Images(3)

Salver

Date1765-1766

Marked by Elizabeth Cooke

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (sterling)

DimensionsOverall: 1 × 7in. (2.5 × 17.8cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Joseph H. and June S. Hennage Fund and Partial Gift of Lex Reeves

Object number2022-30

DescriptionSilver salver: Three cast cabriole legs with claw and ball feet support a small circular salver with scalloped and gadrooned rim divided into twelve sections by six large and six small shells.
Label TextMade in the shop of Elizabeth Cooke of London, this salver was owned by Doctor Jean-Pierre Le Mayeur, who served as dentist to George Washington during the 1780s. Born and trained in France, Le Mayeur lived in Alleghany County, Virginia, near Sweet Chalybeats Springs. He left his estate to his friend James Brown, Sr., of Richmond, Virginia, who was in partnership with merchant William Burton.
InscribedEngraved on front in large foliate sprigged script "AMK" and on back in large mixed fine script and block letters "Le/Mayer" enclosed within a narrow rope-patterned engraved oval.
MarkingsMarked in relief on back: 1) gothic lower case date letter "k" for 1765-66; 2) lion passant; 3) leopard's head crowned; and 4) "E•C" in a rectangle [variant of Grimwade 1992 #552].