George III Antique Silver Butter Shells by Robert Garrard


Date: Circa 1804

Maker: Robert Garrard

Country: England

Stock: 6215

Description

A delightful pair of antique silver scallop shell dishes with a crest of an emu engraved to the top of the hand grip. Lovely simple design. Pretty little whelk shell feet. Excellent condition and good gauge silver.

Weight 144 grams, 4.6 troy ounces.
Each measures 10 x 10.5cm.
London 1804.
Maker Robert Garrard.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Each is stamped with a full set set of clear English silver hallmarks.

Biography

Robert Garrard

George Wickes (1698–1761), London silversmith, founded the business that was to become Garrard. Wickes entered his mark in 1722, moving to Panton Street off Haymarket in central London in 1735 as a goldsmith and provider of jewellery and other luxury items to aristocratic patrons. Wickes, an accomplished silversmith known for his work in the rococo style, gained the patronage of Frederick, Prince of Wales. Two apprentices of Wickes, John Parker and Edward Wakelin, purchased the business on Wickes’ retirement in 1760, replaced by John Wakelin and William Taylor in 1776.

Following the death of William Taylor, Robert Garrard became a partner in 1792 and took sole control of the business in 1802. On his death in 1818, his three eldest sons, Robert Garrard II, James Garrard and Sebastian Garrard took control by trading as R., J. and S. Garrard. James retired in 1835 and the company became R & S Garrard. The company remained in the hands of the Garrard family until the death of Sebastian Henry Garrard, great-grandson of Robert Garrard senior, in 1946. The name Garrard & Company Ltd was registered in 1909, and the company moved to new premises in Albemarle Street in central London in 1911.

In 1843, Queen Victoria appointed Garrard to the position of Crown Jewellers, leading to the production of numerous pieces of silverware and jewellery for the Royal Family, as well as the upkeep of the Crown Jewels.

Condition

These antique silver shells are in very good condition. The engraving still has good definition.

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