About this lot

Description

by Abraham Buteaux, circa 1721, (sponsor mark struck four times, no further marks), each in the form of a simple scallop shell, with crested thumbpiece, metal tests to Sterling silver standard though unhallmarked,11.8ozt gross (Dimensions: w: 13.50cm d: 12.50cm) (Qty: 4)

(w: 13.50cm d: 12.50cm)

Footnote: Provenance: From the collection of Lord Hastings Other notes: In 1719 a tax on silver was introduced, with the duty being collected by the assay offices at the time of hallmarking. As makers are allowed to stamp their own maker's mark themselves, some silversmiths struck their own mark several times on their wares to give the impression of a hallmark, instead of sending the items to the assay office for a genuine hallmark and paying the tax. This practice was known as 'duty dodging' and these dishes are probably an example of such practice

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