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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Presentation

1631

10256 Charles I Antique Silver Cup
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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. 17^th century.
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.
Circa 1665
Daniel Rutty
10487 Charles II Antique Silver Platter
£8,950

A superb antique silver rosewater dish dating from the mid 1600’s. Deep relief and substantial size. The platter has a broad gadroon edge and a raised centre enclosed by a high relief band of embossed acanthus leaves. This decoration is typical of the time. The centre has a large hand engraved armorial within plumage feathers. Weight 1701g, 54.7 troy oz. Diameter 47cm, 18.5ins. London circa 1665. Maker Daniel Rutty. Sterling silver.
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.
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 17^th 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.
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”.
Circa 1680

10479 Pair of 17th Antique Silver Tankards
£9,750

An exceptional example of 17th century European silver. A pair of silver mounted tankards; the wooden bodies shaped from straight sided laburnum or lignum vitae and supported on a raised silver foot. Compact size. The silver mount ornament is typical of the 17th century; the lid and foot with strapwork decoration interspersed with face masks, the central bands with dot engraving and hatched leaf ornament. A nice feature is the figural scroll handle, the thumbpiece topped with a face mask and the date “1680” prick engraved to the reverse. The lid has an expansive armorial hand engraved for Ogilvy Lord Banff (later applied). Weight (including wood) 574g and 580g, approx. 18.5 troy oz. Height (to top of thumbpiece) 14.5cm, 5.7ins. Diameter of foot 9cm, 3.5ins. Maker’s mark only “PB”.
European. Of uncertain origin, possibly Dutch German or Swiss. Circa 1680. Sterling silver
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.
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.
1686

10444 James II Antique Silver Chocolate Pot
£22,500

This is one of the earliest surviving English chocolate pots and has the rare early baluster form derived from Chinese porcelain. The wooden C-scroll side handle is mounted with applied silver strapwork and topped by a baluster finial. The pull off lid, shaped like the top of a ginger jar, is attached to the handle by a chain and the urn finial can be removed to insert a swizzle stick in order to stir the chocolate. Hand engraved around the base is a historical interest inscription and below the handle there are contemporary initials “ED” surrounded by mullets. A particularly charming feature is the pierced grill inside the spout which has sixteen inverted hearts. Total weight 673g, 21.6 troy oz. Height 19.1cm, 7.5ins. London 1686. Maker TEB. Sterling silver.
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.
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.
Circa 1690

10348 William and Mary Antique Silver Pilgrim Flask
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A rare early English silver drinks flask of small size in the form of a medieval pilgrim flask. Plain form and heavy gauge silver with a screw-on top. To the front there is a large decorative cartouche hand engraved with an armorial for the Nutt family. Weight 132g, 4.2 troy oz. Height 12cm. Width 8cm. Maker “BR conjoined”. London circa 1690. Sterling silver.
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.
1693
William Gamble
10426 William and Mary Antique Silver Tazza
£9,750

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.
1696
John Laughton
10465 William III Antique Silver Candlesticks
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A superb collector’s item. A fine quality pair of early English desk candlesticks with square bases, gadroon decoration and the charming feature of applied lion masks to the columns. Excellent quality and heavy gauge of silver. Hand engraved to each of the sunken wells is a family coat of arms within plumage feathers. Total weight 838g, 26.9 troy oz. Height 17cm, 6.7ins. Base 10.7cm, 4.2ins.London 1696. Maker John Laughton. Sterling silver. 17th century.
1700
Ralph Leake
10467 Antique William III Silver Dinner Plates
£26,500

A stunning set of 12 antique silver plates of plain design having the early form with wide, flat borders and plain rims. Each has a hand engraved coat of arms for Stanley impaling Sloane. Lovely patina and excellent original condition. This is the earliest form of plate you can hope to find in a dozen set. Weight 5,311g, 170 troy oz. Diameter 24.2cm (outside rim), 16cm (inside rim). London 1700. Maker Ralph Leeke (or Leake). Britannia standard silver 95.8% pure.
1701
William Gamble
10472 William III Antique Silver Coffee Pot
£5,950

A handsome old English antique silver coffee or chocolate pot with the straight tapering sides and domed lid typical of the period. Initially, these tall form pots (as averse to the squatter teapot shape) were used for both coffee and chocolate. Side handle. Large size and good weight. To the front there is a large hand engraved armorial and crest. A nice feature is the little hinged flap on the end of the spout. Weight 777g, 24.9 troy oz. Height 26cm, 10.2ins. Diameter of top 7cm, of the base 11.5cm. Contains 1100 ml. London 1701. Maker William Gamble. Britannia standard 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.
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.
1706
David Willaume
10453 Queen Anne Antique Silver Candlesticks
Reserved

A beautiful pair of early English silver candlesticks. Lovely plain style in keeping with the period. Very solid and heavy cast metal with octagonal vase shaped stems over square sunken bases with canted corners. Hand engraved with a contemporary cypher below a Ducal coronet. Excellent colour. Weight 864g, 27.7 troy oz. Height 15.5cm. Base 10.6cm square. London 1706. Maker David Willaume, an important Huguenot maker. Britannia standard silver.
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.
1708
John Hodson
10471 Queen Anne Antique Silver Tazzas
£9,500

A fine pair of early English silver footed salvers of plain form. Hand engraved to the centre of each is a crest within a decorative cartouche. Total weight 1374g, 44.1 troy oz. Diameter 28.5cm. Height 8cm. London 1708. Maker John Hodson I. Britannia standard silver.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1712

10466 Queen Anne Antique Silver Tazza
£2,550

An early English silver footed salver with a simple reed border and pedestal foot. Excellent simple styling typical of the period. Good size and weight. Hand engraved to the centre is a large decorative cartouche containing a coat of arms for the Wimborne family with swan crest above and motto below. Weight 550g, 17.6 troy oz. Height 7.1cm, 2.8ins. Diameter 22.7cm, 8.9ins. London 1712. Maker possibly Alice Sheene. Sterling silver.
1715
Richard Bayley
10409 George I Antique Silver Chocolate Pot
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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.
1716

10483 George I Antique Silver Tazza
£8,750

An imposing early English silver footed salver with a broad gadroon border to both top and foot. Large size, incredibly heavy weight and very impressive. To the centre is a large hand engraved armorial for the Dowager Countess of Aylesford. A rare feature is the screw action detachable foot. Weight 2,185g, 70.25 troy oz. Height 10.3cm, 4ins. Diameter 37cm, 14.5ins. London 1716. Maker possibly David Tanqueray. Britannia standard silver, 95.8 purity.