THE WALPOLE SILVER GILT SEAL SALVER

Anne Bentley of the Massachusetts Historical Society writes:

The Walpole Silver Gilt Seal Salver
William Lukin, London, circa 1717, engraving by Joseph Sympson

Of circular form, on a pedestal foot, the field engraved with the matrices of the first Seal of the Exchequer of George I, one roundel depicting George I seated on his throne surrounded by Britannia, Justice and the Lion and Unicorn; one roundel engraved with the Royal arms; the larger central roundel depicting Apollo driving his chariot with chained allegorical figures below, and signed I. Sympson sculp. The reverse struck four times with sponsor's mark, and scratched Geo I 1717-1724. Diameter 14 inches (35.5 cm), approximately 61 ounces.

Provenance:
Sir Robert Walpole (1676-1745)
Horace Walpole (1717-1797)
Strawberry Hill sale of 1842, lot 115, (for £40 9s 3d)
Bought by 13th Earl of Derby, by descent
18th Earl of Derby, sold privately 1940s
A New York Private Collection

 

A Rediscovered Treasure
The rediscovery of the Walpole silver seal salver marks the return of an important piece of 18th century English silver. For many years, the tazza was known only from an ink impression, now in the collection of the British Museum. The tazza forms part of a select group of ‘seal silver', traditionally given as a royal perquisite to Crown office holders, and features exceptionally fine and rare, signed engraving.

A Perq of Office: The Tradition of Seal Silver
According to tradition dating back to the 16th century, certain state office holders were entitled to a seal of office. When the seal became obsolete, the silver matrices were broken or defaced and then returned to the office holder, as a perquisite (or perq) of office. Dr. Tessa Murdoch's research on the subject cites the first instance of fashioning matrices into covered cups was in 1574, fashioned from Mary I's great seal. Salvers superseded cups as the plate of choice around 1700, first for the Exchequer Seal of William and Mary. The flat surface was ideal for showcasing the engraved seals on these works of display plate. Murdoch has documented 13 seal salvers, in public and private collections, including the current lot.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Old Master Paintings / Silver / English & Continental Furniture (https://doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-69---the-walpole-silver-gilt-seal-salver/?lot=1478281&s=57)

See also:
Walpole's first ‘seal' salver found in New York comes to auction (https://www.antiquestradegazette.com/print-edition/2026/april/2740/news/walpole-s-first-seal-salver-found-in-new-york-comes-to-auction)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web