MAKER'S MARK OF BENJAMIN SMITH II, LONDON, 1823

Details

A GEORGE IV SILVER CANDLEABRUM CENTERPIECE
Maker's mark of Benjamin Smith II, London, 1823
Of circular form on three massive fluted acanthus paw supports, with open 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 with foliate mantling, a crest within similar mantling and a presentation inscription, with central scalloped cut-glass fitted bowl, fully marked
18¼in. (46.3cm.) long; 127oz. 10dwt. (3971gr.)

Lot Essay

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.

The arms are those of Fletcher.