Hallmark: Lion Passant ~ Sterling, City ~ London, Date Letter "N" ~ 1888, Monarch
Head ~ Duty
Size: 9 & 1/8 inches
Quantity: 1 pair = 2 spoons
Exceptional pair of antique sterling servers in the rare Stag Hunt pattern. This
desirable and hard to find motif, along with the similar Bacchanalian pattern, are
the rarest of the variants originally designed by Thomas Stothard for Rundell, Bridge
and Rundell c. 1812; also produced, Mask, Boar Hunt, and Fox Hunt. These designs
were continued by a few superior silversmiths, most notably Storr, Roskell, Hunt,
Lias, Wakely and Wheeler. Although the makers mark is rubbed on both spoons, the
rounded bottom section of one mark is discernible and after comparing hallmarks and
time periods we concluded that these spoons were likely produced by the Lias brothers
and/or Wakely/Wheeler.
These fine spoons are double struck, featuring different figural scenes front and
back. Handle fronts depict the huntsman, hounds and stag. Reverse depicts bow,
quiver with arrows, sword,and hunting horn.
The bowls are deep, finely scalloped and fluted.
Bowl reverse features the beautifully detailed and decorated ladies head or bust,
with very large ruffled collar or headdress. This bust is not found on all pieces
in this pattern; or if present, is often notably less elaborate than the version
depicted on these examples.
The spoons are appropriately and identically hallmarked sterling, London, c.1888/89;
one slightly more rubbed than other. Due to location on bowl back, makers mark is
most affected, being barely visible on one and only partially discernible on the
other spoon; we were unable to photograph makers mark, however all other marks are
clearly visible, as shown in our image.
These are very large serving pieces, measuring apx. 9 & 1/8 inches.
They are extremely well made and constructed of very substantial sterling; combined
weight is a considerable 6.3 troy ounces.
The spoons are in extremely nice condition, with no dings, dents or noted repairs.
Commensurate with age and use the pattern design on handles shows light smoothing,
as appropriate and expected for 120 year old serving pieces. Overall an exceptional,
hard to find PAIR of large antique servers, in a desirable and highly sought after,
historically important pattern.
