Dish cross

Date1772-1773

Probably by John Neville

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOH: 4 1/16"; OH (rim of lamp): 2"; OW: 12 1/4"; Diam. (rim of lamp) 2 7/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-730

DescriptionCentral circular lamp with inverted pear-shaped or double-bellied body with loose cover with dished top and swirl gadrooned edge, bezel fitting within body of lamp, and tall tube for housing wick extending from underside of cover into interior of lamp; four long arms of square section soldered in horizontal position to pivot rings forming neck of lamp body with swirl gadroon molding below; rosetted terminals at ends of arms retaining sliding rectangular sleeves with geometrically pierced sleeves with adorsed C-scrolls above each upholding openwork shell derived dish supports and C-scrolls below forming legs for openwork shell derived feet. Uninscribed as to owner.
Label TextThis is the more common interpretation of the form, which was particularly popular in both sterling and fused silverplate between 1765 and 1800. A similar example of 1775/76, probably by Burrage Davenport of London, is also in the collection (accession 1967-426), as is a rare American example of about 1790 by Richard Humphreys of Philadelphia (1954-140). Another example of 1782/83 by William Plummer of London with beaded circular feet and unpierced dish supports is engraved with the crest of the Carter family of Virginia, and is part of the Carter family silver at Shirley, Charles City County, Virginia
InscribedNone
MarkingsMaker's mark "J N" in script letters within a rectangle, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, and date letter on underside of lamp. Lion passant on lower section of each leg. Cover to lamp unmarked.
ProvenanceVendor: Garrard & Co. Ltd., London