Presentation
On special occasions it is traditional to present an item made from a precious metal such as silver; trophy cups and bowls are often given as prizes, large cigar boxes and inkstands are popular retirement gifts. Very often these items bear a unique inscription which can be of special interest and these have become a popular collecting field.
A presentation trowel was traditionally given to commemorate laying the foundation stone of a building and this should bear an inscription with the name of the dignitary laying the stone, the building and the date of commencement (or completion) of the project. Special examples can sometimes have an engraved representation of the building, on rare occasions a life size presentation shovel was given to commemorate “the turning of the first sod”. Occasionally an ordinary fish slice, which could be bought from any silver retailer, was used for the presentation rather than commissioning a specially made trowel.
Presentation
On special occasions it is traditional to present an item made from a precious metal such as silver; trophy cups and bowls are often given as prizes, large cigar boxes and inkstands are popular retirement gifts. Very often these items bear a unique inscription which can be of special interest and these have become a popular collecting field.
A presentation trowel was traditionally given to commemorate laying the foundation stone of a building and this should bear an inscription with the name of the dignitary laying the stone, the building and the date of commencement (or completion) of the project. Special examples can sometimes have an engraved representation of the building, on rare occasions a life size presentation shovel was given to commemorate “the turning of the first sod”. Occasionally an ordinary fish slice, which could be bought from any silver retailer, was used for the presentation rather than commissioning a specially made trowel.
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1631
10256 Charles I Antique Silver Cup
Sold
A superb early English silver wine cup of very plain form with a cast baluster stem and spreading foot. This large goblet has an excellent patina, good weight, and sits very well in the hand. To the front is a well-executed armorial for Dr Thomas Eden, hand engraved, the style is typical of the Charles I period with the shield within a laurel-wreath. This is an outstanding piece of antique silver in every way. Contains 430 ml. Weight 326 grams, 10.4 troy ounces. Height 19.8cm. Diameter 9.2cm (top), 9cm (foot). London 1631. Maker “HM”. Sterling silver. 17th century.
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1659
Anthony Ficketts
9875 Commonwealth Silver Tankard
£15,950>
A rare early English silver flat top lidded tankard with a cast, kidney shaped thumbpiece. The S-scroll handle has a shield terminal. Circa 1640 is the earliest date at which this tankard shape occurs and it’s unusual to find a tankard from this turbulent period and early date. Very charming, with hand beaten silver, the tankard displays a lot of character; a nice feature is the pointed front of the lid. Hand engraved to the front with a flat topped shield within ostrich plume feathers, a popular style of engraving from 1660-1690. Contains 1300 ml. Weight 763 grams, 24.5 troy ounces. Height 16.3cm (to top of thumb piece). Spread 15.7 cm. Diameter 11.4cm (inside top), 13.3 cm (base). London 1659. Maker Anthony Ficketts, attribution by David Mitchell “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”. Sterling silver.
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1666
Gowen Udall
10368 Charles II Antique Silver Porringer
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A magnificent piece of early English silver. A large 2 handled antique silver cup and cover with caryatid handles; the body decorated all round with deep relief flowers and foliage typical of this early date. The hand beaten finish is very appealing. The matching cover has a capstan shaped finial so that the lid can be turned upside down and used on its own as a saucer. The lid finial bears a large hand engraved armorial with a crest and motto; the crest is repeated to the front and reverse of the porringer body. The underside has a large presentation inscription dated 1666. Weight 603g, 19.3 troy oz. Spread across handles 20cm. Height 14.5cm (total), 11.2cm (top of handle), 10.5cm (top of body). Diameter 11.8cm. London 1666. Maker probably Gowen Udall – source David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”. Sterling silver.
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1678
Thomas Roman
10421 Charles II Antique Silver 2 Handled Cup
£8,750>
This beautiful chinoiserie silver cup must be almost unique. The body is raised from sheet and has simple strap handles and an incised, reeded neck. This is similar in form to the earliest type of mug which was only made during a short period at the last quarter of the 17th century. The cup (or porringer?) is made completely by hand, and has a gilt silver finish. The body is stunningly decorated with a hand chased chinoiserie scene depicting exotic birds and plants in a tropical forest. Weight 254grams, 8.1 troy oz. Height 11cm (top of handle), 10.5cm (top of neck). Spread across the handles 18.5cm. Diameter 10.3cm. London 1678. Maker Thomas Roman. Sterling silver.
