British Silver

SILVER: American Continental British French
	British
Home About the Silver Vault Restoration & Evaluation Decorative Arts Events & Exhibits Contact Us

click on image to enlarge	PRIZED ENGLISH STERLING SILVER EIGHT-ARMED EPERGNE According to several sources, the epergne arrived in England in the first quarter of the 18th century. The word, "epergne", stemmed from the French "epaigner," meaning thrifty. The use of these large objects in the center of the table avoided waste. Each guest helped him or herself from the main bowl, thus eliminating the disposal of expensive delicacies left on an individual's plate. The saucers or baskets could be adapted to individual use. The earlier, baroque form tended to be complex, incorporating dining accessories like caster, cruets, salts and sauce boats and graced the table throughout dinner. Rococo examples, such as this one, served as a dressing for the dessert course, showcasing condiments, fruits, nuts and other luxuries. Economic feasibility drove silversmiths to replace the expensive silver saucers with less expensive, crystal dishes. This same reason also resulted in many more examples being produced in Old Sheffield Plate, rather than sterling. Thomas Pitts I specialized in the production of epergnes and pierced basketwork. Arthur Grimwade's discovery in the "Workmens" ledger for 1766 to 1775 reveals that Pitts supplied a number of epergnes to the firm of Parker and Wakelin. John D. Davis in English Silver at Williamsburg states, "This is but an instance of the substantial traffic in goods produced by specialist makers and supplied within the trade for retailing." A four-armed example residing in Williamsburg's collection marked by Thomas Pitts I has virtually identical chased saucers and cast feet and arms. LONDON MARKS OF EMICK ROMER AND THOMAS PITTS 1770-1771 Approximately 13.25" h., 20" l., 24" w., 86.0 total troy oz. ESE56 SOLD info@silvervaultcharleston.com

	REMARKABLE IRISH STERLING SILVER FLATWARE SET Engraved with a family crest. DUBLIN MARKS OF MATTHEW WEST AND JAMES ENGLAND 1820 Set consist of: 7 Dinner forks - each approx. 8" long 9 Luncheon forks - each approx. 6.75" long 4 Teaspoons - each approx. 5.75" long 9 Dessert spoons - each approx. 7" long 9 Tablespoons - each approx. 9" long 2 Gravy Ladles - each approx. 6.5" long 40 Total pieces ISFS55 RECENT ACQUISITION info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	FANTASTICALLY RARE ENGLISH STERLING SILVER VINAIGRETTE WITH SPONGE AND CHAIN Engraved "B" With a vermeil interior. BIRMINGHAM MARKED "AT" 1855-1856 10.5" l. with chain, .7 troy oz. ESVSC77 RECENT ACQUISITION info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	HEFTY ENGLISH STERLING SILVER VINAIGRETTE Engraved "DO" ? With a vermeil interior. BIRMINGHAM MARKED "ES" 1835-1836 1.5" l., 1" w., .6 troy oz. ESV78 info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	DAINTY ENGLISH STERLING SILVER OVAL POCKET BOX Used for pills, potions or patches. BIRMINGHAM MARK OF COCKS & BETTRIDGE 1814-1815 1" l., .75" w., .1 troy oz. ESOB79 info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	NOVEL ENGLISH STERLING SILVER ROUND POCKET BOX Used for pills, potions or patches. BIRMINGHAM MARK OF COCKS & BETTRIDGE 1812-1813 1" dia., .2 troy oz. ESRB79 info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	HANDSOME ENGLISH OLD SHEFFIELD PLATE MEAT COVER Engraved with the Roll family crest and motto: "NEC REGE NEC POPULO SED UTROQUE" (Neither for king nor people, but for both). Has not been replated and still has tin interior. MARK OF WALKER, KNOWLES & COMPANY CIRCA 1840 11" l., 15" w. EOSPMC7 RECENT ACQUISITION info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	NOVEL ENGLISH STERLING SILVER PAP BOAT While this once served as a valuable tool for feeding infants and invalids, it would be superb for serving sherry that accompanies she-crab soup. LONDON MARK OF BENJAMIN BICKERTON 1775-1776 4.25"l., 1.58 troy oz. EPB107 info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	EXCEEDINGLY RARE IRISH STERLING SILVER DIVIDED STRAINER SPOON Engraved with a family crest. This rare pieces is in remarkable condition, with no repairs or restoration to the grill. DUBLIN MARK OF RICHARD SAWYER 1809 13"l., 5.3 troy oz. IDS667 RECENT ACQUISITION info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	FANTASTIC IRISH STERLING SILVER SUGAR BASKET WITH HANDLE Engraved "MCD" Lovely brightcut engraved body. DUBLIN MARKS OF DANIEL EGAN 1806 8"h., 4.75" l., 6.25" w., 8.4 troy oz. ISB221 RECENT ACQUISITION info@silvervaultcharleston.com

