12th Nov, 2022 9:30 GMT/BST
Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver
2078
X A Four-Piece William IV Silver Tea and Coffee-Service
by Richard William Atkins and William Nathaniel Somersall, London, 1833
each piece melon-fluted and on foliage cast and chased spreading foot, one side engraved with a presentation inscription, the other side engraved with a crest, comprising a teapot; a coffee-pot, each with ivory-insulated leaf-capped handle, the hinged covers with foliage and flower cast finial; a cream-jug and a sugar-bowl
the coffee-pot 22.5cm high, total gross weight 76oz 2dwt, 2,366gr (4)
Provenance:
Presented to John Fincham by King William IV and by descent.
The inscription reads 'Presented by King William the Fourth to Mr John Fincham on his Launching the Miniature Frigate The Royal Adelaide on the 13th May 1834'.
The crest is that of Fincham.
While the original ‘Royal Adelaide‘ was broken up in 1877 a scale model of it exists in the collection of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich (SLR0209). The catalogue entry for the model notes that the original was ‘… literally a miniature version of the 36-gun frigate `Pique’ as designed by the Chief Surveyor of the Navy, Sir William Symonds. It was built to the order of King William IV for the use of the royal princes on Virginia Water as a yacht and for sail training.’ As commemorated in the engraved inscription on the present service the ship was built at Sheerness in 1834 by John Fincham. Measuring some 50 feet in length it has to be taken apart and reassembled on Virginia Water where it was re-launched in the presence of the Royal family. Among the surviving sections of the ship is the figurehead which is now at the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth and the cannon which were donated by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, to Cowes Castle.
With non-transferable standard ivory exemption declaration number W6RD2BQ7.
Sold for £2,400
Estimated at £1,000 - £1,500
Each piece fully marked underneath. The teapot and coffee-pot further marked marked inside cover and on finial. The marks are generally clear. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. There is some bruising to the foot of both the cream-jug and the sugar-bowl, this causes the cream-jug in particular to rock slightly when placed on a flat surface. There is some cracking and discolouration to the ivory insulators on the coffee-pot and the teapot.
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We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
Auction: Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver, 12th Nov, 2022
Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sales are held three times a year, coinciding with the Fine Sales. They offer the top tier of consignments, focusing on important diamonds, fine period and designer jewellery, the most desirable vintage and modern luxury watches by top makers and fine pieces of period silver.
Viewing
Sunday 6 November 11am-4pm, Monday 7 November to Friday 11 November 10am-4pm and morning of sale from 8am.
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