George III Silver Dish Cross


Date: 1766

Maker: Edward Aldridge & John Stamper

Country: England

Stock: 8320

Description

An ingenious table server and trivet. An antique sterling silver dish stand in the form of two crossed arms, centrally pivotted, with adjustable shell feet/dish supports and a central spirit warmer, the whole being flat folded for easy storage. The combined legs/dish holders telescope in and out to accommodate different sized plates. Weight 745 grams, 23.9 troy ounces. Adjustable diameter 17/35 cms. Length when closed 35.5 cms. Height 5/9 cms. London 1766. Maker Edward Aldridge.

Literature: Dish crosses are used on the dining table to keep food warm prior to being served and also to keep a hot dish or bowl off the table: It is an adjustable trivet; the legs and brackets are adjustable to fit various sizes of dish, and likewise the cross sections adjust to incorporate a square, oval or rectangular dish, as well as a more typical circular one. The central spirit burner takes a simple wick.

Biography

Edward Aldridge & John Stamper

Edward Aldridge I, no mention of apprenticeship or freedom. 1st mark as smallworker 1724. 2nd mark as largeworker, then described as Clothworker, 1739. 3rd mark in partnership with John Stamper 1753. Died circa 1766-67, possibly continued by his widow.

Condition

This useful serving stand is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. The central burner has a full set of English silver hallmarks underneath and the wick holder has the lion mark. Both burner and wick stand have a matching hand engraved crest. 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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