Antique Silver Argyle


Date: 1828

Maker: Rebecca Emes & Edward Barnard I

Country: England

Stock: 6599

Description

An attractive antique sterling silver gravy jug with plain straight sided style and gadroon border. Engraved crest to the front. With pull off lid and a central heating chamber.

Weight 446 grams, 14.3 cms.
Height 13.25 cms. Spread 19.5 cms. Diameter 8.5 cms.
London 1828.
Maker Emes & Barnard.

Literature: An argyle is a gravy-warmer similar in shape to a covered coffee pot. The gravy is kept warm by various means. It is named after John Campbell (1723-1806), the fifth Duke of Argyll who hated the way that gravy arrived cold to the table from his kitchens at Inverary Castle during the cold Scottish winters. Argyles were produced up until the Victorian period in both silver and Sheffield plate. They are very rare and only a limited number now survive.

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 silver pot is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Stamped with a full set of English silver hallmarks. There is a small chip to the underside of the lid finial. 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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