Images(5)

Salver, one of pair

Date1753-1754

Artist/Maker John Swift

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsH.(rim) approx. 1 3/8"; Diam. 11"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1963-115,2

DescriptionSilver salver, one of a pair. Three cast double-scroll legs terminating in hoof feet support a shaped circular salver with flat center and scalloped rim with cast shell-and-scroll border; center of salver with chased scrolls and flowers and engraved coat of arms
Label TextThese salvers were acquired with a tradition of ownership by the children of Alexander Spotswood (1676-1740), who served as governor of Virginia between 1710 and 1722. He spent his last ten years at Germanna, Spotsylvania County, about twenty miles from Fredericksburg, where the great-grandfather of the last owner bought them. They are conventionally enriched with a broad inner border of flat-chased scrolls and flowers.

InscribedCoat of arms engraved in center are those of the Spotswood family.
MarkingsMarked in relief on reverse of both salvers: 1) leopard’s head crowned; 2) lion passant; 3) date letter lower case long “s” for 1753-54; and 4) sponsor’s mark “IS” in black letters in an oval, for John Swift [Grimwade 1990 #1689]
ProvenanceWilliam Bernard of Fredericksburg, Virginia
his granddaughter, Elizabeth Bernard Pollock
her nephew, William Bernard, Naples, Florida