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One of a pair of salts
Marked by: Benjamin Smith III (1793–1850)
English (London)
1826–27
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver gilt
Dimensions
6.4 X 10.4 cm (2 1/2 X 4 1/8 in)
Weight: 323.2 gm (10 oz 8 dwt)
Weight: 323.2 gm (10 oz 8 dwt)
Credit Line
Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour
Accession Number69.1147
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
DescriptionThe vessel of each salt is in the form of a shell, cast in two pieces, seamed, and finely chased. A wrought liner slips into the open shell. The shell rests on the back of a cast dolphin, whose tail curls around the shell. The dolphin is pinned and bolted through the oval base, which is chased with stylized waves. The gilding appears to have been renewed.
Marks
On base of each, maker's mark BS (similar to Grimwade 236)(repeated on dolphin tail, side of shell, stem, and side of liner); sovereign's head (repeated on dolphin tail, coil of shell, and side of liner); lion passant (repeated on dolphin tail, coil of shell, side of liner and on screw); date letter l (repeated on side of liner)
InscriptionsARMORIALS: engraved on underside of each base and on outside of liners, an unidentified crest: (an eagle's head ermine charged with a fountain and holding in the beak three ears of corn).
INSCRIPTIONS: stamped on base, underside of dolphin, stem of shell, and side of liner, 3.
INSCRIPTIONS: stamped on base, underside of dolphin, stem of shell, and side of liner, 3.
ProvenanceFirestone and Parson, Inc., Boston, purchased October 15, 1969, Theodora Wilbour Fund in Memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour. (Accession Date: October 15, 1969)