Lot 340
A GEORGE II SAUCE BOAT
JAMES WELSH, EDINBURGH 1753
Scottish Works of Art & Whisky
Auction: 17 August 2022 at 11:00 BST
Description
Assay Master Hugh Gordon, of slight baluster form with everted scalloped rim and wide pouring spout, the body engraved with crest and moto, with leaf capped S scroll handle and shell capped scroll feet
Dimensions
19cm long, 9.3oz
Footnote
Heraldry: The Crest of Maxwell of Cardoness
Crest: A man’s face affronty with two branches of laurel disposed in orle all proper
Motto: Think on
Note: Given the date of hallmarking this sauce boat was either in the possession of Major John Maxwell of Cardoness in the County of Kirkcudbrightshire (born 5th April 1700 died February 1754) or one of his four sons The Maxwells of Cardoness were a cadet branch of the Maxwells of Calderwood in the County of Lanarkshire.
James Welsh marks along with James Mitchell's 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.