waxantiques

Provincial

Since medieval times British silver has been supervised under the jurisdiction of the Goldsmith’s Company in London according to royal covenants and statutes. Outside London, various towns from time to time have been named as Assay Towns – Chester, Norwich, Newcastle, Exeter, York and Bristol. Beyond that, there is a history of provincial silversmiths and minor centres such as Barnstaple, Hull, Kings Lynn, Leeds, Plymouth, Taunton, Truro and others. Although certain information has become available over the years, this fascinating field is still very under researched and remains somewhat of a mystery.

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Provincial

Since medieval times British silver has been supervised under the jurisdiction of the Goldsmith’s Company in London according to royal covenants and statutes. Outside London, various towns from time to time have been named as Assay Towns – Chester, Norwich, Newcastle, Exeter, York and Bristol. Beyond that, there is a history of provincial silversmiths and minor centres such as Barnstaple, Hull, Kings Lynn, Leeds, Plymouth, Taunton, Truro and others. Although certain information has become available over the years, this fascinating field is still very under researched and remains somewhat of a mystery.

  • Circa 1574

    Lawrence Stratford

    10321 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Chalice

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    Originating from the English provincial town of Dorchester in Dorset, this fine early English chalice dates to the reign of Elizabeth I. It has the standard design for Elizabethan communion cups with straight tapering sides and a slightly flared top; with wire ornament applied to the stem and hammered egg and dart frieze to the foot. The beautifully hatched decorative bands below the top edge of the cup are typical for the period, they are well executed and with good definition. Most likely this cup has been made from pre-reformation silver and it has the lovely hand beaten finish you’d expect at this date. The removable cover (paten) bears the date of 1574. Superb antique colour.
    Contains 250 ml. Chalice weight 231 grams, 7.4 troy oz. Height 20.2cm, diameter of top 9.9cm. Cover weight 55 grams, 1.7 troy oz. Height 2.4cm, diameter 9cm. London c.1574.
    Maker’s mark only for Lawrence Stratford. Sterling silver. 16th century.

  • 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.

  • 1709

    Richard Freeman

    10330 Queen Anne Antique Silver Tazza

    £1,650

    English provincial silver. A lovely little silver footed salver with a simple reed border and pedestal foot. Beautiful plain style typical of the period. Good weight. Hand engraved to the centre is a large decorative cartouche containing a boar crest. Weight 143 gm, 4.5 troy oz. Height 5cm. Diameter 15.3cm. Exeter 1709. Maker Richard Freeman. Sterling silver.

  • Circa 1780

    Nathaniel Gillert

    10285 George III Antique Silver Apple Corer

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  • 1784

    George Walker I

    9849 George III Silver Beaker

    £1,450

    A very nice piece of English provincial silver. This rare antique silver beaker, of barrel form, has 2 concentric bands and vertical line engraving to represent the pieces of wood forming the barrel. Underneath are the engraved initials S.M.D. Contains 175ml. Weight 101g, 3.2 troy oz. Height 7.5cm. Diameter 6.5cm. Chester 1784. Maker George Walker I. Sterling silver.

  • 1819

    James Barber & William Whitwell

    9514 Antique York Silver Wine Funnel

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    A rare provincial silver wine strainer with embossed scrolls and flowers and shell thumb piece. Sterlijng silver. Good weight and colour. Weight 101 grams, 3.2 troy ounces. Length 13.7 cm. Diameter 9.1 cms. York circa 1819 (date mark rubbed). Maker Barber & Whitwell.

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