A very fine George III Tea Caddy made in London in 1788 by William Vincent

A very fine George III Tea Caddy made in London in 1788 by William Vincent

£4,950
Reference

375206

This very fine Tea Caddy has a broad rectangular form with cut corners and a reeded moulding at both the base and the rim.  The flat cover displays a fine flush hinge and a Classical urn finial.  The front is engraved with a contemporary Armorial, within a shield shaped bright cut cartouche and the reverse a contemporary Scottish Crest with the Motto " HAZARD ZET FORWARD" all above a Ducal Coronet.  The Tea Caddy is in excellent condition and is of a very good weight and gauge.  It also still possesses its cast quatrefoil key.  This piece is very well marked on the base and with the maker's mark and sterling mark on the underside of the covers. 

The Armorial, Crest and Motto are those of Seton impaling Stratton.  They are specifically those of Daniel Seton (1748-1803) who married Sarah Stratton (1757-1825).  Daniel died in Surat, Gujarat in April, 1803.  He was Lieutenant Governor of the Castle in Surat.  In 1759 the British captured Surat Castle and this later turned out to be one of the first steps towards what would soon become their Indian Empire.

William Vincent was a fine silversmith and his mark is seen predominantly on fine Tea Caddies and Teapots of the 1770's and 1780's.  He had workshops at 8, St Ann's Lane, Wood Street, when this piece was made.

Height: 5.5 inches.

Length: 5.5 inches.

Width: 4 inches.

Weight: a very good 21oz.

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