Tazza
Benjamin Smith
Category
Silver
Date
1810
Materials
Silver-gilt
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Attingham Park, Shropshire
NT 609232
Summary
Two silver-gilt tazze raised on circular foot. Centre field engraved with the arms of George III in a broad band of scroll foliage and baskets of fruit. Reeded rim to bowl and pierced with applied vines. Chased border of acorns and leaves to foot. Used for serving fruit. Engraving possibly by William Jackson. Makers' marks for Benjamin and James Smith, London, 1810. 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
Lion Passant standard mark; Sovereign's Head duty mark; 'P' date letter; London Assay Office mark; 'BS (above) IS' maker's mark.
Makers and roles
Benjamin Smith, maker James Smith, maker