A rare pair of George III Butter Boats made in London in 1784 by Benjamin Mountigue.
A rare pair of George III Butter Boats made in London in 1784 by Benjamin Mountigue.
374934
These rare Butter Boats stand on a cast stepped spreading foot, which is decorated with beading. The Boat shaped main bodies rise to an everted rim, also decorated with beading. The side loop handles are attached to the main body with tri-furcated mouldings and the front is engraved with a contemporary shield shaped Armorial, with motto engraved on a banner below. The Arms are those of Meyers quartering Barrowman impaling another. The Motto is that as used by the Meyers family. Both pieces are in excellent condition and are fully marked on the foot.
It is widely accepted that these vessels did not have covers and were used to contain melted butter to ladle over vegetables, however very few were made and examples are scarce. They could be used to serve a number of sauces or custards and creams during the dessert course. With regard to the silversmith, Benjamin Mountigue, he had workshops in Clerkenwell Green when these rare pieces were made.
Length, handle to handle: 8.6 inches, 21.5 cm.
Width: 4.1 inches, 10.25 cm.
Height, to the top of the handles: 5.4 inches, 13.5 cm.
Weight: 28oz.
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