Dish

Date1640-1660

Probably by Samuel Jackson

MediumPewter

DimensionsDiam: 34 3/8"; W (rim): 7"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1976-422

DescriptiondishLabel TextThis great dish or charger, measuring almost a yard in diameter, is among the largest surviving English pewter dishes. It was probably intended more as a central focal point in a garnish or display of large dishes in a hall or early dining space than as an object of service or practical use. Most surviving large dishes were made in London with examples in excess of thirty inches in diameter being extremely rare. The maker of this dish, probably Samuel Jackson of London, apparently worked the majority of his career before the Fire of London in 1666. After this event, in which the touch plates at Pewterers' Hall were destroyed, active pewterers were required to restrike their touch marks on a new touch plate. The maker of this dish was the eleventh pewterer to do so.Inscription(s)Coat of arms of the Beauchamp family engraved within a wreath on face of rim. Owners' initials "B/EM" stamped on face of rim opposite coat of arms.Mark(s)Touch mark a pascal lamb with stars above, "S" to the left, and "I" to the right within an outlined and corded circle on underside of rim (London Touch Plate I, 11; Cotterell 5741; Peal MPM and Addenda 5741). ProvenanceA.T. Isher, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (sold after his death by Bruton Knowles & Co. in 1976); purchased from Richard Mundey, London.