A highly important and magnificent George III Four Seasons Salver of unusually large size. Made in London in 1787 by Elizabeth Jones

A highly important and magnificent George III Four Seasons Salver of unusually large size. Made in London in 1787 by Elizabeth Jones.

The Salver is modelled in a very large unusual rectangular form with incuse corners and raised rim decorated with bold reeding.  This piece stands on four cast feet of curved form with reeded border and scroll end.  The main body displays the finest engraving we have ever seen on a piece of silver.  

Each corner displays an oval cartoche flanked by crossed foliate sprays below.  The four cartouches each contain one of Gods of the four seasons, Spring depicted with buds and small flowers in the hair, Summer with flowers in full bloom, Autumn with wheat ears and Winter with holly in his hair and an icy beard.  

The areas between the cartouches display geometric designs including brick work and floral sprays, foliate scrolls and hatched designs.  The centre of the Salver displays a large cartouche surrounded by foliate scrolls and contains a contemporary Crest on a chapeau.  The Crest is that as used by Hall family of London and Yorkshire.  

As we have intimated, the Salver is of a very unusual size, is in exceptional condition and displays a crisp set of hallmarks on the reverse.  It resembles a picture within a frame and would have made quite a statement standing on a sideboard in a dining room  

The influence for this engraving may well have come from the 2nd century mosaice "Triumph of Neptune and the Four Seasons" from La Chebba, Tunisia.  The quality of execution leads us to conclude that this was decorated by one of the finest engravers working in London at this date.  

Elizabeth Jones was the widow of Robert Jones and her mark rarely appears on anything else apart from salvers, trays and waiters, all of exceptionally quality and design.  Her husband, Robert Jones was, for some time, in partnership with the great John Schofield.

Length: 19.25 inches, 48.13 cm.

Width: 17.5 inches, 43.75 cm.

Weight: 100oz.

Price

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Stock number