Antique George I Silver Tapersticks

Object Description

A delightful pair of little antique silver taper sticks with the plain early design of baluster stem over a spreading hexagonal foot with diamond cutting. Cast silver. Britannia standard silver*. With a monogram over the date 1714 hand engraved to the base. Traces of the original gilding. Total weight 184 grams, 8.7 troy ounces. Height 12 cms. Base diameter 7 cms. Marked underneath the base with clear English silver hallmarks for London 1714. Maker Thomas Merry I.

Biography – Thomas Merry I, apprenticed to Henry Grant in 1693, turned over to John Laughton, a specialist candlestick maker in 1695, free 1701. Mark entered in 1701 as smallworker. Married 1699.

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” 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

These lovely tapersticks are in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Excellent patina with traces of gilding, the gilding is still bright underneath. Stamped underneath with full, clear and matching English silver hallmarks. The makers mark is badly struck but very likely to be Mathew Cooper.

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