Description

A highly desirable antique silver soup tureen with twin handles and matching cover. The attractive oval form has gadroon borders; the body is raised on 4 cast silver feet in the form of lion’s masks with charmingly naïve expressions and the lid is surmounted by a large decorative finial in the form of a pomegranate. Hand engraved to the front and back is an armorial within a large cartouche. The lid has a lizard crest to both sides. Heavy gauge silver. Good colour.

Weight 4,199g, 135 troy oz.
Spread across handles 36.4cm, 14.3ins. Height 24cm, 9.4ins. Top measures 31cm x 20.3cm.
London 1811.
Maker John Houle.
Sterling silver.

Excellent large size for serving soup, casseroles and vegetables.

Marks. Stamped underneath the body and on the inside of the lid with a full set of English silver hallmarks. All matching.

Arms. The arms “Argent a chevron between 3 lizard’s heads Sable” are those of Langdon, originally of Keverell, Cornwall. There are variations on the surname – Langton, Longden, Landon – all have similar arms and the same crest of a lizard.

Literature. Antique Silver Tureens with side carrying handles were introduced during the reign of George II. The lid/cover helped to keep the contents warm. They are generally oval shaped, although they can be round or rectangular. Some have detachable liners and/or matching stands.

This beautiful tureen is in very good condition with a small amount of wear consistent with age. The lid fits firmly.

Maker: John Houle

John Houle, London silversmith and son of John Houle, London, chaser, apprenticed to William Rock within the Vintners Company in 1798, free 1807. First mark entered in 1811 as plateworker, Clerkenwell, London. Second mark 1813. Livery of the Vintners in 1818 as silversmith. 3rd mark in partnership with his two sons, Daniel John Houle and Charles Houle in 1844. In 1845 Daniel and Charles Houle entered their own mark in joint partnership, working until 1884, supplying high quality silver articles in a large variety of styles to selected retailers. Some of their finest work included exquisite items such as this standing cup, often boasting gold inlay and parcel-gilding.

Customer satisfaction is our primary concern

All silverware on our website is checked thoroughly prior to offering it for sale and every product listing contains a condition report and details of the silver hallmarks.

All items offered on our website include:

• Free Shipping Worldwide
• Tracked and Insured
• 14 day no quibble money back guarantee
• We are accredited members of LAPADA and conform to their strict professional standards
• We dispatch 1-3 days after receiving cleared payments

More detailed information about deliveries, returns and how to pay is available in the Help section at the bottom of this page.