Table Silver

Antique silver is one of the oldest and most rewarding collecting fields. What could be more enjoyable than to gradually build a selection of quality silverware to use at mealtimes and decorate the dining table?

There is a dazzling choice of antique silver bowls, dishes and baskets to choose from in many differing styles from baroque, rococo and classical through to Regency and Victorian. Dinner plates and serving trays were usually made for grand households and often come with finely engraved coats of arms. Smaller pieces such as silver sauce boats and condiments are an ideal starting point for the collector and items such as table salts, silver peppers and mustard pots are always popular.

Silver table cutlery is available in a wide variety of patterns and can be bought in complete sets or built up piece by piece. Before the 18th century the only items of table silver made in any quantity were spoons. Forks were rare prior to the 18th century and sets of table cutlery only started to become available from the late 18th century.

In many countries the art of table decoration is highly prized and nothing can be more beautiful than an antique centrepiece bowl filled with fresh flowers or a silver table epergne gracefully decked with sweets and candies. Smaller accessories, such as menu holders, napkin rings, cutlery rests and spoon trays, will add the finishing touches to a table display. Silver table birds make a marvellous talking point.

Table Silver

1625
Robert Profit
9989 Charles I Antique Silver Bowl
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An extremely early date. A rare antique silver porringer (or bleeding bowl) of plain circular form. The straight sided shape with a simple rim is the earliest type and in keeping with the early date. Small proportions and very charming with the original hand beaten finish. A useful serving bowl, handy for nuts and sweets. Prick marked on the edge of the rim with the initials “MC”. Weight 108 grams, 3.4 troy ounces. Diameter 10.3cm. Height 3.5 cm. Spread 14cm. London 1625. Maker “RP” possibly Robert Profit (David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”).
1641

10277 Charles I Antique Silver Wine Taster
£4,950

An early English silver taster of a rare boat shaped form with simple shaped side handles. The decoration is typical for the period, the body having a fluted design with punched dots and a flower head to the centre. Dishes from this period are occasionally referred to as sweetmeat dishes. Weight 88 grams, 2.8 troy ounces. Length 15.2cm. Width 9.6/12.5cm. Height 2.2/3.9cm. London 1641. No maker’s mark. Sterling silver. 17th century.
1643
Arent Verstege
10201 Antique Dutch Silver Jug
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An extremely rare antique silver jug dating from the 1600’s with a cast, shaped handle and superb decoration with embossed cherubs’ heads and bunches of fruit. Very heavy quality and feels good in the hand. Deep bright gilding throughout. Originally an altar cruet jug for wine and/or water. Weight 226 grams, 7.2 troy ounces. Height 15cm. Spread 10.3cm. Foot diameter 6.7cm. Haarlem 1643. Maker Arent Verstege. 17th century.
1656
William Harrison
10395 Commonwealth Period Antique Silver Wine Taster
£4,950

A rare and very beautiful 17th century silver dish with leaf side handles and hand decorated with bands of flowers, leaves and prick dot engraving. Although rather shallow, this is probably a wine taster as it has the domed centre for viewing the colour of the wine. This could also be called a sweetmeat dish. The centre is engraved with prick dots and initials “S over W*M”. Excellent patina. Weight 128g, 4.1 troy oz. Spread across handles 20.3cm, 8 ins. London 1656. Maker William Harrison. Sterling silver
1671

10361 17th Century Italian Antique Silver Ewer
£12,500

A large and imposing antique silver jug with an applied spout, harp shaped handle, on a spreading foot. Excellent plain style with traces of the original hand beaten finish. Very good weight and thick gauge silver. To the front is a hand engraved armorial with a coronet and motto “Micat Inter Omnia”, all within a band of tied plumage. This early jug shape was replaced in the 1680’s by the helmet shaped ewer. Contains 1050ml. Weight 812g, 26.1 troy oz. Height 22cm (to top of handle), 18.7cm (top rim). Spread 20.2cm. Top diameter 11.4cm. Italian marks for Rome, 1671.
1673
George Watkins
10182 Charles II Antique Silver Wine Taster
£2,750

A rare early English miniature wine taster from the reign of Charles II. Very charming size. This little cup has a circular form with simple wirework handles and embossed grape decoration. Weight 21 grams, less than 1 troy ounce. Height 2 cm approx. Diameter of top 6.1cm. Spread across handles 8.9cm. London 1673. Made by George Watkins. Sterling silver.
Circa 1685

