George I Antique Silver Strainer

Object Description

A rare early English antique sterling silver strainer of circular form with decorative side handles. A very charming and useful size; although originally made as a lemon strainer this could be used nowadays as a tea strainer. The bowl is pierced with a design of scrolls and other motifs and contemporary owner’s initials are engraved to one handle.

Weight 75 grams, 2.4 troy oz.
Spread 16.8cm. Diameter 8.5cm. Height 2.9cm.
London 1722.
Maker John Albright.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Stamped to the centre of the bowl with a full set of English silver hallmarks; lion mark to the underside of both side handles.

JOHN ALBRIGHT
John Albright, London silversmith, apprenticed to William Twell 1711, turned over to Thomas Killing Clothworker. Free 1718. 1st mark enetered as smallworker 1718. 2nd mark 1720. Specialised in making punch ladles and strainers.

Object Literature

Orange or lemon strainers were peculiar to the 18th century and were probably used in conjunction with punch bowls to filter out the fruit pips. They were made with one or two handles. The one handled strainer sometimes had a small tongue or lug on the opposite side of the handle which may have been used to hook it on to the side of the punch bowl. The strainers are normally marked in the piercing in the centre of the bowl. These strainers are popularly used nowadays as tea strainers although the size is larger than a normal tea strainer.

Object Condition

This delightful antique strainer is in very good condition.

Object Details