An Impressive Georgian Silver Salver or Tray by Paul Storr, London 1829
A very large and impressive Georgian silver salver by Paul Storr, London 1829. Of circular form with an ornately cast border, decorated with shells and acanthus motifs. Superbly engraved to the plate with a floral and foliate design, all standing on 3 cast, scroll and foliate decorated feet. Complete with the original mahogany case with brass handles.
To the center with a coat-of-arms belonging to the Scottish Middleton clan. There is a dated inscription underneath relating Robert Gambier Middleton (b.1774 - d.1837) a Royal Naval Captain and Commissioner who served under Lord Hood And Admiral Nelson.
Clearly hallmarked to the underneath for Paul Storr London 1829, and also marked with the Storr and Mortimer manufactures stamp.
This large salver is in first class condition, of a thick and robust gauge and has excellent definition on all of its decoration. Made by the most highly collectible silversmith of the 19th century, Paul Storr, this is a wonderful museum quality piece that would be the standout feature of any collection.
Diameter: 50.5cm or 19 ¾ inches
Height: 5cm or 2 inches.
Weight: 2652g or 85 oz Troy or 93 ½ oz
The Middleton's (Robert Gambier & his wife Susannah) had been married for three years when they left Portsmouth on the ATLANTA to travel to Gibraltar, where Captain Middleton had been appointed to run the Navy Yard. Susannah Middleton's father John Martin Leake was Comptroller of Army Accounts and her brother William had been posted in 1805 from the Artillery to the Eastern Mediterranean. Robert Gambier Middleton was the son of George Middleton, former Comptroller of Customs for the port of Leith and elder brother of Sir Charles Middleton, Lord Barham and First Lord of the Admiralty. Robert Middleton had been taken under the wing of his uncle and entered the navy at the age of 12 seeing action with the Mediterranean fleet under Lord Hood. He was made post-Captain in 1794 and in 1803 he was placed in charge of the North Foreland District of the Sea Fencibles. In 1805 he was posted to Gibraltar as Superintendent of the Navy Yard. The Middletons remained in Gibraltar for three years before returning home in 1808. Susannah travelled home on the ILLUSTRIOUS in May 1808 prior to Capt Middleton who returned to England shortly after to take up a position in the Navy Board in London. In 1830 he was appointed Storekeeper-General to the Navy and retired in 1832 with the rank of Rear-admiral. Following their return to England, Susannah had the first of 10 children, 7 of whom reached adulthood
