Description

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 crest for the Symons family within a decorative cartouche. Scratch weight 38=17.

Weight 1150 grams, 36.9 troy oz.
Diameter 30cm. Height 4.8cm.
London 1734.
Maker Richard Pargeter.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Fully stamped underneath with English silver hallmarks. The scratch weight is also engraved underneath. The silver salver is in very good condition with moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. The engravings still have definition with minor losses.

Crest. The crest is for the Symons family of Whitleford, co. Cambridge.

Literature. From the 17th century until the reign of George I salvers were raised on a pedestal foot. This form is often called a “tazza”. 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.

The traditional form of salver with plain flat surfaces and small feet at the edge, rarely found before the reign of George I, was made in various forms such as round, rectangular, oval and octagonal and are an ideal starting off point for collectors of early silver.

The term “waiter” is not commonly used but relates to small examples less than 6 or 7 inches; these have become very popular now to stand a bottle or wine glass.