	DIVINE ENGLISH STERLING SILVER GRADUATED SUGAR BASKETS WITH HANDLES Engraved "TSB" Discoveries at sites like Herculaneum in 1711 and 1738 inspired brothers Robert, James and John Adams to study and revive the interest in Greek and Roman antiquities. True Classical Revival is a phenomenon of the late 1790s. The industrial Revolution capitalized ont he repetitive nature of Classical forms and resulted in international appeal of this graceful style. LONDON MARKS OF WILLIAM STROUD 1790-1791 Smaller basket - 5" h.., 3.25" l., 4.25" w., 4.4 troy oz. Larger basket - 6.5" h., 4" l., 5.5" w., 6.6 troy oz. ESB224 RECENT ACQUISITION info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	ENCHANTING ENGLISH STERLING SILVER AND GLASS INKSTAND Both bottles are original and in exceptional condition. The ideal gift for the executive. LONDON MARK OF LIONEL ALFRED CRICHTON 1911-1912 5.25"l., 11"w. 15.3 weighable oz.. EIS333 info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge click on image to enlarge	HANDSOME IRISH STERLING SILVER SUGAR TONG Engraved with a crowned bust of a rampant lion and "Fidel Coticula Crux" in a banner The repousse motifs of a thistle, shamrock, and rose seem to pay tribute to the jewels of the British empire. DUBLIN MARKS OF EDWARD TWYCROSS AND LAURENCE KEARY 1823 6.75"l., 2.5 troy oz. IST3 info@silvervaultcharleston.com* *We wish to acknowledge and thank Mr. David C. Hughes for his assistance in identifying this silversmith.

