This exceptional antique William III English Britannia* standard silver tazza has a plain circular form onto a cylindrical spreading foot.
The surface of the tazza is embellished with a contemporary bright cut engraved coat of arms displaying on a chief a demi-lion of the first armed and langued**; the lower portion of the coat of arms bears the centre punch mark, an indication that the details have not been erased.
The rim of this Britannia silver tazza is encircled with an impressive embossed gadroon decorated border.
The original foot is embellished with further embossed gadroon decoration.
This antique tazza has a fine colour and patination***.
The underside of the foot is struck with part hallmarks, as to be expected.
Such period examples in this exceptional condition are becoming increasingly scarce to the market.
* Britannia Silver - The Britannia silver standard of 958 (95.84% of fine silver), denoted by the icon of the seated Britannia holding an oval shield, was introduced by William III in 1697. This was to indicate the slightly higher standard of silver from sterling silver standard of 925 (92.5% of fine silver).
** This coat of arms pertains to the family Weldon; there is a strong probability these arms relate to those hailing from the County of Kent. Read this items heraldic identification report.
*** Patination or Patina is a subtle colouration or tarnish which forms on the surface of some metals, produced by oxidation or other chemical processes. A good patina proffers an aesthetically pleasing look.
Maker: Nathaniel Underwood
Date: 1697
