John Rich – Rare Pair Of Solid Silver Salvers Bearing A Coat Of Arms – London, 1782

John Rich – Rare pair of solid silver salvers bearing a coat of arms – London, 1782

A very beautiful and rare pair of solid silver salvers, crafted in London in 1782 by silversmith John Rich, who was active between 1765 and 1797.

Circular in shape, both salvers feature a wide, plain top that beautifully highlights, at the center of each, a fine engraved coat of arms set within a large ornamental cartouche. The engraving is exceptionally fine, with a border of volutes, foliage, and rocaille motifs framing the coat of arms.

The rim is adorned with an elegant scalloped and molded border, richly embellished with shells and foliage motifs in relief. The alternation of plain sections and ornamental elements gives the border a particularly elegant flow, characteristic of 18th-century English silverwork.

Each salver rests on three legs, evenly spaced beneath the border, which slightly raise the top.

The presence of the same coat of arms engraved in the center of both pieces naturally reinforces the unity of the set. It is particularly interesting today to be able to present these salvers as a pair, as examples of this type are frequently found as single pieces.

With a diameter of 18 cm and a substantial total weight of 614 grams, this pair has a striking presence and a pleasing quality of material. Both pieces have come down to us in superb condition.

A very elegant pair of 18th-century English salvers, notable both for the quality of their craftsmanship and for their heraldic design, as well as the rarity of their preservation as a pair.

Characteristics

• Silversmith: John Rich
• Origin: London, England
• Date: 1782
• Period: 18th century
• Material: solid silver
• Set: pair of salvers
• Decoration: scalloped borders adorned with shells and foliage motifs
• Center: coat of arms engraved within an ornamental cartouche
• Base: tripod
• Diameter: 18 cm
• Height: 2.5 cm
• Total weight: 614 g
• Condition: superb condition