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1680
John Ruslen
10242 Charles II Antique Silver Tankard
£7,750>
A good early English silver lidded tankard with the flat top design of the period and a scroll handle with decorative thumb piece. Large size. To the front is a crisp hand engraved armorial capped by the crest of a lion holding a serpent and with a motto below – for the Leche family. There is an owl crest engraved to the lid. An excellent example of early hand beaten silver with lots of character. Contains 1450 ml. Weight 852 grams, 27.3 troy ounces. Height 18 cm. Spread 21.3 cm. London 1680. Maker “IR” (see Jacksons page 130), probably John Ruslen (see David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”.
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1685 - 1691
Ralph Leake/John Cruttall
10347 William & Mary Antique Silver Plates
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A fantastically rare set of 12 early English antique silver plates of plain design with reeded borders. Each has a hand engraved coat of arms on the top border for the Hay family, Marquesses of Tweeddale (3 plates also have a marital coat of arms on the reverse edge – very worn). Lovely patina. This is the earliest form of plate you can hope to find in a dozen set. Weight 6,168g, 198 troy oz. Diameter 24.4cm (outside rim), 16.9cm (inside rim). London 1685-91. Makers John Cruttall and Ralph Leake.
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1686
Thomas Cooper
9938 James II Antique Silver Tankard
£7,950>
A fine and rare early English sterling silver tankard with a flat hinged cover. Excellent size and quality. Good patina. With a scroll handle, decorative thumb piece and shield shaped terminal. A fabulous collector’s piece and still able to be used. To the front is a crisp armorial hand engraved within plumage feathers, in keeping with the period. An excellent example of early hand beaten silver with lots of character. Contains 1400 ml. Weight 731 grams, 23.5 troy ounces. Height 15.3cm, 17.5cm (to top of thumbpiece). Diameter 12cm (top), 13.5cm (base). Spread 20.5cm. London 1686. Maker “TC, a fish above” probably Thomas Cooper, attributed by David Mitchell. Sterling silver.
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1686
Clemont Stoner
10425 James II Antique Silver Caster
£6,750>
It’s rare to find such an early example of this large size and weight. The late 17th century silver muffineer is in the traditional lighthouse design and has a bayonet fitting, typical of these very early casters. The base is plain styled with a broad gadroon band, the top is simply pierced, the holes are quite large as crushed loaf sugar was still in use at this early date. Hand engraved to the front is an armorial crest with initials below. Weight 381g, 12.2 troy oz. Height 20cm, 8ins. Diameter 9.6cm, 3.75ins. London 1686. Maker Clemont Stoner. Sterling silver.
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1689
Benjamin Pyne
10427 William and Mary Antique Silver Monteith Bowl
£8,950>
An attractive early English silver punch bowl from the late 1600’s having a castellated top with cherub heads; the circular foot with a bold gadrooned border. Good gauge silver. The body decoration, typical for a monteith of the late 17th century, has a series of asymmetrical lobed panels intersected by spiral flutes of matted background which closely resemble cornucopia. Weight 1100g, 35.3 troy oz. Diameter 28.8cm. London 1689. Maker Benjamin Pyne, a well known maker of the period. Sterling silver.
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Circa 1690
Katherine Mangy
10186 William and Mary Antique Hull Silver Tumbler Cup
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A rare item of English provincial silver from Hull in the North of England. An antique silver tumbler cup of simple plain design. Good gauge silver and excellent patina. The round and weighted base allows the cup to stay upright when knocked from side to side. This example, typical of Hull silver tumblers, has a flatter base than those made in London. To the front is a hand engraved armorial with a badger crest for the Brooke family. To the reverse are owner’s initials “AD to IS”. Contains 170 ml. Weight 116 grams, 3.7 troy ounces. Height 5.4cm. Diameter 7.3cm. Hull circa 1690. Maker Kath Mangy (Jacksons page 473). Sterling silver.
