A very fine pair of George III Silver gilt Hourglass pattern sifter spoons made in London in 1806 by William Eley & William Fearn.

A very fine pair of George III Silver gilt Hourglass pattern sifter spoons made in London in 1806 by William Eley & William Fearn.

£795

The Sifter Spoons are silver gilt and modelled in the "Hourglass" pattern which is double struck, being on both the front and back of the stem.  The deep circular bowl is pierced with crosses and roundels and the top of the stems are engraved with two contemporary Crests, both with mottos engraved on a banner above.  The Sifters are in excellent condition and are very well marked on the reverse.  Hourglass is a Regency pattern originating from French Eighteenth century flatware. William Eley & William Fearn were some of the finest specialist flatware makers, working in London, during this period.

The upper Crest is that of Hamilton and the lower one Dalrymple.  Our research has concluded that the Crests are that as used by Sir John Dalrymple-Hamilton, 5th Baronet (1780-1835).  These pieces do not have the baronet's badge and he inherited the Baronetcy in 1834.  The family also held the estates formerly owned by the Hamilton Lords Balgeny (hence the Baron's coronet).  Sir John married Charlotte Warrender, daughter of Sir Patrick Warrender, in 1806 and these may well have been purchased for this event.

Length: 6.1 inches, 15.25 cm.

Diameter of the bowl: 1.9 inches, 4.75 cm.

Weight: 5oz, the pair.

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