An early English silver brandy saucepan with pouring lip and a long ebonised wooden handle. Britannia standard silver*. Good patina and dainty size. Weight 127 grams, 4 troy ounces. Height 6 cms, 8.5 to top of handle. Diameter of top 6 cms. London 1724. Maker William Fleming.
Biography – Willian Fleming, apprenticed to Nathaniel Lock 1688, free 1695. Mark entered as largeworker 1697. Livery 1708. Known for his cream jugs, saucepans, dredgers and miniature porringers
Brandy saucepans made their first appearance in this country during the Queen Anne period and continued to be made until the mid 19th century. Some have spouts. The size varies but generally the early examples tend to be smaller. Sometimes they have three legs, these are called skillets, and they are quite rare.
*Britannia Standard silver. 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 pure. 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.
This excellent brandy pan is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. The engraved crest is sharp. The base is fully stamped with silver marks which are readable, a little rubbed.
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.
By appointment only.
