George I Antique Silver Tazza

Description

An imposing early English silver footed salver with a broad gadroon border to both top and foot. Large size, incredibly heavy weight and very impressive. To the centre is a large hand engraved armorial for the Dowager Countess of Aylesford. A rare feature is the screw action detachable foot.

Weight 2,185g, 70.25 troy oz.
Height 10.3cm, 4ins. Diameter 37cm, 14.5ins.
London 1716.
Maker possibly David Tanqueray.
Britannia standard silver, 95.8 purity.

Marks. Stamped on top with a full set of English silver hallmarks, lion mark to the foot. The hallmarks are worn but readable. The maker’s mark is completely rubbed however we can make out the shape of the shield – the only London silver maker of this date with a similar shaped shield is David Tanqueray and for this reason we have provisionally assigned Tanqueray as the probable maker.

Arms. These are the arms of Elizabeth, Dowager Countess of Aylesford (c1658-1743). She was a daughter and coheiress of Sir John Banks, 1st Baronet FRS (1627 – 18 October 1699). Elizabeth married the English lawyer and statesman, Heneage Finch 1st Earl of Aylesford, PC, KC (c1649 – 22 July 1719) in 1678 at St. Giles-in-the-Fields Church, London. Heneage was the younger son of Heneage Finch, 1st Earl of Nottingham and Elizabeth Harvey. In 1703 he was elevated to the peerage as Baron Guernsey and appointed privy councillor. Elizabeth became Countess of Aylesford on 19 October 1714 on her husband’s further elevation. The couple had three sons and six daughters. Heneage died in 1719 and Elizabeth died twenty-four years later in 1743.

More information available on request.

Literature: From the 17th century until the reign of George I salvers (often called tazzas) were raised on a pedestal foot. By 1700 some were made with the foot unscrewing. Very occasionally this type will also have 3 or 4 feet so that the salver can be used on a lower level.

This impressive tray is in very good condition with minor wear commensurate with age. The engravings are sharp. There is a slight unevenness to the centre of the top indicating possible additions to the armorial which probably occurred after the death of Elizabeth’s husband.

No maker assigned

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