A George III sterling silver hot water jug, London 1782 by John Wakelin & William Taylor (reg. 25th Sep 1776)

Of circular urn form, with reeded rims. A plain spout lip opposite a wooden plain loop handle, the removable lid with waisted centre with a domed section surmounted by an acorn finial. All raised on a spread-circular foot. One side engraved with a crest of a demi-wyvern, with initials AL in flourished cursive script. The opposite side engraved with a coat of arms in a shield shape cartouche surmounted by a crest of a rock, with motto below posses si velles, all reserved in an engraved laurel oval band. The cover with the same crests and respective initials / motto. Fully marked underneath, the lid part-marked to the flange, also with scratch weight 16 = 3.

Height – 20 cm / 7.8 inches

Weight – 388 grams / 12.4 ozt

The crest, arms and motto are for Langlois or Lefroy

The other crest and initials are for Lefroy

seemingly for Anthony Peter Lefroy (1742-1819) of Carrickglass, County Longford, Ireland. He was the son of Anthony Lefroy (1703-1779) and Elizabeth Langlois (1720-1782). He married Anne Gardiner on 15th November 1765 father of Rt. Hon. Thomas Langlois Lefroy (1776-1869) who was Lord Chief Justice of Ireland 1852–1866 and lover to author Jane Austen. The arms, motto and rock crest are presumably for a later member of the Langlois Lefroy family.

Provenance – sold, Adams, Dublin, 9 Oct 2012, Lot 245

Andrew Milne Collection