An exceptionally fine William IV Souffle Dish made in London in 1833 by Robert Garrard.

The Souffle Dish is circular in form with a raised everted rim decorated with reeding.  This example has two very unusual and finely detailed leaf capped side handles, bound with a lobed band,  and attached to the main body with triple raying shell mouldings, flanked by acanthus plumes.   The front of the main body is engraved with a contemporary Irish Harp Crest, as used by the Wills family.  The interior silver liner also has an everted rim and is engraved with the same contemporary Crest.  These dishes are  rare, as very few were made during this period.  The soufflé would have been cooked in the silver liner and then placed in the outer dish to be served at the table.  As well as being used for cooking soufflés, this piece could also be used for serving a variety of other foods as you have, in essence, two serving dishes.  This is the first time we have seen this design of soufflé dish and the quality of design and production is exceptional, as would be expected from this Royal silversmith.  This piece is in excellent condition and is well marked on both pieces, as well as being engraved with the Retailers mark of “Garrards, Panton Street, London.

ROBERT GARRARD - THE MAKER

The Company that was to become Garrard was founded by George Wickes (1698-1761) who entered his mark at Goldsmiths' Hall in 1722.  The Company moved to Panton Street, off Haymarket, in 1735, as a goldsmith and provider of jewellery and other luxury items to aristocratic patrons.  Wickes was an accomplished silversmith who gained the patronage of Frederick, Prince of Wales.  Two apprentices of Wickes, John Parker and Edward Wakelin, purchased the company following Wickes' retirement in 1760, replaced by John Wakelin and William Taylor in 1776.  Following the death of Taylor, Robert Garrard became a partner in 1792.  Garrard took sole control of the firm in 1802, being patronised by the Royal family.  In 1843 Queen Victoria appointed Garrard as the first ever official Crown Jeweller, leading to the production of numerous pieces of silverware and jewellery for the Royal family, as well as the upkeep of the Crown Jewels.

Length, handle to handle: 10.5 inches, 26.25 cm.

Height: 3.5 inches, 8.75 cm.

Weight: a very good 47 oz.