9779 Antique Dutch Silver Brandy Bowl
£1,650

An antique Dutch silver bowl with lobed decoration and cast pierced handles showing three children climbing on a grape vine. Good large size. Weight 213 grams, 6.8 troy ounces. Height 6cm. Spread 24.21cm. Diameter 14.3cm. Dutch silver marks for Haarlem 1740.
1685 - 1691
Ralph Leake/John Cruttall
10347 William & Mary Antique Silver Plates
£23,500

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.
Circa 1690

10357 German Augsburg Antique Silver Dish
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An early antique German silver dish (or possibly wine taster) of plain oval form with a scalloped border. To the centre there is a charming bird scene surrounded by shell border and pin prick designs. The cast side handles have a bird’s head design on top. Original interior gilding. Weight 136 grams, 4.3 troy ounces. Height 2.75cm. Top of dish measures 17.25 x 13.5cm. Spread 21.5cm. Augsburg, Germany. Makers mark “IK”. Circa 1690.
1690

9997 William & Mary Antique Silver Nutmeg Grater
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A charming little late 17^th century silver nutmeg grater of teardrop form, one side fitted with a serrated rasp. Each side has a hinged lid with stand-away hinge. Both covers are hand engraved with simple foliate decoration. Weight 29 grams, 0.9 troy ounce. Height 2.5 cm. Top 3.7 x 2.9 cm. Total spread across the covers 8.3cm. Unmarked silver. English. Circa 1690.
Circa 1690
Heinrich Eichler
10107 Antique German Silver Wine Taster
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A pretty little 17th century silver dish of oval form with scalloped sides and shaped side handles. Gilt finish to the interior and outside top rim. The centre, with the flower decoration typical of the period and embossed star design, retains a silver finish. Weight 76 grams, 2.4 troy ounces. Top measures 11.1 x 9.9cm. Width across handles 13.2cm. Height 2.2cm, 3.1cm to top of handle. Augsburg, Germany. Maker Heinrich Eichler. Circa 1690.
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.
1696
St John Hoyte
9964 William III Antique Silver Caster
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A late 17th century antique sterling silver muffineer in the traditional lighthouse design with a bayonet fitting, so typical of these very early casters. Excellent size and heavy quality, it feels good in the hand. Lovely patina. The base is plain styled with a gadrooned base, the top is simply pierced, the holes are quite large as crushed loaf sugar was still in use at this early date. Uninscribed.Weight 304 grams, 9.7 troy ounces. Height 19.5cm. Diameter of base 6.3cm. London 1686. Makers mark for St John Hoyte. Sterling silver
1697
William Fawdery
10235 William III Antique Silver Cannon Handle Spoon
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A massive antique sterling silver hash spoon with the long tubular handle and a large deep bowl with a rattail extension to the underside. This elegant form is known as a Cannon handled spoon and can be used as a basting or stuffing spoon. Very useful size. To the reverse of the handle terminal there is an intricate hand engraved armorial. Weight 234 grams, 7.5 troy oz. Length 44.5cm. Bowl 10.4 x 7.5cm. London 1697. Maker probably William Fawdery. Britannia standard silver.
Circa 1698

9935 17th Century Silver Capstan Trencher Salt
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A rare antique Dutch silver salt cellar, late 17th century, of square base form with canted corners. The waisted stem is beautifully engraved and chased with scroll and scalework detail, with the engraved date ‘1698’ above and initials ‘I T’. The base and circular bowl have the embossed fluting typical of the circa 1700 period. Weight 111 grams,3.5 troy ounces. Height 6.3cm. Width of base 9cm. Probably Dutch. Makers mark “HS”. Circa 1698.
1699
Samuel Hood
10257 William III Antique Silver Tazza
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An excellent early English silver footed salver with a broad gadroon border to the top and foot. Britannia standard silver*. To the centre is a hand engraved armorial for the Scott family within a decorative cartouche. Weight 395 grams, 12.7 troy ounces. Height 7.3cm. Diameter 24cm. London 1699. Maker Samuel Hood. *Britannia standard silver. 17^th century.
Circa 1700
Jacob Warnberger
10358 Antique Augsburg Silver Dish
£1,950

An excellent early German silver plaque of oval form with a decorative embossed design. The centre depicts a forest scene with a gentleman riding a horse accompanied by a lady riding side saddle; a young page boy leads the way. The raised leafy border portrays a deer hunt and a pack of dogs are chasing 3 deer. Weight 142 grams, 4.5 troy ounces. Length 23.5cm. Width 20cm. Augsburg, Germany. Maker Jacob Warnberger. Circa 1700.
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.
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.
1717
Samuel Hitchcock
9902 George I Silver Kitchen Pepper
£650

