Images(3)

Salver, one of a pair

Date1727-1728

Maker John Tuite

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsH: 1 3/8"; W: 8 9/16" square

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-513,2

DescriptionSalver; square tray with rounded and indented corners and conforming, applied, molded border supported by four hollow scrolled volute feet. Engraved in center amid foliate scrolls is coat-of-arms or, two chevrons engrailed between three roses impaling or, three roundels.
Label TextLate in the reign of Queen Anne, salvers with three or four short legs placed near the rim first appear. A magnificent pair of large circular gilt salversof 1713/14 by Simon Pantin of London, each supported on three short scrolled legs, is perhaps the earliest example. Occasional transitional examples are fitted with a detachable central trumpet foot, as well as short legs at the rim. Square or rectangular salvers with short profiled sides and indented corners, such as this pair, were especially popular during the 1720s and 1730s. John Tuite, their maker, who had been trained and had worked in Dublin prior to entry of his mark at the London Goldsmiths' Hall in 1720, was a prolific maker of salvers before his death in 1740. His was only one of many London firms specializing in the production of salvers during the eighteenth century. Such specialization is partially explained by the skill required to set and maintain a flat bottom during fabrication. A small salver of similar design of 1729/30 by Edward Cornock of London is also in the Colonial Williamsburg collection.
InscribedArms of William lbert of Bowringsleigh, Devonshire, and his wife, Bridget Courtenay, PowderhamCastle, Devonshire, engraved on face of each in center.
MarkingsOn underbody near border: date- letter "M" for 1727-1728; leopard's head crowned; ewer between script J T in oblong; lion passant.
ProvenanceVendor: Garrard & Co. Ltd., London (purchased from C. J. Vander Ltd., London, 1954)