Object Description
An excellent size antique silver salver with bead borders and elegant classical style. Hand engraved to the centre is an armorial with a crest and the motto “Frangas Non Flectes”. Weight 2580 grams, 82.9 troy ounces. Diameter 46 cm. Height 4.5 cm. London 1786. Maker Crouch and Hannam. Sterling silver.
Marks. Stamped underneath with a full set of English hallmarks.
Armorial. These are the marital arms of a Bowen (lion rampant within an orle of roses), with an escutcheon of pretence for his heiress wife, likely to have been a Grey, but could have been a Burt(t), Elric(h)t, St Philibert, Maguire or the Scottish family of Carfrae, all of whom had/have the same arms. The motto “Frangas Non Flectes” translates as “You may break, you shall not bend me”.
Biography – Thomas Hannam completed his apprenticeship to John Café in 1761 and went into partnership with John Crouch in 1765. The firm was known particularly as makers of fine quality trays, salvers and waiters. Their earlier marks also appear on cast candlesticks, very likely due to Hannam’s apprenticeship to the Cafes.