Set of four platters

Date1764-1784

Maker Joseph Spackman & Co.

MediumPewter

DimensionsOL (1): 23 11/16"; OW: 17 3/4"; W (rim): 2 3/8"; OL (2): 18 11/16"; OW: 14 5/8"; W (rim): 2 1/8"; OL (3): 12 5/8"; OW: 9 5/8"; W (rim): 1 3/8"; OL (4): 11 3/8"; OW: 8 11/16"; W (rim): 1 3/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1958-523,1

DescriptionPlatter: oval; flat rim of shaped outline of four-lobed wavy-edge type with raised triple- reeded molded edge; concave hammered booge to flat base. Engraved crest of an apparent demi-force facing left and looking right holding a heart between its front hooves on a wreath bar with the motto "AUSPICE TETCRO" above in block letters within a scrolled banner on face of rim.
Label TextThe firm of Joseph Spackman & Co., were particularly noted for their patented oval dishes. It secured a patent on December 5, 1764 for the production of oval dishes by turning them on a special lathe. Robert Bush of Bristol advertised in the August 17, 1765 issue of Felix Farley's Bristol Journal "PATENT OVAL PEWTER DISHES By His Majesty's Royal Letters Patent bearing date December 5th 1764, Joseph Spackman, late of Fenchurch Street, but now of Cornhill, London, pewterer, having invented a method entirely new of turning ovals in Pewter, English China, and other earthenware, has obtained Letters Patent as above for the term of 14 years within the kingdom of England & the Dominion of Wales, Town of Berwick upon Tweed and the plantations abroad, by virtue thereof he is now making and ready to serve Merchants and others, with Oval Pewter Dishes, of superior Hard Metal, far superior, both in beauty and strength, to anything hitherto performed in the oval way. The above are the Silver Fashion Egg Oval and are to be sold by Robert Bush, Pewterer, Brazier and Brass-Founder in High Street, Bristol, who is the only person in that city to sell them: and who will render them at 25 per cent under the old price."
InscribedCrest and motto("AUSPICE TETCRO") of the Tucker family of Coryton, Devonshire, engraved on face of each rim.
MarkingsTouch marks (1) a ducal coronet with two crosses paty and a fleur-de-lis above and a cross paty over crossed palm fronds below framed by "IOSEPH" and "SPACKMAN" within curved reserves above and below and scrolls to either side on underside of well (London Touch Plate IV, 982; Cotterell 4440) and (2-4) "SPACKMAN/CORNHILL/ LONDON" within a surround of scrolls within an outlined horizontal oval on underside of each rim (Cotterell 4443). Secondary marks (1) a label "CORNHILL/LONDON" in curved arrangement within an outlined reserve with a central scrolled pendant on underside of well (Cotterell 4442) and (2-4) royal arms with "BY HIS MAJESTY'S PATENT" above within an outlined oval on underside of each rim and "PATENT OVAL" within a surround of scrolls within an outlined horizontal oval, also on underside of each rim (Cotterell 4443).
ProvenanceVendor: A.V. Sutherland-Graeme, London.