It carries marks for the maker IG above a star and for London 1655 and has the pricked initials L over WM. Dating from the tumultuous period when Puritanism was the dominant form of religious expression in England, silver from this period is notably plain, typically lacking the decorative flourishes seen before and after the Interregnum.
As many pieces were subsequently melted down or reworked, survivors are rare. This piece, in relatively good condition with clear marks to both the bowl and the underside of the base, attracted a raft of phone bidders against its estimate of £300-500 at the sale on June 16.
The hammer price was £9500.
Early item
George I candle snuffer and stand – £3400 at Mallams.
Another popular early silver item was a George I silver candle snuffer and hour-glass form stand by George Gillingham, London 1716.
With clear marks and a period engraved crest, these were estimated at a modest £850-950 but sold at £3400.
