A very important & very rare George III Scottish Toddy/Punch Bowl made in Edinburgh in 1804 by William & Patrick Cunningham.

A very important & very rare George III Scottish Toddy/Punch Bowl made in Edinburgh in 1804 by William & Patrick Cunningham.

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Reference

374214

These substantial Georgian Scottish Bowls are extremely rare and do not exist in large numbers. Very few are illustrated in the books on Scottish silver. This particular example stands on a circular spreading foot decorated with a band of gadrooning enclosing a band of zig zag designs. The wide deep bowl displays a rim decorated with the same zig zag bands enclosing a frieze of beautiful trailing foliate designs and raying flower heads. The front is engraved with the contemporary inscription:

"Presented by the Third Troop
of
East Lothian Yeomanry Cavalry
Francis Walker Esq, Their Captain,
As a mark of their respect for him
As an Officer and their esteem
For him as a friend.

The Bowl is of the most exceptional quality and is of a very good gauge and exceptional weight. The bowl has a very good colour and is very well marked in the base, the silversmith taking the time to measure out the hallmarks, always a sign of quality of production.

Captain Francis Walker (1746-1822) was a much respected officer of the Third Troop of Eact Lothian Yeomanry and the bowl comes with a contemporary rosewood framed portrait print of the captain, copies of which are in the National Galleries of Scotland and the British Museum in London. The back of the print displays some genealogical research concerning Captain Walker from 1956 when the bowl was in the collection of Bowden House, St. Boswells. Most interestingly, however, is the extract from "Reminiscences of the Royal Burgh of Haddington - Crossgate Hall." This details the annual August social dinner at Crossgate Hall, at which Captain Walker was Chairman and organiser. It details Captain Pringle, a nephew of Captain Walker, arriving at Crossgate Hall and witnessing the company "enjoying their bowl of Whisky Punch presided over by Captain Walker" and that "No doubt the Toddy Bowl was often replenished that night". As this party was organised by Captain Walker, it is very probable that the Punch/Toddy Bowl referred to, is the one now being offered for sale. Images of the print, genealogical research and the extract from "Reminiscences" are all shown.

Height: 5.5 inches, 13.75cm.
Diameter: 12.5 inches, 31.25cm.
Weight: 64oz

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