Object Description
An outstanding piece of workmanship by this rare and sought after maker. A small gilt silver tray; the cast, scalloped border with shell motifs, the outer border and centre with fine hand engraved decoration. The armorial has the motto “Pro Christo et Patria”.
Weight 225 grams, 7.2 troy ounces.
Length 17.6cm. Width 11.5cm.
London 1731.
Maker Charles Kandler.
Sterling silver.
Exquisite small size. Probably a spoon tray.
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Arms. The motto “Pro Christo et Patria” translates as “For Christ and Country”. There is a tankard in the Royal Collection with the same coat of arms https://www.rct.uk/collection/50555/tankard relating to George I, Elector of Hanover and King of Britain.
Maker: Charles Kandler
Charles Kandler, London silversmith, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. Charles, a German from Saxony, arrived in London in 1727 and entered his first mark (New Standard and Sterling) that same year in partnership with James Murray. Murray died within a few months and Kandler registered new marks – New Standard (KA with a mitre above) and Sterling (CK with a pellet or mullet below in a shaped shield). He also used an unregistered mark (CK with a mitre above). Kandler’s early work shows a unique style, decidedly German in form.
The identity of this highly important maker remains a mystery. Evidence points to Kandler having close family connections with Johann Joachim Kandler, the prized porcelain modeller at the Meissen factory, with whom he shared many similarities of style.
In 1735 a fresh set of sterling and new standard marks was entered for Charles Frederick Kandler. It is not known whether Charles Frederick was a nephew or cousin of Charles taking control of the family business, or even if they were one and the same man. Charles may in fact have returned to Dresden by the end of the 1730’s. A subsequent mark was entered in 1739. Kandler left a legend of outstanding works amongst which are the great wine cooler in the Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg and the remarkable kettle in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.