A George II cream boat
£3,200
Auction: 30 November 2010 at 11:00 GMT
Description
James Mitchell, Edinburgh 1740 - 1740, Assay Master Dougal Ged, of shaped oval outline with slightly baluster body, the everted scalloped rim with chased scroll and flower designs, the wide spout with lattice and scale border flanking shell motif, with leaf capped S scroll handle and raised on three paw feet with trefoil terminals
Dimensions
19cm long, 7oz
Footnote
Note: As with the marks of John Main and James Mitchelson there has long been confusion with the attribution of this maker's mark. It is now firmly ascribed to James Mitchell.
James Mitchell's marks along with James Welsh are the only maker's marks in Scotland to include a figure within the punch. It has long been debated what these figures are holding, a bag of coinage, precious metal, or tool of the craft, There seems little doubt it does signify a connection with the craft and trade.
References:
'Compendium of Scottish Silver II' R & J Dietert, illustrated plate 46, listed page 176