Queen Anne Silver Chocolate Pot


Date: 1704

Maker: John Gibbons

Country: England

Stock: 6796

Description

A rare early English antique silver chocolate pot with straight tapering sides and domed lid typical of the period. Britannia standard silver*. Side handle. Large size and good weight. The lid is detachable and is held in place by a pin and chain. The top finial is removable so that the chocolate can be stirred. A nice feature is the little hinged flap on the end of the spout.


Weight 612 grams, 19.6 troy ounces.


Height 25 cms. Diameter of base 11 cms.


Contains 900 ml.


London 1704.


Maker probably John Gibbons.

Literature: *Britannia Standard silver. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent. New hallmarks were ordered, "the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia" and the lion's head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard's head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today.

Biography

John Gibbons

Condition

This handsome antique silver chocolate pot is in excellent condition. The marks are still clear and able to be read - makers mark badly struck. Excellent colour. No marks on the finial or pin and chain – this is to be expected with a piece of this age. 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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