Salver
Date1728-1729
Artist/Maker
William Darker
OriginEngland, London
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsH.(rim): 1 9/16"; Diam. 10"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1962-135
DescriptionSalver- Short convex sides conforming with edge of flat base of octofoil plan; base supported on four evenly-spaced cast and pierced bracket feet with curved and moulded faces. Engraved coat of arms in centerLabel TextOne of the handsomest of eighteenth-century salver types--of practical utility also for wine glasses and for teacups and saucers--is this scalloped form, dating mostly from shortly before and during the 1720s. Octafoil examples, such as this, are the most common, though ones with six, ten, and twelve scallops were made. An example with twelve scallops of 1725/26, also by Darker, is in the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts. The Williamsburg salver, like most of the kind, has hammered sides without an applied rim at the edge, and it is supported on four curved bracket feet. In laying out the piece, Darker, as did others on similar salvers, stamped a center punch mark on the underside for each of the scallops.Inscription(s)Arms of Windham of Norfolk and Somerset impaling probably thoseof Playse of Norfolk engraved in center.Mark(s)Maler's mark "WD" in block letters with a fleur-de-lis device above above within a shaped trefoil, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, and date letter on face near rim.ProvenanceVendor: Garrard & Co. Ltd., London (purchased from Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 1962)
