Description

A good early English silver caddy of plain rectangular design with canted corners. With sliding base and lift off cap which doubles as a tea measure. Britannia standard silver. Excellent patina and clear marks. Weight 195 grams, 6.2 troy ounces. Height 13.5 cms. Base 7 x 4 cms. London 1711. Maker John Farnell.

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, “the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia” and the lion’s head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard’s head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today and is always prized.

This lovely antique silver tea box is in excellent condition with no damage or restoration. Good patina. All original and in good working order. The silver marks on the body are very clear and easy to read. The sliding base is marked with the lion and makers mark, the cap is unmarked which is normal for a Queen Anne piece of silver. 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: John Farnell

John Farnell, London silversmith, apprenticed to John Ash 1706, free 1714. Mark entered as largeworker 1714. 2nd mark (Sterling) 1720. Livery 1728. His mark is often found on hexagonal tea caddies.

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