Description

A good early antique silver chocolate pot of tapering cylindrical form, domed lid typical of the period, and an attractive scrolling wooden side handle. The top finial is hinged so that the chocolate can be stirred by inserting a swizzle stick and the cover detaches via a removable pin and chain for cleaning. The spout has a hinged flap. Hand engraved to the front is an armorial for the FITZGERALD family within a decorative cartouche.

Contains 950 ml.
Weight 608 grams, 19.5 troy oz.
Height 24.5cm. Spread 19.5cm.
London 1707.
John Barnard I.
Britannia standard silver*.
18th century.

Marks. Stamped underneath with a full set of English silver hallmarks; the lid with the maker’ and lion mark, the hinged final with 2 small unreadable punches.

Arms. The engraving shows the marital arms of John (Fitzgerald), 18th Earl of Kildare (1661-1707) and his wife, Lady Elizbeth Jones (c1665–1758), eldest daughter and coheiress of Richard (Jones) 3rd Viscount Ranelagh & 1st Earl of Ranelagh (1641–1712).

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. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720.