George I Silver Chocolate Pot

Object Description

A rare early antique silver chocolate pot with straight tapering sides and domed lid typical of the period. Britannia standard silver*. Wooden side handle. Large size and good weight. The top has a removable finial so that the chocolate can be stirred by inserting a swizel stick, the spout has a hinged flap. Hand engraved to the front is an armorial within a decorative cartouche. Contains 940 ml. Weight 762 grams, 24.5 troy ounces. Height 25 cms. Diameter of top 7.5 cms, base 10.7 cms. London 1723. Maker John Hugh Le Sage.

Biography – John Hugh Le Sage, apprenticed to Lewis Coney 1708, free 1718, First mark entered as largeworker 1718. 2nd (sterling) mark 1722. 3rd and 4th marks entered 1739

Object Literature

*Britannia Standard. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent. New hallmarks were ordered, “the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia (or Hibernia)” and the lion’s head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard’s head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today.

Object Condition

This handsome pot is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Excellent colour and weight. The engraved coat of arms is still crisp. Stamped with a full set of clear English silver hallmarks to the side of the body, lion mark on the lid, no marks on the stopper – this is to be expected with a piece of this age.

Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Object Details