Description

A very rare matching pair of early antique silver boxes of circular form, with pull off tops, dating from the reign of Queen Anne. Britannia standard silver*. With the typical ribbed decoration of the period and gadroon borders. Uninscribed.

Total weight 845 grams, 27.1 troy ounces.
Height 10.5 cms. Diameter 12 cms (top), 13.75 cms (base).
London 1702.
Maker Richard Syng, London.

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

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. 27, ‘2 fluted round boxes – 27 oz. 2 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.