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1692
Benjamin Pyne
10365 William and Mary Antique Silver Tazza
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A fine quality antique silver footed salver with a gadroon edge and cut card applied work to the underside. A rare feature is the screw action detachable foot. Heavy gauge silver. Hand engraved to the top is a marital coat of arms for Raymond and Jemmett. Weight 575g, 18.4 troy oz. Diameter 19cm. Height 7.5cm. London 1692. Maker Benjamin Pyne. Sterling silver.
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1693
William Gamble
10426 William and Mary Antique Silver Tazza
£11,750>
A majestic early English silver footed salver with a broad gadroon border to the top and foot. Large size and very impressive. To the centre is a large contemporary, hand engraved armorial within plumage feathers. Good patina and charming traces of the original hand-beaten finish. Weight 821g, 26.4 troy oz. Height 8.2cm, 3.5ins. Diameter 33.6cm, 13.25ins.
London 1693. Maker William Gamble. Sterling silver. -
1701
Seth Lofthouse
10234 William III Antique Silver Tankard
£6,500>
A good early English silver flat lidded tankard. Britannia standard silver*. Lovely plain design and hand beaten silver. The tankard has a simple straight sided form and S scroll handle finishing in a decorative thumb piece with shell decoration. Hand engraved to the front there is a large decorative cartouche containing an armorial. Good patina. An interesting feature is the royal stamp for ‘William Rex’ on the reverse side of the body. Contains 1075 ml. Weight 759 grams, 24.3 troy ounces. Height 18 cms (to top of thumb piece). Spread 19cms. Diameter 10.8 cms (top). London 1701. Maker Seth Lofthouse.
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1705
William Denny
9945 Queen Anne Antique Silver Tankard
£7,500>
An extremely large and imposing silver lidded tankard of tapering cylindrical form with a coopered band to the body. Britannia standard silver*. The embossed vertical fluting and bands of hand chased matted decoration are typical of the period. To the front is a hand engraved armorial within a large decorative cartouche. An unusual feature is the double thumb piece which attaches to both the handle and the lid. The handle has engraved owner’s initials. Good patina. Contains 1750 ml. Weight 1325 grams, 42.6 troy ounces. Height 21.2cm (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 12.8cm (top). Spread 23cm. London 1705. Maker William Denny.
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1707
Benjamin Pyne
10294 Queen Anne Antique Silver Milk Jug
£4,750>
A rare little antique covered milk jug having a hinged lid and spout with hinged cover. Britannia standard silver*. This is one of the earliest forms of milk jug and the style is very much like a contemporary coffee pot. Simple plain design and very pretty wooden handle. Hand engraved below the spout with a lion crest and duke’s coronet, and between the handle sockets with an earl’s coronet above a cypher. Contains 400 ml.
Weight 448 grams, 14.4 troy oz. Height 17.2cm. Spread 14cm. London 1707. Benjamin Pyne -
1707
John Barnard
10295 Queen Anne Antique Silver Chocolate Pot
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A good early antique silver chocolate pot of tapering cylindrical form, domed lid typical of the period, and an attractive scrolling wooden side handle. The top finial is hinged so that the chocolate can be stirred by inserting a swizzle stick and the cover detaches via a removable pin and chain for cleaning. The spout has a hinged flap. Hand engraved to the front is an armorial for the FITZGERALD family within a decorative cartouche. Contains 950 ml. Weight 608 grams, 19.5 troy oz. Height 24.5cm. Spread 19.5cm. London 1707. John Barnard I. Britannia standard silver*. 18th century.
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1708
Richard Bayley
10314 Queen Anne Antique Silver Mug
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A large antique silver mug with a plain, straight sided, tapering form having concentric reeded bands and a simple scroll handle. Very heavy gauge silver. To the front is an impressive hand engraved armorial with the crest of a deer enclosed within an expansive cartouche. Contains 1100ml. Weight 590 grams, 18.9 troy oz. Height 14.6cm. Spread 18.2cm. Diameter 10.7cm (top), 12.6cm (base). London 1708. Maker Richard Bayley. Britannia standard silver. 18th century.
