A George II silver nutmeg grater, London circa 1750 by David Field (Grimwade 3514)

Of barrel form, with chased decoration of foliate scrolls, flower heads and foliage and rocaille, with ribbed section. The screw thread lid, with a pull-out silver mounted steel grating grill. Makers mark only to inside of lid.

Height – 4 cm / 1.6 inches

Weight – 24 grams / 0.77 ozt

David Field and his journeyman Christopher Robinson were in a trial that occurred on the 21st of April 1762 as follows:

Christopher Robinson, was indicted for stealing two vessels of silver in the shape of a barrel, value 5s. three vessels of silver in the shape of an egg, value 6s. two vessels of silver in the shape of a jar, value 5s. and eight other vessels in the shape of an egg, value 12s. the property of David Field, March 26th.

David Field: I am a silversmith. The prisoner was my journeyman near 35 years. I lost the goods mentioned in the indictment. Mr. Wintle came to me on the 26th of March, and asked me, if I ever sent goods out of my shop unfinished? I said, no. Then said he, I am afraid you have got a partner, and shewed me the things mentioned. I know them to be my property, and the work of my own hands.

Mr. Wintle: I bought these things of Mr. Yowell. Mr. Field does business for me in this way. I took them to be of his work. I carried them to him, and he owned them directly.

William Cadwallider: I took 15 spung boxes in the shape of eggs, barrels, and the like, of the prisoner at the bar, in pawn. I kept them the time we agreed. Then I sold them to Samuel Yowell a Jew.

Samuel Yowell: I bought those things produced of Mr. Cadwallider, and sold them again to Mr. Wintle. [Produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor].

Prisoner's Defence:
The pawnbroker had them not half a year before he sold them. I said, pray do not part with them, for I intend to have them again.

The prisoner called Joseph and William Sterne. The first had known him near 27 years, and the other 17; who both gave him a good character.

Guilty. Sentenced to Transportation.