Burnell and Rowe

Description

This is a well made Pair of George III Irish Sterling Silver Salt Shovels in the traditional Fiddle pattern. The spoons have the initials M B elegantly engraved at the tops of the stems.

The salt shovels were made in Dublin by silversmith Richard Whitford for the retailer Jacob West and date to 1814. Richard Whitford registered his first mark under the name Tudor & Whitford at the Dublin assay office in 1802 but Richard Whitford appears to have been the only active partner. He was primarily a specialist flatware maker although his mark is very occasionally seen on pieces of tableware. Whitford remained active until around 1824. Jacob West was a prominent retailer on Capel Street, Dublin in the early years of the 19th century.

Condition is very good with no dings or dents, no salt corrosion and just the superficial surface wear that has to be expected after over 210 years of use. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

Each shovel is 9.6cm / 3.8ins long and the pair together weigh in at a respectable 18.3g / 0.64oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks, on the undersides of the stems, are nice and clear to read. They show the crowned harp for Irish Sterling Silver, the Hibernia assay mark for Dublin, the date letter S for 1814, the George III duty mark, the R W makers' mark for Richard Whitford and the retail stamp WEST for Jacob West.

Shipping in the UK is £5.00 by Royal Mail Tracked 24.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.