Sugar basin
Benjamin Smith
Category
Silver
Date
1809
Materials
Silver-gilt
Measurements
165 x 195 x 130 mm
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Attingham Park, Shropshire
NT 609224.3
Summary
Silver-gilt sugar basin, the body with fluted base, raised on circular foot. Female masks join a pair of scroll side handles. Band of Greek key decoration with beaded borders. Ovolu border to rim. Engraved with the Royal crest encircled by the Garter motto and Hill crest on opposite side. Makers' marks for Benjamin Smith II and his brother James Smith, London 1809. From 1802 Benjamin Smith II and Digby Scott managed the Greenwich workshop of the Royal Goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. Scott may have retired around 1807, and Smith recorded a succession of marks, one in partnership with his brother, James. Benjamin Smith then moved to Camberwell as an independent manufacturer of silverware in 1814.
Provenance
Presumed to be part of William Noel-Hill’s Ambassadorial service. William Noel-Hill, 3rd Baron Berwick (1773-1842) who had been in Italy as British Envoy and Ambassador to the Kingdom of Naples and the Two Sicilies. By descent bequeathed to the National Trust with the estate, house and contents of Attingham by Thomas Henry Noel-Hill, 8th Baron Berwick (1877-1947) on 15th May 1953.
Marks and inscriptions
Engraved with the Royal crest encircled by the Garter motto and Hill crest on opposite.
Makers and roles
Benjamin Smith, maker James Smith, maker