George III Silver Card Tray with Wreath Motif

George III sterling silver card tray, hallmarked London, 1800,…
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George III sterling silver card tray, hallmarked London, 1800, makers mark rubbed (possibly W.P), of oval form with bright cut decoration and central wreath motif, raised on four splayed feet, total weight 95gm, 2 x 15.2 x 11 cm

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  • Sterling Silver - Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver, and is relatively soft and the addition of the very small amount of copper gives the metal enough strength and hardness to be worked into jewellery, decorative and household objects.
  • Hallmarks - A mark stamped on articles of precious metals in Britain, since the 14th century, certifying their purity. It derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay (test the purity) and mark articles of gold and silver.

    The hallmark will consist of several marks, including the:

    - silver standard mark, indicating the purity of the metal. Sterling silver is .925 pure silver.

    - the city mark indicating the city in which it was assayed eg London, Birmingham, York etc.

    - the date mark, usually a letter of the alphabet in a particular font and case,

    - a duty mark, indicating whether duty had been paid to the crown, and only in use from 1784 to 1890

    The piece may include an additional mark, the maker's mark, although not forming part of the hallmark, will be located in the vicinity of the hallmarks.

    Sometimes silver plated items will bear faux hallmarks, often confusing those not familiar with silver markings.
  • Bright Cut Decoration - Bright cut decoration is a technique used to decorate silver and other metal objects, such as jewellery and flatware, with intricate and detailed patterns. The technique involves using a small, sharp tool called a graver to carve designs into the surface of the metal. These designs are then polished, creating a bright, reflective surface that contrasts with the surrounding metal. The designs can be simple or complex, and can include geometric shapes, scrolling vines, and other decorative elements. The technique is highly skilled and requires a lot of precision, patience and attention to detail.

    Bright cut decoration was widely used in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the silverware and jewellery industries. It was popular in the United States, Great Britain and Europe.

    Today, bright cut decoration is still used by some craftsmen and artists, but it is considered a traditional technique and is not as widely used as it was in the past. However, the bright cut decoration on a silver object is still considered a sign of quality and craftsmanship and is highly prized by collectors of antique silver and other metal objects.
  • George Iii - George III (1738 - 1820) was King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 to 1820.

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