Object Description
The Dishes are of typical design, with raised fluted sides and a scalloped rim. The centre is very finely engraved with a contemporary Armorial surrounded by a foliate spray and shell detail cartouche. The underside is engraved with a second Crest, below a Baron’s coronet, which is that as used by a successive owner. The bowls each stand on a cast and applied spreading foot and the main bodies also have fluted sides, rising to a scalloped rim. Each has two side scroll handles and the front is engraved with the same contemporary Armorial, as seen on the dish. The Dishes and Bowls are of an exceptional weight and gauge and have a most outstanding colour. All pieces are in quite exceptional condition.
The Arms are those of Wordsworth of Westmoreland impaling those of Robinson of Co. Durham. In 1732 Richard Wordsworth, 1690-1760, married Mary Robinson, 1700-1773. They were the grandparents of the most famous of English Romantic Poets, this being William Wordsworth. Richard was born in Normanton, Yorkshire. After his marriage to Mary, they bought Sockbridge House to be close to his employers at Stockbridge Hall. Mary died at Whitehaven and Richard died in 1760 and is buried beneath the chancel at Barton Church, Ullswater. The second Crest and Coronet are those as used by Michael, 1st Baron Burton, K.C.V.O., of Rangmore Hall, Burton-on-Trent, County Stafford and Chesterfield House, London. He was educated at Harrow and Trinity College Cambridge and was M.P. for Stafford. He was a prolific collector of the finest antique silver.
As you will appreciate although always termed strawberry dishes, they were often used for a variety of purposes. Some old inventories refer to dishes and bowls of this type as “salad bowls and dishes”. Samuel Herbert & Company were prolific silversmiths who specialised in the production of pierced items particularly baskets and some epergnes. They had works in Aldersgate Street when these exceptional pieces were made.
Provenance: The Property of a Gentleman; Christie’s, London, 28th November, 1979, lot 87.
Diameter of the Dish: 7.5 inches.
Length of bowl, handle to handle: 7.6 inches.
Height of dish and bowl: 2.65 inches.
Total Weight: 116 oz the set.