Description
An extremely rare and important early Charles II Silver Sugar Box; full hallmarked for London 1662; the ovoid box and lid measure approx. 7 inches by 5 1/2 inches, and sit on four little bun feet; the piece weights 15ozs. approx; there is evidence of an old repair to the hinge.
Only three earlier examples are recorded; one of 1650 sold at Sotherby’s in 1974, another 1651 which is in the Worshipful Company of Goldsmith’s collection, and an example of 1661 from the Charles L. Poor collection.
The maker HB conjoined over a star, within a shield is recorded in Jacksons on page 119. Recent research undertaken by the Goldsmith’s Hall indicates this to be Hugh Bollen or Humphery Bates.
The arms on the lid of the box are those of Offley and were engraved somewhere between 5 to 15 years after the piece was made. We are currently undertaking further research to try and pinpoint this more accurately.
Overall an incredibly rare and delightful piece.
