Worshipful Company of Grocers

[AG2012]

Tea or sugar caddy made for Worshipful Company of Grocers by Charles Boyton, London 1896.
Embossed camel from the coat of arms with the motto "God Grant Grace”.
How did it emerge? Thing like this are not just thrown away or sold, I suppose. There was a great fire in the sixties as far as I remember. But I may be wrong; silver with coat of arms of Worshipful Companies may be common. Not a rare find at all. What do you think?
Thanks and regards

[oel]

Hi AG2012,

Not rare but very attractive. Various silver items like boxes have been presented to the Livery and freeman of the Worshipful Company of Grocers to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897. (Date letter a 1896-1897)

http://www.timetravel-britain.com/artic ... cers.shtml"
I do have a box with the motto "God Grant Grace" and date letter U (1895-1896) will show you an image.

Best,

Oel

[AG2012]

Thank you!It seems Queen Victoria jubilee was the occasion.The caddy may look attractive, but I am not very pleased with the craftsmanship;not very heavy gauge silver, and made of two halves soldered.Embossed decor is obviously machine stamped,but one would expect that at the end of 19th century.On the other hand,one does not make expensive stamping tool for a single set;God knows how many items were stamped using it.Your box may be of better quality,though.I would really like if you could let me know how it`s made.Thanks again.

[oel]

Hi Ag2012,

Sorry for the late reply but just returned back home. Herewith some images of my tobacco box presented to the Livery and freeman of the Worshipful Company of Grocers to celibrate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897;








Dimensions of the box:L=9cm / 3.54 ",W= 7.3cm / 2.88", D= 4 cm / 1.58".Gilded inside. Weight 129 grams / 4.55 ounces. London date letter; U (1895-1896)

Same story mechanicaly embossed, light gauge, simple hinge, lightly gilded , made by a respectable silver smith, maker's mark J. N. M for; John Newton Mappin .

Best,

Oel