A Charles II sterling silver porringer, London 1682 by Thomas Cooper (free 1668. d. c. 1693)

A Charles II sterling silver porringer, London 1682 by Thomas Cooper (free 1668. d. c. 1693)

Of circular form with slightly rounded base upon a short cylindrical base, with two cast and applied C scroll handles with maiden head figural thumbpieces above notched decorative motifs. The lower half of the body with embossed decorative band of repeating acanthus leaves. The upper rim with traces of a contemporaneous prick dot engraved initials EM with stylised scrolls. Fully marked underneath.

Length – 17.5 cm / 7 inches

Weight – 231 grams / 7.43 ozt

Collection of Anthony Aston Smith (1929-2010), bought from Payne and Son’s at Oxford Antiques Fair 18^th December 1969 (£280)

Thomas Cooper, son of William Cooper, London Goldsmith who was apprenticed to plate worker Thomas Aylinge for eight years from Michaelmas 1660, free by service 4^th Nov 1668. For the 1692 Poll Tax he was assessed in St Ann Aldersgate. He took on five apprentices including Gabriel Sleath and Thomas Knott.

His mark is found upon many items of plate, other porringers include:

1667/68 (Sotheby’s 1986)

1669 (Christie’s 1919)

1669 (Christie’s 1921)

1674 (Christie’s 1924)

1676 (Christie’s 1958)

1676 (Christie’s 1939)

1676, with cover (Sotheby’s Olympia 13 April 2006, Lot 342)

1677 (Bonham’s Jersey, 23 Sep 2004, Lot 161)

1678 (Christie’s London 4 Nov 1998 lot 118)

1682 (Sotheby’s New York 16 April 2013, lot 425 part-lot)