George III Antique Silver Argyle

Object Description

An early form of the innovative antique silver gravy jug known as an argyle. Of plain straight sided form with a waisted body and long curling spout. This example has an exterior flap and double skin warming chamber below – a very rare design.

Contains 200 ml.
Weight 256 grams, 8.2 troy ounces.
Height 10.2cm. Diameter 7.7cm (top), 8.2cm (base).
London 1768.
Sterling silver.
18th century.

Marks. Stamped on the side with a full set of English silver hallmarks. The date letter is clear, the leopards head for London is visible, the lion and maker’s mark are rubbed.

No maker assigned

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Object Literature

An argyle is a gravy-warmer similar in shape to a covered coffee pot. The gravy is kept warm by various means. It is named after John Campbell (1723-1806), the Duke of Argyll who hated the way that gravy arrived cold to the table from his kitchens at Inverary Castle during the cold Scottish winters. The earliest recorded example was made in 1755 but they are not generally found before the 1770’s, after which they were produced up until the Victorian period in both silver and Sheffield plate. They are very rare and only a limited number now survive.

Object Condition

This argyle is in used but very functional condition. There are a few dents to the lower, double-skinned body. The raffia handle is a replacement.

Object Details