Images(5)

Chafing dish

Date1724-1725

Marked by Paul de Lamerie (1688-1751)

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Britannia)

DimensionsOH: 3 5/16" ; H(rim): 3"; Diam(rim and molding): 7 13/16"; Diam(lamp cover): 3 1/8"; Weight: 44 oz. 5 dwt. 12 gr.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1961-234,A-D

DescriptionSilver chafing dish or brazier: flat removable trivet with circular ring with molded face and evenly spaced flat scrolled openwork arms extending out from ring with short straight legs extending down at right angles from ends of arms; trivet rests on molding within rim of body; body in the form of a broad short sleeve with an everted rim and multiple moldings at rim and base; body raised and supported by 3 heavy cast S-scrolled and voluted legs soldered to lower face and body; section identical to top of trivet soldered within body near base with central ring accommodating lamp; short circular lamp with small hinged and domed cover with finial in center of primary cover concealing wick with bezel of cover fitting within multiple molded rim of body with short straight-tapered sides and plain base.
Label TextChafing dishes of this form would appear to derive from footed dish rings or stands. Two similar chafing dishes by Paul de Lamerie are known. One of 1727/28 has pierced sides and similar scrolled legs elevated on shell feet. The other of 1740/41 has broadly pierced sides, short legs, lion masks, and ball-and-claw feet. Both are fitted, like this example, with removable trivets having a central ring held by scrolled brackets that repeat the design of those supporting the lamp
InscribedEngraved crest and motto of Baillie on face of body and on face of lamp cover of a sunburst over a crescent moon on w wreath bar with the motto "MAIOR VIRTUS QUAM SPLENDOR" in block letters on an arched banner above.
MarkingsBritannia standard, marked in relief 1) Sponsor's mark LA in block letters topped with a crown with mullet above and a fleur-de-lis below within a shaped reserve, 2) lion's head erased, 3) Britannia, and 4) date letter capital "I" in shield struck in relief, both on face of body above baseband and on underside of lamp; sponsor's mark and Britannia on bezel of lamp cover; removable trivet unmarked

ProvenanceSotheby & Co., London (1961)
Acquired by CWF in 1961.

Exhibition(s)