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1708 - 1709
William Charnelhouse
10379 Queen Anne Antique Silver Monteith
£12,750>
A spectacular sized antique silver bowl with the original castellated collar mounted with shaped strapwork and fleur de lys motifs. Very handsome design and excellent proportions. The bowl design is typical for a monteith of the period 1700-1720 with its plain form on a built-up foot and the large hand engraved coat of arms. Weight 2597g, 83 troy oz. Height 26.5cm (with Monteith collar), 20cm (bowl). Diameter 35cm (collar), 32cm (bowl). London 1708/09. Maker William Charnelhouse. Britannia standard silver – 95.8% pure. 18th century.
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1709
Nathaniel Lock
10208 Queen Anne Antique Silver Dish
£5,500>
An early English antique silver bowl with scalloped edge and unusually deep bowl with 16 segments. This form is usually called a strawberry dish or salad dish. Hand engraved to the centre is a family armorial, incorporating a swan, within a decorative cartouche. Britannia standard silver. Superb colour. Weight 519 grams, 16.6 troy ounces. Height 5cm. Diameter 23.3cm. London 1709. Maker Nathaniel Lock.
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1710
Edward Cornock
10423 Queen Anne Antique Silver Tobacco Box
£2,750>
A charming early English silver box of plain oval form. The pull-off cover with a large, crisp armorial within a decorative cartouche for Harrington quartering Moodie (Mudie). This style was popular from the mid-17th century up until the reign of George I. Weight 122g, 3.9 troy oz. Length 9.2cm. Width 7.4cm. Height 2cm. London circa 1710. Maker Edward Cornock.
Britannia standard silver, high purity 95.8%. -
1711
Simon Pantin
10350 Queen Anne Antique Silver Cup and Cover
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A magnificent antique silver cup and cover of campana form with twin side handles. Lovely plain style, very good weight and large size. Excellent quality with the cut card banding typical of this sought after Huguenot maker. Engraved to the front is a large marital coat of arms for Bagot and Wagstaffe contained within a contemporary cartouche; the lid has a goat crest. Total weight 2976g, 95.6 troy oz. Height 32.5cm (to top of lid), 22.2cm (to top of cup rim). Spread across handles 33cm. Diameter of top 19.5cm. London 1711. Maker Simon Pantin. Britannia standard silver.
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1715
Richard Bayley
10409 George I Antique Silver Chocolate Pot
£10,750>
A full size early English silver chocolate pot with a domed lid and fruit wood side handle. The top finial is detachable so that the chocolate can be stirred by inserting a swizzle stick. The pot can also be used for serving coffee. Lovely elegant plain style, simple reed borders, and with the desirable octagonal shape. Hand engraved to the front is a beautiful armorial within a cartouche flanked by cherubs and topped with a bowl of fruit. Contains 1000ml. Weight 846 grams, 27.2 troy ounces. Height 25.2cm. Diameter of base 12.3cm. Spread 21.5cm. London 1715. Maker Richard Bayley. Britannia standard silver, high grade 95,8% purity.
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1718
John Fawdery I
10345 George I Antique Silver Caster
£1,950>
An antique silver sugar caster (muffineer) from the early 1700 period in the desirable octagonal shape. The pull off top has panels of pierced decoration. Hand engraved to the front is a decorative cartouche containing a family armorial. Weight 361 grams, 11.6 troy oz. Height 21 cm. London 1718. Maker John Fawdery I. Britannia standard silver 95.8% purity.
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1720
John Chartier
9746 Antique George I Silver Serving Dish
£9,750>
A large and important piece of early English Britannia standard* silver. A Georgian silver meat plate, or serving platter, of shaped oval form with a broad applied gadroon border and decorative motifs. Made by John Chartier, an important Huguenot silversmith; his French influence is seen in the fleur de lys motifs around the border. Superb colour. Hand engraved to two sides with an armorial for Manners impaling Tollemache. Hand hammered finish on the back of the applied borders. Weight 2753 grams, 88.4 troy ounces. Length 52.5 cms. Width 37.5 cms. London 1720. Maker John Chartier.
