Large Paul Storr Server... Crest ID Help Please

[rynegold]

Here's a large Paul Storr server (for lack of a more fitting noun) with a finely done crest... to whom might this have belonged?
And can I assume that such common pieces as this are at the bottom of the "collectability curve"? I like it, and; I use my silver every day but for the life of me I can't see using this in a household of two. Well; two persons, three cats and twenty nine chickens.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/19089828@ ... 5714/show/

regards, mitch

[rynegold]

Oh, and I forgot to ask, since I'm paying real money for this; may I assume that the "cushion and Crown" are sterling as well? I ask as they bear no Leopard's head cartouche that I can find. They are #'d "4" to the piece i.e. as in assembly, and bear the export mark (?) and maker's marks, but no Leopard's head. Still is the piece ALL STERLING? This is one heavy sterling item; right at 2000 grams.

regards, mitch

[rynegold]

Lest one think me lazy, I've found the meaning of the motto and, it points to the Duke of Westminster and or, his kin.. for all that's probably worth. None the less by way of simple consideration of the letter date of 1804 (which make little sense as Storr's mark wasn't registered in 1807??) against the various Baronages of the Duke of W, I find that perhaps this could have been the original owner? (I understand little of British Royalty so my apologies in advance.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Er ... 80%931819)

regards, mitch

[silvermakersmarks]

That particular mark of Paul Storr was first registered in April 1793 so the date letter for 1804/05 is not anachronous. It is/was normal that removable parts only have partial hallmarks and I see enough on the finial to assure me that it too is sterling. I'm not sure what you mean by an "export" mark - there was no such thing.

Phil

[rynegold]

Thanks Phil I missed that dot in the maker's mark. I see now that is the earlier one I've got on this piece. And I miss spoke earlier, I meant a "duty" mark... isnt' that what the little head of George III is? I don't know that whole story on duty buy I presume it was to the Crown; sort of an artisan's tax? Anyway I'm still wondering "who" it was made for.


regards, mitch

[WarrenKundis]

Mitch,

With a date of 1804 a more likely candidate for this coat of arms is Robert Grosvenor (1767-1845) who was created 2nd Earl Grosvenor in 1802. Created Marquess of Westminister in 1831. His son Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess, was awarded the Order of the Garter in 1857. Robert's grandson Hugh, the future Duke, was born in 1825. Was created Duke in 1874. More than likely not the Duke's personal property, his grandfather Robert Grosvenor.

Honestly I'm just going by what I see, hopefully someone can educate the both of us.
Warren

[rynegold]

Thanks Warren... that certainly helps! It's a nice piece albiet not really a desirable item as collectable silver gos.

Thanks for the comment!

regards,
mitch

[WarrenKundis]

Your very welcome Mitch, the family name Grosvenor sparked my interest in researching something out of my area.

Had recently purchased a fine engraving of one of Lord Grosvenor's prized stallions Sweet William which I had also attributed to Hugh Grosvenor 1st Duke of Westminister. Looking more closely at the dates and the particular way the amorial crest was structured; lacked the Garter arms, extended version of the motto, and the armorial shield was different made me realize that Sweet William most likely belonged to Lord Robert and not his grandson Hugh.

An extremely impressive piece you were looking at, one that would have spent its time in a bank vault but thanks for sharing it with us.

Warren

[rynegold]

Goodness Warren... a bank vault?? I had no idea. So horses were a prize yes? I'll post a pic of the Paul Storr sugar that came in this lot, ( a huge sugar! like they couldn't get enough of it!) it has a cast, hand engraved/embellished thoroughbred finial... hmmm. I can't remember what crest is on it but it matches a third (yet to post) PS teapot (me thinks) which has a matching PS burner stand. I'll post some pix if I've time tomorrow and, thanks again for your comment and research!

regards, mitch