George III Silver Warwick Cruet

Date: 1761

Maker: John Delmester

Country: England

Stock Number: 9300

Description

A handsome antique sterling silver cruet set with a matching set of 3 silver casters and 2 silver topped and faceted crystal oil and vinegar bottles. The cinquefoil frame has 4 shell feet and a shaped decorative cartouche containing a hand engraved armorial. An unusual feature is that one small caster has been fitted with a plain inner sleeve; this is known as a "blind caster" which is the earliest form of mustard pot. Total weight of silver 1498 grams, 48.1 troy ounces. Caster height 19.5 and 16 cm, bottle height 18.3 cm, each with a matching hand engraved crest. Casters London 1764, frame London 1761, maker John Delmester.

Literature: The earliest cruet frames contained 3 castors and 2 glass bottles and are not found before 1700. This form is named the "Warwick" cruet after the cruet created by Anthony Nelme in 1715 for the Duke of Warwick. Occasionally one finds the two bottle oil and vinegar frame at this date although this form is more usually found on the continent. Later in the 18th century the number of bottles could be as many as 8 or 10 and these would have contained a variety of sauces of the period such as soy, ketchup, tarragon etc and they may have had little sauce labels to identify the contents.

Biography

John Delmester

John Delmester (Delmestre), London silversmith, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. Probably Hugeunot. Only mark entered as largeworker 1755.

Condition

This superb antique silver condiment set is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. The cruet frame and castor bases have a full set of English silver hallmarks underneath for London 1761/66. The caster tops have the lion and makers mark only. All pieces made by John Delmester. The bottle tops are unmarked, which is normal for this time, the bottle tops fit snugly in the circular holders on the side of the frame. The glass has that lovely Georgian colour which you don't find today, 1 bottle is lighter than the other. The bottles and casters all have a matching crest.
All fully functional, matching and original.
Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.