A William III Britannia Silver Chocolate Pot London 1698
£15,000
A very rare and important William III Britannia standard silver chocolate pot of tapered circular form The stepped domed lid with scroll thumbpiece and a separate small lid for the insertion of a chocolate stirrer. Hinged pin with attached chain for removal of the lid. Swan neck spout with hinged lid. Fruitwood scroll handle at right angles to spout. Skirted base.
Marked to the body for London 1698 by Anthony Nelme. Also marked with the lion's head erased to the inside of the lid.
Crested to one side with the Arms of widow of the family of Mainwaring of Over Peover, Cheshire, Barts, probably Diana Mainwaring, widow from 1726 of Henry Mainwaring. The family seat was Peover Hall, Over Peover, Cheshire.
This is an important and highly uncommon example of late 17C silverware by the best English goldsmith of the period. In absolutely astonishingly good order with no signs of damage, restoration or repair. All the silver parts are in excellent condition with only very minor signs of wear. The handle is undamaged and firm in its mounts. Of good size, weight and wonderful colour and patina. The hallmarks to the body are unsurprisingly somewhat worn but still legible. A very rare piece of early silver.
Height: 10.5 inches or 26.5 cm
Diameter of base: 4.75 inches or 12 cm
Weight (all in): 845g or 29.8 oz or 27.1 ounces Troy
