A CHARLES I SILVER-GILT FLAGON

Details

A CHARLES I SILVER-GILT FLAGON
LONDON, 1637, MAKER'S MARK WM PELLETS ABOVE AND BELOW (JACKSON, NEW ED., P.118, LINE 1)

Of tapering cylindrical form on flaring foot applied around the edge with a stamped border of flutes and foliage, the body flat-chased with a band of stylized foliage and strapwork on a matted ground above an applied molded border, the tubular scroll handle engraved with arabesque foliage, the hinged domed cover with similar stamped border and chased with lion masks, strapwork and fruit on a matted ground, engraved around the foot with an inscription, marked on body and cover, also with scratch weight, engraved under the base Austins Parish Church--13 5/8in.(34.6cm.) high
(72oz.18dwt., 2267gr.)

Provenance

Sold by Order of the Rector and Church Wardens of the Parishes of St. Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, Christie's, London, July 10/11, 1984, lot 406

Lot Essay

The inscription reads: The Guift of John Osborne Parishoner and His Three Children William, Iohn & Elizabeth, all Three borne Christned in this Parish.

This flagon, together with a pair of matching James I examples, were formerly part of the plate of St. Augustine's, Watling Street. The church was burnt down in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren in 1682. In the Second World War it was again destroyed and not subsequently reerected. The church plate passed into the posession of St. Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, until its sale by Christie's in 1984.