 4th mark alone 1812. His various apprentices include George Burwash, son of his partner William, and Sibley's own son in 1821. Died 1836. Arthur Grimwade asserts in his "London Goldsmiths" that Sibley's work "whether alone or in partnership is of a high standard of design and execution in a restrained key of Regency taste".

Condition

The dishes are in very good condition. Slight wear to the gilt on the highlights.

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