Benjamin Smith II & James Smith III
A George III Silver-Gilt Basket
Benjamin Smith II & James Smith III
A George III Silver-Gilt Basket
London, 1809
Maker’s mark of Benjamin & James Smith
Diameter: 33.7 cm, 13.25 in
Weight: 1,822 g, 58 oz 10 dwt
The basket of circular form resting on a pedestal foot with wirework sides to both the foot and main body. These terminate in a writhen rope wire to the side of the basket. The wires covered in vine tendrils and beautifully chased, cast, and applied leaves together with bunches of grapes to form a grapevine. The swing-handle reeded with a cast rosette to its centre. The basket engraved with marital coat-of-arms.
Fully hallmarked on the base and handle, the base also arms. early 19th century Turin control marks
Koopman Rare Art 2010
Private Collection
Benjamin and James Smith were brother who were in partnership from 1809 until 1812 after having registered their joint mark. They lived and worked in Birmingham, for some time in partnership with Matthew Boulton, before moving to London to work closely with Paul Storr and the renowned firm of Rundell & Bridge. The excellent quality of their work is such that it is comparable to the royal silversmith, Paul Storr; the work of Benjamin Smith can be found in the collection of Her Majesty the Queen.
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Benjamin Smith II & James Smith III