A GEORGE IV SILVER EPERGNE

Details

A GEORGE IV SILVER EPERGNE
LONDON, 1823, MAKER'S MARK OF BENJAMIN SMITH II

Of circular form on three massive fluted acanthus paw supports, with openwork acanthus bud central standard and foliate fruit swag apron with spiralling ropetwist, with three removable foliate scroll candle branches, the sockets with bands of palmettes and removable nozzles, the rim with everted egg-and-dart rim above an engraved coat-of-arms, crest and motto within foliate mantling, a crest within similar mantling and a presentation inscription, with central scalloped cut-glass fitted bowl, fully marked--18 1/4in. (46.3cm.) long
(127 oz. 10 dwt.)

Lot Essay

The arms are those of Fletcher.

The inscription reads:

Presented to Joseph Fletcher Esquire, BY A NUMBER OF THE VESTRYMEN OF THE PARISH OF St. PAUL, SHADWELL, as a testimony of their esteem for his private virtues, and gratitude for many substantial benefits, which, during a long and arduous struggle, have resulted from his persevering and disinterested exertions in the removal of a disgraceful system of parochial management, in the maintenance of their rights and privileges and in the protection of their property from unequal and oppressive rates, April 29, 1824.