George I Antique Silver Chocolate Pot, London 1715.

Object Description

A very charming antique silver chocolate pot with straight tapering sides, side handle and domed lid typical of the period. Lovely plain style and small size. Britannia standard silver. The top has a removable central finial so that the chocolate can be stirred. To the front is a hand engraved armorial within a decorative cartouche.

Contains 650ml.
Weight 518g, 16.6 troy oz.
Height 21cm. Diameter of base 10.1cm.
London 1715.
Maker Seth Lofthouse.

Marks. Stamped with a full set of English silver hallmarks to the side of the body below the rim which, although rubbed, are still clear and able to be read easily. The top of the lid has the lion mark and the remains of the maker’s mark (the key symbol). No marks on the finial – this is to be expected with a piece of this age.

Maker: Seth Lofthouse

Seth Lofthouse, London silversmith, elder brother of Matthew Lofthouse, apprenticed to William Wakefield of the Merchant Taylor’s Company 1676. Freedom not recorded. Mark entered as largeworker in 1699. William Bellasis apprenticed to him in 1709. Listed as dead in the Haberdashers’ Company records of 1727.

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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 (or Hibernia)” 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

This handsome pot is in very good condition with moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. The engraved coat of arms is still crisp.

Object Details