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Lot Essay
The crest is that of Howe, probably for the celebrated naval commander Richard, 4th Viscount Howe (1725-1799) who spent sixty years in the Navy. He was created Earl Howe in 1782, and became Admiral of the Fleet in 1796. Nicknamed "Black Dick" by the sailors for his dark complexion, he was known for his "steady, cool and phlegmatic courage."
These sauceboats were probably supplied to the Admiral on his appointment in 1779 as one of the Commissioners for America, empowered to negotiate peace with the rebels. He had served jointly with his brother General William Howe from 1776-78 as the commander-in-chief for North America. A group of silver, also engraved with the Royal arms and Howe's crest, descended via Howe's youngest daughter to the Marquess of Sligo, sold Christie's, London, May 13, 1953.
These sauceboats were probably supplied to the Admiral on his appointment in 1779 as one of the Commissioners for America, empowered to negotiate peace with the rebels. He had served jointly with his brother General William Howe from 1776-78 as the commander-in-chief for North America. A group of silver, also engraved with the Royal arms and Howe's crest, descended via Howe's youngest daughter to the Marquess of Sligo, sold Christie's, London, May 13, 1953.