An unusual George III Cream Pail made in London in 1772 by Christopher Makemead.
An unusual George III Cream Pail made in London in 1772 by Christopher Makemead.
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This very unusual early George III Cream Pail was made in London in 1772 by Christopher Makemead, a scarce silversmith who had a reputation as an exceptional pierced basket maker. As you will see from the images, this piece is modelled in the usual tapering "Pail" shaped form, however this is the first time we have seen such a pierced out example. The sides display very unusual horizontal bands of ovals and stylised flower heads, as well as a rim consisting of wave motifs. We have never seen this design before. The front displays a rectangular cartouche which is engraved with a very unusual contemporary Crest and the pail has an arched, twisted ropework, handle. This piece is in quite excellent condition, is very well marked on the base and has a blue glass liner.
As intimated, Christopher Makemead was one of the finest makers of baskets during the period, often of innovative design, however examples of his work seldom appear on the market. He was apprentice to the very fine maker, John Swift which would account for the quality of his work. His first mark was entered in 1758 and when this piece was made he was working from premises 115, Shoe Lane, London.
Height: 3 inches, 7.5 cm.
Diameter at the rim: 3.25 inches, 8.13 cm.
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://marycooke.co.uk/british-silver-1760-1830/an-unusual-george-iii-cream-pail-made-in-london-in-1772-by-christopher-makemead&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/marycooke-8876-Qfhef-OE67/stock/688659c6b2519_image_url_MM78A.jpg&description=This very unusual early George III Cream Pail was made in London in 1772 by Christopher Makemead, a scarce silversmith who had a reputation as an exceptional pierced basket maker. As you will see from the images, this piece is modelled in the usual tapering "Pail" shaped form, however this is the first time we have seen such a pierced out example. The sides display very unusual horizontal bands of ovals and stylised flower heads, as well as a rim consisting of wave motifs. We have never seen this design before. The front displays a rectangular cartouche which is engraved with a very unusual contemporary Crest and the pail has an arched, twisted ropework, handle. This piece is in quite excellent condition, is very well marked on the base and has a blue glass liner. As intimated, Christopher Makemead was one of the finest makers of baskets during the period, often of innovative design, however examples of his work seldom appear on the market. He was apprentice to the very fine maker, John Swift which would account for the quality of his work. His first mark was entered in 1758 and when this piece was made he was working from premises 115, Shoe Lane, London.Height: 3 inches, 7.5 cm.Diameter at the rim: 3.25 inches, 8.13 cm.){kind=link}