Lot 148
Northern Europe, England, late Victorian era, ca. 1895 CE. A handsome English silver sugar caster of elegant baluster form, crafted in London in 1895 by Daniel and John Welby, among the most accomplished refiners and jewelers of late Victorian England. Rising from a stepped circular foot to a gently swelling body and tapering neck, the caster is topped with a finely pierced domed lid, its floral and geometric cutwork designed to scatter sugar lightly and evenly. The silver is marked to the highest standard of the period. Hallmarks on the body and lid include the lion head erased for the London Assay Office, a shielded U date letter for 1895, and the seated figure of Britannia, indicating Britannia silver. While marked to this standard, the caster is comprised of approximately 96.4 percent silver, exceeding the already elevated purity traditionally associated with Britannia silver. Size: 3.4" Diameter x 8.4" H (8.6 cm x 21.3 cm); silver quality: 96.4%; weight: 310.6 grams
The makers mark DW / JW appears within a shield, identifying the partnership of Daniel and John Welby.
One side of the body is engraved with a finely detailed heraldic crest, centered on a heater-shaped escutcheon bearing a lion guardant facing left and castellated chevrons within the field. Above, a left-facing closed helmet is framed by elaborate foliate mantling, the engraving crisp and confidently cut, lending the piece both personal identity and visual distinction.
D. and J. Welby were established figures in London's silver trade, beginning in Soho in the early 19th century and later expanding into Covent Garden as refiners, jewelers, and dealers in plate. By the end of the century they were also active as diamond merchants and wholesale jewelers, their reputation built on technical excellence and refined taste.
With its superior silver content, balanced proportions, and striking heraldic engraving, this sugar caster stands as a refined example of late Victorian silver, equally suited to display or use, and a compelling piece from one of London's most respected silver firms.
Provenance: private Loveland, Colorado, USA collection, purchased from Tim Ters & Avriel Webb Antiques, San Diego, California, USA, July 24, 1998 at the Picadilly Antique Show in San Diego, USA
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SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#200489
- Condition: Some minor loss of detail on heraldic crest and a few miniscule nicks and abrasions in areas. Some rubbing to hallmarks. Otherwise, intact and excellent.
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