Calcutta circa 1835-40 by Hamilton and Co
An early to mid-19th century Indian colonial silver cup and cover

Of shaped campana form upon a pedestal circular foot, a domed lobed pull off lid surmounted by a detachable cast finial of an acorn upon a leafy calyx. The lobed body with six cast and applied alternating flower heads, against embossed and textured leaves, the foot with an acanthus leaf central know, the lobed section below with embossed and textured acanthus leaves. Engraved to the side with a crest of an arm in armour embowed holding a laurel sprig, with the motto above libertate quietem, and underneath with the initials D.M in gothic script. Traces of gilding to exterior. Gilt interior. Marked to the edge of the foot with H&Co, Elephant, Roman capital A and lotus tally mark.

Height – 21.8 cm / 8.55 inches

Weight – 535 grams / 17.2 ozt

The crest is for Gilpin, the motto is connected to a similar crest for Burrell.

Speculatively based on the similarity to Burell and the initials D.M, these could refer to Dorothea Mary Augusta Burrell (1851-1930), the daughter of Sir Walter Wyndham Burrell (1814-1886) and Frances Wyndham (1789-1848), illegitimate daughter of George O'Brien Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont (1751-1837).

For a similarly decorated cup and cover, marked the same, dated 1837, sold these rooms, 23 June 2023, lot 90 (£1000 incl. prem)