A very rare George IV George IV silver gilt "Frog" Creamboat made in London in 1825 by John Bridge.
A very rare George IV George IV silver gilt "Frog" Creamboat made in London in 1825 by John Bridge.
375190
The Cream boat is unusually modelled in the naturalistic fashion as a lily pad with the tendril and bud modelled as the loop handle and foot. The surface on the exterior and in the bowl is engraved to simulate the veins of the lily pad. Most unusually, however, is that the bowl displays a cast frog with textured surface to simulate its skin and Burmese rubies inset into its eyes, the idea being that once the cream was used then the little frog would appear. This piece is in quite excellent condition and is very well marked, including the maker's mark of Bridge with a crown above denoting his status. Considering its size, it has a height of 2.4inches, a length of 5.25 inches and a width of 3.4 inches. With reference to its weight, it weighs a good 7oz. This piece is in outstanding condition with a tiny amount of wear where it has sat on the table.
Frogs are rarely seen on cream boats and more often in the bottom of pottery mugs. We know that Paul Storr used reptiles on his jugs and creamboats.
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