THE HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE SERVING DISHES - AN UNUSUAL PAIR OF GEORGE II SERVING DISHES MADE IN LONDON IN 1751 BY PETER ARCHAMBO II & JOHN MEURE.

THE HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE SERVING DISHES - AN UNUSUAL PAIR OF GEORGE II SERVING DISHES MADE IN LONDON IN 1751 BY PETER ARCHAMBO II & JOHN MEURE.

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The Dishes are modelled in an unusual smaller size and each is oval in form with a gadrooned rim, however each end displays an unusual raying shell motif, which can be used for carrying.  The borders are engraved with a contemporary Armorial, with Coronet above and Motto below, all surrounded by a cartouche of drapery mantling.  Each dish is very well marked and is also engraved with its weight and number within the dinner service.

The Armorial is that of Hill impaling Fitzgerald under an Earl's Coronet for Wills Hills (1718-1793), as 1st Earl of Hillsborough.  This was his primary title from 1751 until 1789, when he was granted the Marquessate of Downshire.  He married Lady Margarette Fitzgerald, daughter of Robert Fitzgerald, 19th Earl of Kildare.

Downshire was an important political figure, serving as Secretary of State during the premiership of Grenville, Chatham, Grafton and Lord North.  He steadfastly opposed any concessions to the colonists during the American War of Independence.  He was a loyal "King's Friend" and his prolific acquistion of peerage titles was notorious.  His seat was the beautiful Hillsborough Castle, which is now the official residence in Northern Ireland of Her Majesty the Queen.

Peter Archambo II & John Meure were exceptional silversmiths and Archambo was apprentice to the most famous of British Silversmiths, this being Paul De Lamerie.

Length: 12.1 inches, 30.25 cm & Width: 8.55 inches, 21.38 cm.

Weight: 42oz, the pair.


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