ANTIQUE 19thC VICTORIAN SOLID SILVER SET OF 12 PLATES, JAMES GARRARD c.1892
19th Century Victorian silver set of twelve dinner plates, each of shaped-circular form with slanted gadrooned border. Each border is engraved with a family crests, flanked by twin dragons and the motto in Spanish "Fiel Pero Desdichado" translated 'Faithful through Joyless'. The first Duke of Marlborough's father - Winston Churchill, was a royalist and in the civil war a supporter of the King. As a consequence he lost his home and lands. When Charles II came to the throne he made many of those loyal to him Knights with the right to bear Arms (Coats of Arms). What he did not do was to recompense them for their losses. Thus the newly created Sir Winston Churchill chose the motto.
Hallmarked English silver (925), London, year 1892 (R), Maker's mark JG for James Garrard.
Reference Number: A6192
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century Victorian important solid silver set of twelve dinner plates, each of shaped-circular form with slanted gadrooned border. Each border is engraved with a family crests, flanked by twin dragons and the motto in Spanish "Fiel Pero Desdichado" translated 'Faithful through Joyless'. The first Duke of Marlborough's father - Winston Churchill, was a royalist and in the civil war a supporter of the King. As a consequence he lost his home and lands. When Charles II came to the throne he made many of those loyal to him Knights with the right to bear Arms (Coats of Arms). What he did not do was to recompense them for their losses. Thus the newly created Sir Winston Churchill chose the motto.
The current crest most likely belongs to Charles Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough, (13 November 1871 – 30 June 1934), styled Earl of Sunderland until 1883 and Marquess of Blandford between 1883 and 1892, In 1892 becoming the Duke of Malborough, the same year the plates were made. He was a British soldier and Conservative politician, and a close friend of his first cousin Winston Churchill. He was often known as "Sunny" Marlborough after his courtesy title of Earl of Sunderland.
Each piece is fully Hallmarked English silver (925 standard), London, year 1892 (R), Maker's mark JG (James Garrard, Royal Silvermiths).
The firm, founded by George Wickes in 1735, was based in Mayfair, London and manufactured silver and jewellery. Robert Garrard joined the firm in 1792 and ten years later he became its sole owner.
After his death in 1818 he was succeeded by his sons Robert Jr., James and Sebastian who took over the management of the workshop. The company expanded very quickly and in 1843 they were appointed Crown Jewellers by Queen Victoria. The company held the title during six consecutive reigns, until 2007, receiving a number of important commissions and producing jewellery and silverware for the Royal Family.
The company endured in the hands of the Garrard family until 1952, when it merged with the Goldsmiths’ and Silversmiths’ Company of London. Over the years the company realised a great number of dining and tea-set wares still part of the Royal Collection as well as spectacular centrepieces and presentation silver. In 1848 they produced the famous America’s Cup, a beautifully ornate sterling silver ewer in neo-Mannerist style, the oldest sport trophy realised for a yacht race in England.
In 1911, the company was responsible for the making of the crown for Queen Mary’s coronation which subsequently the firm adjusted for the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
Height (each): 2cm
Width (each): 25cm
Total Weight: 7390g