This is a magnificent and very large antique Regency English Old Sheffield silver plated tray, circa 1820 in date.
This Old Sheffield tray is of rectangular shape and features a deep-set border which is richly decorated with exquisite scalloped shells, acanthus leaves and c scrolls, typical of the Regency period.
The tray has two elegant and large handles, one to each end, with matching acanthus leaves and c scrolls decoration.
The body of the tray is finely chased with floral and foliate decoration against a textured background.
The centre of the tray has a family crest and the Latin motto: 'Cavendo Tutus' which translates as "Look before you leap", this motto belonged to Chatsworth House, the home of the Duke of Devonshire.
I have had the crest researched:
The Marital Arms of Cruikshank and Purrier
The armorial bearings as engraved upon this Regency Old Sheffield Plate TwoHandled Tray dating to circa 1820 are those of the family of Cruikshank impaling Purrier. These armorial bearings denote the marshalling of a marital coat showing on the dexter (the heraldic right on the left as you view the piece) the arms of the husband and on the sinister (the heraldic left on the right as you view it) the arms of the wife. They may be blazoned as follows:
Arms:
(on the dexter)
Argent three boars’ heads couped sable within a bordure engrailed of the second (for Cruikshank)
(on the sinister)
Argent a chevron vert between in chief two pears of the last and in base on a mount a pear tree proper fructed or a chief ermines (for Purrier)
Crest:
A dexter hand in armour grasping a dagger in pale proper (for Cruikshank)
Motto:
Cavendo tutus [Safe by being cautious] (for Cruikshank)
These armorial bearings undoubtedly commemorate the marriage of Patrick Cruikshank of Glenskinno in the County of Forfar and of Richmond in the West Indies1 (born 17th March 1800 died 1875) and Charlotte Maria Purrier (baptised 26th April 1806 died 1886). Patrick and Charlotte were married on the 16th February 1832 at the Parish Church of St Marylebone, Marylebone in the County of Middlesex.2 Patrick was the eldest son of James Cruikshank of Langley Park in the County of Forfar and his wife, Margaret Helen Gerard, the daughter of The Reverend Alex Gerard, DD, of King’s College, Aberdeen; whilst Charlotte was the daughter of John Vincent Purrier, of Kingston upon Thames in the County of Surrey3 and his wife, Charlotte Maria Thomas.
The beauty, quality and craftsmanship of this tray, make it truly second to none.
Condition:
In excellent condition with no dings, dents or signs of repair and only minor signs of wear commensurate with age and use. Please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 5 x Width 72 x Depth 49
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 inches x Width 2 feet, 4 inches x Depth 1 foot, 7 inches
Our reference: 09472
Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse.
