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Saturday, April 10, 2010
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Very elegant George III circular sterling silver salver on three feet. London 1770 by Ebenezer Coker. The border is shaped with scroll motifs, interspersed by shells. The centre of the salver is very decoratively engraved with a family coat of arms with crest above. The coat of arms is surrounded by engravings of flowers and leaves. The full set of hallmarks are struck on the reverse and are extremely good. The maker's mark is also struck on the reverse but was struck more lightly and so is not quite as crisp but is still very good. Also on the reverse are the initials T + R in contemporary engraving.
This is a very useful-sized salver which would be ideal for serving drinks or canapes but would look equally good as a centrepiece on a dining-room table. Although the armorials do not appear to have been officially exemplified, research has shown that it is probable that they are Morris impaling Veale. According to Burke's Landed Gentry, under Veale of Passaford, William Cholmeley Morris of Fishleigh, co. Devon married Jane Veale, by whom he had 11 children. Jane was the daughter of James Veale of Passaford, Hatherleigh, co. Devon (who had assumed the name of Veale in lieu of his patronymic Mallet in compliance with the will of his uncle, James Veale). Ebenezer Coker was a skilled silversmith who was best known for his candlesticks and salvers. He also produced a substantial amount of flatware and whatever he made was always of excellent quality.
