Description

An outstanding piece of early English silver. A rare antique silver tazza, dating from Charles II period, having a plain form, thick gadroon borders, and a bright gilt finish. To the centre is a large, hand engraved coat of arms within a plumage feathers cartouche, very typical of the period. The quality of the piece is excellent and the finish is very crisp.

Weight 1135 grams, 36.4 troy ounces.

Diameter 33cm. Height 6.2cm.

Sterling silver.

London 1667.

Maker “WN ”, probably William Norman* (courtesy of Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). There is a gilt salver on foot by Norman in the Duke of Portland’s collection catalogued in 1935.

Literature. *The first surviving record, after the fire at Goldsmiths Hall, is the 1682 copper plate made to start the recording process again. This has recently prompted a study by Dr David Mitchell, supported by Goldsmiths Hall, resulting in the publication of his 2017 “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”. This reference work identifies previously unknown makers marks and assigns marks struck on existing plate to individuals (attributions for 540 separate marks).

The silver dish is in very good, crisp condition. There is no wear to the engraving. Stamped on the underside with a full set of English silver hallmarks, the foot with lion mark. The gilt appears to be original, it is bright with a small amount of wear. There is one small fault, illustrated in the final photo, which probably occurred in the manufacture. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Maker: William Norman

William Norman, apprenticed to the plateworker William Whitmore 1652, turned over to Arthur Manwaring, free 1659. Died circa 1678. His mark “WN” over 4 mullets within a heart shaped shield is found on The Henley Cup 1663/4 and the gilt salver on foot in the Duke of Portland’s collection. Norman bound 3 apprentices, the last was Robert Slingsby.

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