Lot 332: Eight George III silver butter-shells

Mark of John Wakelin and Robert Garrard, London, one 1792, three 1793, four 1796 Each formed as a scallop shell, on two whelk feet, the plain valve engraved with a crest, four with viscount's coronet above and four with marquess' coronet above, marked on reverse of valve 4in. (10cm.) long 14oz. (444gr.) The crest is that of Thomas, 3rd Viscount Weymouth, later 1st Marquess of Bath (1734-1796) (8) PROVENANCE Supplied to Thomas, 3rd Viscount Weymouth and later 1st Marquess of Bath (1734-1796) and by descent to John Alexander, 4th Marquess of Bath (1831-1896) Longleat, Wiltshire and by descent at Longleat LITERATURE Victoria and Albert Museum Mss. SD.95.0050, John Wakelin and Robert Garrard Gentleman's Ledger 1796-1803, folio 168. 1896 Inventory, (2nd Marquess' Heirlooms), Plate, 'Eight escallop shells on feet'. NOTES The entry for the four shells of 1796 reads: 'The Marquis of Bath (1796) Mar 22 To 4 small Escallop shells 7oz 18dwt 6/2 œ5 4s 9d To Engraving 10 crests and cor t s 10s'.