Description

A rare early antique silver bowl dating from the reign of Queen Anne. Britannia standard silver*. This fine bowl has a low spreading form on a small pedestal foot with gadroon borders and fluted body. Around the top there is a decorative border with embossed motifs and fish scale. To the front of the base there is a decorative cartouche (uninscribed).

Weight 645 grams, 20.7 troy ounces.
Height 10.5cm. Diameter 22.75cm.
London 1702.
Maker Richard Syng, London.

Marks. Fully stamped on the top edge with English silver hallmarks, makers mark underneath.

Provenance: Gregory de Ligne Gregory (1786-1854) of Harlaxton Manor, Lincolnshire, by bequest to
Sir Glynne Earle Welby-Gregory 3rd Bt. (1806-1875) and then by descent.

Inventory of articles (heirlooms, including library and works of art) at Harlaxton New Manor House, 1864-66, National Archives, Kew, Ms. J 90/1217, p. 74, ‘Plate’:
No. 26, ‘A fluted round Basin gadroon edges – 20 oz. 15 dwt.’

Part of a toilet service (see last photo).

Literature: *Britannia Standard. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent. New hallmarks were ordered, “the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia” and the lion’s head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard’s head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today.