LONDON, 1814, MAKER'S MARK WE, POSSIBLY FOR WILLIAM EATON OR WILLIAM ELLIOTT

Details

A GEORGE III SILVER-GILT TANKARD
LONDON, 1814, MAKER'S MARK WE, POSSIBLY FOR WILLIAM EATON OR WILLIAM ELLIOTT
Tapering cylindrical and with a spreading base, decorated with bacchic putto at play, the hinged cover decorated with two putti and with an openwork finial, the foot engraved with the Royal Arms and a later inscription, marked near handle and on cover rim
8 in. (20.3 cm.) high
54 oz. (1,695 gr.)
The inscription reads: 'This Piece of Plate was the Property of His Royal Highness Frederick Duke of York'

The Royal arms are those of H.R.H. Prince Frederick Augustus, Duke of York (1767-1827).

Provenance

H.R.H. Prince Frederick Augustus, Duke of York and Albany, K.G., P.C., G.C.B (1763-1827), second son of George III
The Magnificent Silver and Silver-Gilt Plate of His Royal Highness, The Duke of York, Deceased, Christie's, London, March 19-22, 1827, fourth days sale, lot 28 (£41 1s 6d to Ball)
Anonymous Sale; Christie's London, 25 March 1981, possibly lot 151

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The Duke of York was the second son of King George III. When he died in 1827, his debts were between £200,000 and £500,000. To satisfy these huge debts his executors took the unprecedented step of selling a Royal collection at public auction. The four day sale, held by Christie's totaled some £22,439/10s.

Lot 28 was catalogued as 'A massive tankard, surrounded by figures of young baccants, enjoying the results of the vintage, executed in high relief, of gold matt, a corresponding relief on the lid, the mouldings burnished' which would indeed seem to match the present example, however the weight published in the catalogue as 65 oz. 10 dwt.

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