Object Description
A handsome antique sterling silver serving platter of oval form with a shaped gadroon edge. Large size and very heavy quality. On the top edge there is a hand engraved crest of an arm holding an arrow topped by the motto “Salvet Me Deus”. Weight 2633 grams, 84.6 troy ounces. Top measures 53.5 x 38 cm. London 1776. Maker James Young, whose work is described by Grimwade as being of elegant neoclassical design and fine finish.
Biography – James Young, London silversmith, apprenticed to John Muns 1749, freedom unrecorded. 1st mark enetered as smallworker 1760. 2nd mark in partnership with Orlando Jackson 1774, also 3rd mark 1774. 4th mark alone as plateworker 1775. 5th mark 1781. His work is known for its elegant neo-classical design and fine finish, particularly his epergnes.
His son James was apprenticed to William Peaston 1778 and turned over to his father 1779. Recorded by Heal as James Young and Son 1790-93.