Queen Anne Tazza

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Object Description

A very charming early silver footed salver with a thick gadroon border to the top and foot. Britannia standard silver*. There is a hand engraved crest of a stag to the centre.

Weight 285 grams, 9.1 troy ounces.
Height 6.2cm. Diameter 20.1cm.
London 1702.
Maker Edward Ironside.

*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. 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.

Marks. Stamped with a full set of English silver hallmarks on the top surface, lion mark on the foot.

Edward Ironside, London silversmith, apprenticed to Edward Gladwin 1688, turned over to Henry Beesley, free 1699. Mark entered as largeworker 1702. Livery 1705, Court 1726, Warden 1731 and 1737. Died 1737. Ironside’s son Edward II, apprenticed to his father in 1720, becamePrime Warden in 1746 and Lord Mayor in 1753, died 1753. The business had become by then Ironside, Belchier & How.

Object Literature

From the 17th century until the reign of George I salvers (often called tazzas) were raised on a pedestal foot. By 1700 some were made with the foot unscrewing. Very occasionally this type will also have 3 or 4 feet so that the salver can be used on a lower level.

Object Condition

Good condition overall with fine patina and sharp engraving. Slight unevenness on the top surface. The prominent solder between foot and top is probably original. Faint traces of an old restoration to the border can be seen on the underside.