MARK OF THOMAS HEMING, LONDON, 1770

The initials EDC are for Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1771-1851), 5th son of George III. While Victoria inherited the British throne in 1837, under Salic law she could not inherit William IV's title as King of Hanover. Her uncle, the Duke of Cumberland, was compelled to move to Hanover as the new King. Ernest Augustus took with him to Hanover a considerable quantity of the Royal plate. A claim was made by Queen Victoria for the return of certain silver, which Ernest Augustus ignored for much of her reign. As if to seal his title to the silver in question, he engraved it with EAFs for Ernest Augustus Fidekommis (i.e. held in trust).