Lot Essay
It is a misconception that the production of silver plated brass rather than solid silver was based entirely on economic factors alone. The craftmanship of these pieces is invaribly of an extremely high standard, and the use of hallmark-like stamps would suggest the likely involvement of silversmiths in their manufacture. (Belinda Gentle, Domestic Metalwork, 1640-1820, The Antique Collector's Club, 1994, p. 273.).