22nd May, 2021 9:30 GMT/BST

Jewellery, Watches & Silver

 
  Lot 2187
 

2187

A Pair of George III Silver Tea-Caddies and a George III Silver-Mounted Tortoiseshell Caddy,...

A Pair of George III Silver Tea-Caddies and a George III Silver-Mounted Tortoiseshell Caddy, The Pair of Tea-Caddies Maker's Mark ED, Possibly for Edward Dobson, London 1774, The Tortoiseshell Caddy Circa 1770, the pair each plain oblong and with cast husk borders, on cast openwork base, the hinged, slightly domed covers chased with foliage and husk swags and with vacant cartouches, with later drop-ring handles, 10cm high, 17oz 17dwt, 555gr, the contemporary but possibly associated caddy oblong and on cast silver openwork feet, with drop-ring handle and key plate,18.5cm wide (2) Grimwade doesn't record an identical match to the maker's mark on the present pair of tea-caddies, though the only two candidates would seem to be either Edward Dowdall or Edward Dobson. As Dowdall is only recorded until 1758 Dobson seems the most likely candidate. Dobson was originally from Newmarket, his father being a barber there. Having been made free of the Goldsmiths' company in 1751 he is recorded as entering his first mark in 1755, in partnership with James Williams and William Pryor. That partnership was dissolved the same year and he was to go on and enter other marks. By 1774, when the present caddies were hallmarked he is listed as working on Old Street as a goldsmith. Other similar tea-caddies to the present include one by Dobson, 1771 (Sotheby's, New York, 23 October 2006, lot 240) and another of the same date sold Charlton Hall Auctioneers, 4 April 2019, lot 130. Each of those examples had a very similar openwork foot and chased decoration on the hinged cover.

Sold for £3,500
Estimated at £2,000 - £3,000


 

. Each marked under base, the covers apparently unmarked. The marks underneath are generally clear. There is some surface scratching, wear and minor bruises, consistent with age and use. The wear is noticeable as a softening to the high points including some small holes to the high points on the covers. The cover of each with an oval cartouche which has possibly been erased. The ring finial is a modern replacement on each. There are some scratches to the tortoiseshell on the caddy.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Jewellery, Watches & Silver, 22nd May, 2021

Jewellery, Watches & Silver

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