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Circa 1720 - 1740
9883 Early German Antique Silver Tazza
£2,750>
An antique silver footed salver of plain circular form with a simple moulded border and a waisted pedestal foot. Excellent heavy quality. Hand engraved to the centre with a coat of arms flanked by a pair of dogs, surmounted by the coronet of a Count. The foot, with the original detachable screw, is now permanently attached to the top for stability. Weight 642 grams, 20.6cm. Diameter 23cm. Height 5.3cm. Stamped underneath to the centre with German silver marks for Hanover Altstadt, 1720-40. Maker’s mark “P.P”
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1721
Abraham Buteux
10434 George I Antique Silver Teapot
Reserved
An exquisite little early English silver teapot of pear shape, with octagonal curved spout and wood scroll handle. Good gauge silver. Hand engraved to the front within a decorative cartouche is a large contemporary armorial for the Shuckburgh baronetcy. Early teapots were of small capacity because of the rarity of tea. Early teapots were of small capacity because of the rarity of tea. Contains 450 ml. Weight (including handle) 383 grams, 12.3 troy oz. Height 14.5cm, 5.7ins. Spread 18cm, 7ins. London 1721. Maker Abraham Buteux. Sterling silver.
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1724
David Tanqueray
9622 Pair of George I Antique Silver Chargers
£55,000>
An outstanding lot. A rare pair of George I silver sideboard dishes of plain circular form with wide borders. Large size and good heavy weight. *Britannia standard silver. Excellent patina. The centres are finely engraved with armorials within a baroque cartouche of strapwork and foliage, a shell above, a bearded mask below. The arms are those of Lane. Diameter 51cm, 20ins. Total weight approx. 6,950 grams, 224 troy ounces. London 1724. Maker David Tanqueray. A highly esteemed Huguenot maker.
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1733
Robert Lucas
9753 George II Silver Coffee Pot
£1,950>
A good plain style antique silver coffee pot with straight tapering sides and a shallow domed lid. To the front is a contemporary hand engraved armorial within a decorative cartouche. Good gauge silver and excellent colour. Contains 640 ml. Weight 699 grams, 22.4 troy ounces. Height 20cm. Spread 19cm. London 1733. Maker Robert Lucas. Sterling silver.
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1742
William Gould
10152 Set of George II Antique Silver Candlesticks
£5,650>
This plain design, typical of the period, is enhanced by the unusual feature of the naturalistic shell corners. A handsome set of four antique silver candlesticks with baluster stems and shaped square bases. Heavy gauge cast silver. Each foot has a hand engraved armorial. Total weight 1,940 grams, 62.3 troy ounces. Height 19.5cm. Diameter of base 11cm. London 1742. Maker William Gould, specialist candlestick maker and great exponent of rococo silver. Sterling silver.
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1745
Gabriel Sleath
10188 George II Antique Silver Cup and Cover
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An excellent antique silver cup with matching cover having a traditional campana shape and acanthus leaf side handles. The lid and body have broad bands of embossed shell scrolls with vine leaf and grape ornament. Excellent plain style and very good weight. To the front is a large and finely engraved armorial within a foliate scroll cartouche, the lid with a dog crest. Total weight 1229 grams, 39.5 troy ounces. Cup 855 grams, 27.4 troy ounces. Lid 374 grams,12 troy ounces. Height 26cm (to top of lid finial), 13cm (to top of cup rim). Spread across handles 23.2cm. Diameter of top 13cm. London 1745. Maker Gabriel Sleath. 18th century.
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1746
John Swift
10388 George II Pair of Antique Silver Tea Caddies
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An exceptional pair of rectangular silver tea cannisters with stepped hinged lids and canted corners. The plain form, almost cubic, is very attractive. To the front of each is an expansive hand engraved armorial for Martin within a decorative cartouche, the covers have a crest. Total weight 805g, 25.8 troy oz. Height 9.6cm. Width 9.2cm. Depth 8.4cm. London 1746. Maker John Swift. Sterling silver.