Object Description
This is a wonderful English antique William IV sterling silver tray, or salver, by the world famous silversmith Paul Storr.
It has clear hallmarks for London 1837 the makers mark of Paul Storr and is also engraved Storr & Mortimer 36, they were Goldsmiths and Jewellers to Her Majesty’ (1822-1839).
It is typical of his work with the octafoil shape and the exquisitely detailed foliate and acorn rim. It is raised on four delightful foliate and shell scroll feet.
The centre is engraved with a shield shaped coat of arms encompassing the lion rampant which I have had researched:
The Arms of the Family of King
The arms as engraved upon this William IV English Sterling Silver Footed Salver by Paul Storr hallmarked London 1837 are those of the family of King. They may be blazoned as follows:
Arms:
Sable a lion rampant between three crosses formy fitchy argent
Undoubtedly this salver was in the possession of a gentleman who was member of a family bearing the name of King. There are a number of variants of these armorial bearings being borne by King families. Very often the lion is of a different tincture but the field of the shield is invariably remains ‘sable’. Similar arms and crest were recorded by Sir Edward Bysshe, Clarenceux King of Arms in his Visitation of the County of Kent of 1663 to the family of King, of Bromley. The tinctures of both arms and crest of King, of Bromley were slightly different to those engraved upon this tureen in that the Visitation family’s arms were ‘Sable a lion rampant ermine between three crosses paty fitchy or’ 1 and the crest ‘A lion’s gamb erect and erased sable holding a cross paty fitchy or’(see illustration below). These arms and crest were granted by Sir Edward Walker, Garter King of Arms on the 20th February 1660 – 61; and yet another Kentish family of King, of Bellevue who were created Baronets within the Baronetage of Great Britain in 1792 bore for their arms ‘Sable a lion rampant erminois between three crosses paty fitchy or’. Their crest being the same as the family of King, of Bromley.
There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector.
Please see potos of the 2nd Baronet Timothy Shelley, 1753-1844 and Castle Goring, his home.
Condition:
In excellent condition with clear hallmarks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 4 x Width 44 x Depth 44
Weight 1.96 kg
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 inches x Width 1 foot, 5 inches x Depth 1 foot, 5 inches
Weight 63 troy oz
Paul Storr
born in London England in 1771, was to become one of the most talented silversmiths of the nineteenth century. Today his legacy of exceptionally well crafted silver, found worldwide in museums and private collections, leaves one in awe when compared to that of his contemporaries.After having served a seven year apprenticeship from the age of 14, he began his career in 1792 when he went into a brief partnership with William Frisbee. This did not last and in 1793 a new mark, (his initials ‘P S’) was entered. By the beginning of the nineteenth century he had established himself as one of London’s top silversmiths producing, amongst others, commissions for Royalty.
In 1801 he married Elizabeth Susanna Beyer with whom he was to have ten children. In 1807 Paul Storr entered into a working relationship with Philip Rundell and by 1811 was a partner, and managing the workshops for Rundell, Bridge & Rundell.
During this period he kept his own marks and separate workshop. However it was through Rundell, Bridge & Rundell who were appointed Goldsmith in Ordinary to George III in 1804 that his reputation as a master silversmith grew. His talents lay in being able to transform ideas and designs from Rundell, Bridge & Rundell’s designers, William Theed II, the chief modeller and head of the design department, and later John Flaxman II who succeeded him in 1817. During this period Rundell, Bridge & Rundell’s reputation grew due to the patronage of the Prince Regent (later George IV).
Our reference: 09765a