click on image to enlarge	SPECTACULAR ENGLISH OLD SHEFFIELD PLATE HOT WATER URN Provenance: a Charleston estate Beautiful example of Old Sheffield Plate, with a let-in shield and dove-tail or lap-over seam in body. It is fully functional. ENGLISH AN UNIDENTIFIED MAKER CIRCA 1825 11.5" top dia., 17.5"h.. EOSPHWU6 RECENT ACQUISITION info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	INCREDIBLY RARE ENGLISH STERLING SILVER AND CORAL BABY'S RATTLE WITH BELLS AND WHISTLE In superb condition with magnificent brightcut engraving. LONDON MARK OF THOMAS WALLIS II AND JONATHAN HAYNE 1790-1791 6.25"l., ERW002 RECENT ACQUISITION info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	HANDSOME ENGLISH STERLING SILVER STUFFING/RICE SPOON Engraved "A" In superb condition. LONDON MARK OF HESTER BATEMAN 1790-1791 11"l., 2.9 troy oz. ERS002 info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	CHARMING ENGLISH STERLING SILVER TEA CADDY During the seventeenth century, tea became an extremely expensive commodity. Most tea arrived in America via Malaya and Java packed in tiny tea chests hold a "kati" of tea. A "kati" measured a weight equal to approximately one and one-third pounds. The term "caddy" came from "kati", replacing the older term canister. Tea caddies generally came in pairs; one for Bohea or Black tea, and one for Hyson or Green tea. Most tea caddies consisted of embossed or chased sheet silver. Beginning in the late eighteenth century finials were added atop the hinged lids, along with the implementation of fitted locks. LONDON MARK OF EDWARD COOPER 1775-1776 5"h., 3"l., 4.25"w., 8.9 troy oz. ETC012 SOLD info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	REMARKABLE ENGLISH STERLING SILVER CHAMBERSTICK WITH SNUFFER Bobeche and snuffer are original to this extraordinary piece. LONDON MARK OF SOLOMON HOUGHAM 1802-1803 5.75" bottom dia., 9.9 troy oz. EC802 RECENT ACQUISITION info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	IMPORTANT PAIR OF SCOTTISH STERLING SILVER SAUCE TUREENS Engraved with the crest, believed to be for the Tapper family, the translation : "It will be given to the persevering." Seymour Wyler, in The Book of Old Silver, confirms what collectors have known for years: very little early Scottish silver exists. This may be attributed to two factors. First, the wealthy lairds and chieftains did not indulge in lavish appointments for the home like their English contemporaries. Second, many passionate Scotsmen sacrificed cherished family silver to foster noble and often political causes. The French brought not only their cuisine to Great Brain when they fled during the French Revolution, but also the form of sauce tureens. This compressed oval, boat shape design with upswept handles captures French refinement. The covers are known for being steeply domed, so that the urn-shaped finials are the same height as the top of the reeded handles. The value and beauty of these pieces are in their simplicity. EDINBURGH MARK OF AN UNIDENTIFIED MAKER 1799-1800 4.75"h., 3.25"top dia., 11.5 troy oz. EST151 info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	SUBSTANTIAL ENGLISH SILVERPLATE ASPARAGUS TONG IN A "FIDDLE SHELL AND THREAD" PATTERN In exceptional condition. BIRMINGHAM MARK OF ELKINGTON & COMPANY 1865 11 1/4"l. ESPAT167 RECENT ACQUISITION info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	IMPRESSIVE PAIR OF ENGLISH STERLING SILVER SALVERS Engraved with an armorial As fortunes expanded in England during the second half of the eighteenth century, so did the need to "keep up appearances." Salvers served as receptacles to receive calling cards and letters, and proved a necessity for any proper house. Scofield and Jones showed their awareness of the latest fashion by implementing the beaded trim and the bell flower design on this pair. They also fashioned the salvers with three feet instead of the traditional four feet. LONDON MARK OF JOHN SCOFIELD AND ROBERT JONES 1777-1778 8"dia., 1"h., 23.5 total oz. ES88 SOLD info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	SCARCE SILVERPLATE AND GLASS THREE SECTIONAL MIRROR PLATEAU Long prized for their versatility, mirror plateaus serve two main functions. The first is to accentuate a table's centerpiece. The second is to reflect, therefore double, the amount of light produced by a chandelier or candelabra. Applied plain plinths top paw feet and interrupt threaded banding that comprises rim. PROBABLY ENGLISH MAKER UNKNOWN 19th CENTURY 1.75"h., 24.25"l., 48"w. EMP311 info@silvervaultcharleston.com

click on image to enlarge	DISTINCTIVE OLD SHEFFIELD PLATE WINE COOLER Once referred to as the "poor man's silver", Old Sheffield Plate captivates many. Accidental in its origin, the fusing of copper and silver enabled those of moderate means to own exact replicas of solid silver articles at a fraction of the cost. Implementing a let-in shield of sterling, the owners of such articles displayed their family crest without copper showing through. Old Sheffield Plate thrived for nearly a century before being replaced by electroplating. Bleeding, the occurrence of the copper base metal showing through to the surface signals the age and craftsmanship of such pieces. ENGLISH MAKER UNKNOWN CIRCA 1810 8.5" top dia., 9.75"h. EOSP211 info@silvervaultcharleston.com

Home American Continental British French About the Silver Vault Restoration & Evaluation Decorative Arts Events & Exhibits Contact Us