Sterling Silver Candle Snuffer / Pen Tray - Antique George III (1784)

This exceptional antique Georgian sterling silver candle snuffer tray has a navette shaped form.

The surface of this antique silver snuffer/pen tray is ornamented with a contemporary bright cut engraved crest depicting a centaur* regardant holding and arrow on a bended bow, above the bright cut engraved initials 'WIL'.

The outer circumference of the surface is encompassed with an undulating wrigglework decorated border.

The raised rounded sides of the silver tray are embellished with pierced decorated urn designs conjoined by suspended bright cut engraved festoon ornamentation further accented with undulating pin struck decoration .

The tray is further embellished with an applied bead decorated border to the rim.

Either end of the tray incorporates an impressive pierced and applied scrolling leaf decorated handle accented with a pendant drop design to the inner surface.

This exceptional tray was crafted by the London silversmith William Plummer who is known for his work with pierced decoration.

* The centaur in this stance is also a depiction of Sagittarius (otherwise known as Arcitenens), one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac.

Maker: William Plummer

Date: 1784

This antique silver candle snuffer tray is an excellent gauge of silver for its type, exceptional quality and in excellent condition.

There are some minor surface blemishes in keeping with age.

The pierced and applied decoration is very sharp and the bright cut engraved ornamentation is crisp, all in keeping with age.

Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the tray are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of Georgian silverware.

Length across handles 24.8cm/9.8"

Width 10cm/3.9"

Length of surface 18cm/7.1"

Width of surface 7.8cm/3.1"

Height 1.9cm/0.7"

4.7 troy ounces/148g