Sterling Silver Candle Snuffer / Pen Tray - Antique George III (1784)

Description

This exceptional antique Georgian sterling silver candle snuffer tray has a navette shaped form.

The surface of this antique silver snuffer/pen tray is ornamented with a contemporary bright cut engraved crest depicting a centaur* regardant holding and arrow on a bended bow, above the bright cut engraved initials 'WIL'.

The outer circumference of the surface is encompassed with an undulating wrigglework decorated border.

The raised rounded sides of the tray are embellished with pierced decorated urn designs conjoined by suspended bright cut engraved festoon ornamentation further accented with undulating pin struck decoration .

The tray is further embellished with an applied bead decorated border to the rim.

Either end of the tray incorporates an impressive pierced and applied scrolling leaf decorated handle accented with a pendant drop design to the inner surface.

This exceptional tray was crafted by the London silversmith William Plummer who is known for his work with pierced decoration.

* The centaur in this stance is also a depiction of Sagittarius (otherwise known as Arcitenens), one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac.

Read a brief history of antique silver trays