Object Description
A good antique sterling silver salver of plain design with a shaped reed and shell border. With contemporary hand engraved armorial and motto. These small size trays are often referred to as waiters and are ideal for use with small objects such as glasses and bottles. Weight 248 grams, 7.9 troy ounces. Diameter 17.5 cms. Height 2.4 cms. London 1754. Maker Richard Rugg.
Biography – Richard Rugg I worked in London from 1754. He was a specialist salver maker. His son Richard Rugg II was apprenticed to his father in 1763 and registered his first and only known mark in 1775. The registered mark of Richard Rugg I is very similar to that of Robert Rew, both being prolific salver makers and working approximately in the same period. The problem of the correct attribution of the R•R mark is well known and this amusing rhyme appeared in the introduction to a Sotheby’s catalogue of provincial silver spoons offered for sale in 1935:
Said Robert Rew to Richard Rugg “RR’s my mark”; but with a shrug
Said Richard Rugg to Robert Rew “I’m RR just as much as you”;
So neither yielded; both held out, And left the question still in doubt
The attribution of a specific mark to a particular maker is sometimes speculative. In a case where the doubt is between two makers of equal importance, like Richard Rugg and Robert Rew, the question may be only of academic interest.