Lot Essay
Thomas Pitts was born in London and apprenticed first to Charles Hatfield and later to David Willaume, gaining his freedom in 1744. His mark, which must appear early in the missing register of 1758-1773, had previously been attributed to Thomas Powell. However, on the strength of entries in the Parker and Wakelin "Workmen's Ledgers" which list pages of epergnes by Pitts, the mark has been re-attributed (see Arthur Grimwade, London Goldsmiths 1697-1837 Their Marks and Lives, page 626).