An early antique silver kitchen pepper with simple plain styling, having a ring handle, pull off lid and centre horizontal band. Weight 61 grams, 1.9 troy ounces. Height 8cm. Diameter of base 5.5cm. London 1717. Maker Samuel Hitchcock. Britannia standard silver.
1718
William Fawdery
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 William Fawdery. Britannia standard silver 95.8% purity.
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.
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”
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.
1724 - 1728
Johann Christoph Treffler
9884 Early 18th Century German Silver Ecuelle and Cover
£6,750

A rare and highly desirable antique silver bowl with matching lid, the cast side handles with face masks and foliate scroll work. Handy size, suitable for serving vegetables. The cover, applied with portrait medallions and three scroll and dolphin feet, can be inverted for use as a bowl stand or a spoon tray. The rim of the bowl and cover are hand engraved with decorative strapwork designs. The centre top has a large monogram with intertwined initials in old fashioned script, repeated to the outside of the bowl (worn). Weight 391 grams, 12.5 troy oz. Height 6cm (bowl), 9.5cm (bowl and lid). Diameter 13.4cm. Spread 22cm. German silver marks for Augsburg. Maker Johann Christoph Treffler 1724-28.
Circa 1728
Abraham Marshoorn
8965 Antique Silver Spoon
£450

An excellent antique Dutch gilt silver spoon. Cast silver. The finial is modelled with a seated figure holding a baby and accompanied by a cherub, an allegorical representation of maternal love. The back of the bowl is inscribed with the owners initials. Weight 61 grams, just under 3 troy ounces. Length 18.3 cms. Bowl measures 7×5 cms. Amsterdam, Netherlands. 1728.
1734
Richard Pargeter
9675 George II Silver Salver
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A handsome antique sterling silver salver of plain design having a Chippendale border. Heavy gauge silver. Standing on 4 large scroll feet. To the centre is a hand engraved armorial within a decorative cartouche. Scratch weight 38=17. Weight 1150 grams, 36.9 troy ounces. Diameter 30 cm. Height 4.8 cm. London 1734. Maker Richard Pargeter. Sterling silver.
1734
Paul de Lamerie
10326 George II Antique Silver Dishes by Paul de Lamerie
£14,750

An important pair of antique silver second course dishes by the celebrated Huguenot maker Paul de Lamerie. The plates have a generous, dished bowl with a shaped, reed and shell border. There is a hand engraved crest to the edge of the rim. Total weight 1988 grams, 63.9 troy oz. Diameter 28.5cm. Height 3.8cm. London 1734. Maker Paul de Lamerie. Sterling silver. 18th century.
1735
John Chapman
9581 George II Silver Sauceboats
£4,500

A good pair of antique sterling silver sauce jugs of plain oval form on a spreading foot. Scalloped rims. Each jug has a hand engraved armorial to the front. Good colour. Weight of pair 702 grams, 22.5 troy ounces. Height 10.2 cm. Bowl measures 15 x 10 cm. Spread 19 cm. London 1735. Maker John Chapman.
1735
Paul de Lamerie
9774 George II Silver Salver by Paul de Lamerie
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A fine early English silver salver by the celebrated Huguenot maker Paul de Lamerie. Of square form, and raised on shaped feet, this exceptional salver is hand engraved with an expansive outer border of scrolls and cornucopias having to each corner a roundel containing the crest of a dog pierced with an arrow. To the centre, within a decorative cartouche, is a hand engraved coat of arms for the Knipe family with another in pretence. Weight 664 grams, 21.3 troy ounces. Width 22.5cm. Height 2.6cm. London 1735. Maker Paul de Lamerie. Sterling silver.
1738
Samuel Wood
10327 George II Silver Warwick Cruet
£3,350

A handsome antique silver cruet set with a matching set of 3 silver casters and 2 silver and faceted crystal oil and vinegar bottles. The cinquefoil frame has 4 shell feet and a shaped decorative cartouche to the front with a hand engraved armorial. Each caster and bottle bears the same matching crest. Total weight of silver 1288 grams, 41.4 troy ounces. Caster height 17.75cm and 14cm. Bottle height 17cm. London 1738. Maker Samuel Wood, known for his silver casters.