George III Silver Beaker


Date: 1784

Maker: George Walker I

Country: England

Stock: 9849

Description

A very nice piece of English provincial silver. This rare antique silver beaker, of barrel form, has 2 concentric bands and vertical line engraving to represent the pieces of wood forming the barrel. Underneath are the engraved initials S.M.D.

Sterling silver.

Contains 175ml.

Weight 101 grams, 3.2 troy ounces.

Height 7.5cm. Diameter 6.5cm.

Chester 1784.

Maker George Walker I.

A similar beaker is illustrated in Maurice Ridgway’s authoritative work on Chester Silver, plate 21.

Marks. Stamped with a full set of Chester silver hallmarks on the top rim for 1784 and having the rare incuse monarchs head/duty mark.

Literature. Antique Silver Beakers date back to the early 1600s in Europe. They have remained popular up until the present day and are generally of a simple flared form. Sometimes double beakers are found which fit together in the shape of a barrel.

Biography

George Walker I

George Walker, Chester silversmith, apprenticed to Richard Richardson II, free 1767. Admitted to the Company 1770. Warden 1771, 1773-1790. Assay master 1791-1809. His son George Walker II was apprenticed to him, admitted to the Company 1794, free 1799. His other son John became assay master, following his father’s death in 1809. John’s mark “IW” superceded his father’s “GW” when he took over the family business.

Condition

In very good condition. Stamped with a full set of Chester hallmarks.

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