Object Description
18th century silver salver by Paul de Lamerie
English, 1744
Height 3cm, diameter 27cm
Hailing from the workshop of the eminent Dutch-born English silversmith, Paul de Lamerie (1688-1751), this silver salver exhibits exquisite craftsmanship and intricate engravings, bearing the hallmarks of the famous craftsman.
The centre of the salver features a likely later added familial coat of arms, which celebrates the marriage of Ralph Congreve (1721-1775) to his wife, Charlotte (d. 24 Jul 1762), daughter and heir of William, 3rd Baron Stawell of Somerton in Somerset. Ralph Congreve was the cousin of Lt Gen Sir William Congreve, whose ‘Congreve Rocket’ was used as a weapon in the Napoleonic Wars.
The salver boasts an impressive, high-relief floral and foliage pattern that wraps around its edge, with a decorative ropework detail that lends a refined elegance to the piece’s periphery. The coat of arms is beautifully encased in a rocaille frame, a design that mirrors the additional rocaille-style engravings that dance across the salver’s surface, punctuated by symbols and motifs echoing the central crest.
The piece, elegant and sturdy, stands on four identical feet. Their design, an outward curve shaped like the classic acanthus leaf, evokes the flamboyance of the Rococo era. A glance at the underside reveals the full hallmarks and the distinctive maker’s mark, an affirmation of its remarkable provenance.
Paul de Lamerie’s atelier, established in 1712, was celebrated for its novel designs and deep-rooted technical expertise. His early works leaned towards simplicity, a design approach that shifted towards the ornate charm of the Rococo style in his later years. His works found favour with illustrious patrons, such as Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of Great Britain.
De Lamerie’s death in 1751 was marked by the London Evening Standard which credited him for his substantial contribution in elevating the nation’s silversmithing craft. His masterpieces are now treasured in globally acclaimed museums, with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum being one such notable institution.
Weight: 666 grams