Georgian Silver Egg Cruet


Date: 1816 - 1820

Maker: Rebecca Emes & Edward Barnard I

Country: England

Stock: 8564

Description

A very decorative antique sterling silver egg frame with 4 egg cups and a salt cellar, with hinged handle, at the top. Typical ornament of the period with broad gadroon borders, acanthus mounted supports and splay shell feet. The cups and salt all have the original gilt interiors. Supplied with a matched set of 4 antique sterling silver egg spoons.

Weight (excluding spoons) 736 grams, 23.6 troy ounces.

Total height 20 cms (to top of handle). Base of frame 13.5 x 13.5 cms.

Egg cruet frame and egg cups - London 1816/17/20, maker Emes & Barnard.

Spoons - London 1833, maker William Chawner.

Biography

Rebecca Emes & Edward Barnard I

This old established manufacturing silversmith business was originally established by Anthony Nelme c.1680 passing to Francis Nelme on his death in 1722. Thomas Whipham took over the business in 1739, passing it to his son Thomas Whipham jr in 1756 who took into partnership Charles Wright.

Henry Chawner took over the business in 1786; Chawner, who had been Edward Barnard I’s and Barnard’s son Edward's master, became foreman of the firm. Chawner retired in 1796 and John Emes became a partner, maintaining Edward Barnard II as manager. Emes died in 1808 and his widow Rebecca took as partner Edward Barnard II. Rebecca Emes withdrew in 1829 and Edward Barnard I became the proprietor with his son Edward Barnard II, John Barnard and William Barnard, trading as Edward Barnard & Sons.

After the retirement of Edward Barnard I the firm was continued by Edward Barnard II (1846-1851), John Barnard I (1846-1868), William Barnard (1846), Edward Barnard III (1868), Walter Barnard (1868-1903), John Barnard II (1868-1903), Michael Barnard (1896-1903), Stanley Barnard (1896-1903) and Robert Dubcock (1896). The firm became a limited liability company in 1910 trading as Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd. In 1977 Edward Barnard & Sons Limited became a subsidiary of Padgett & Braham Ltd.

Condition

This handsome egg set is in very good condition. Good original gilt interiors to egg cups and salt. All pieces have good, clear silver marks and are dated London 1816/17/20, maker Emes & Barnard. The egg spoons are dated 1833, maker William Chawner. 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.

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