George III Silver Soup Plates by Sebastian & James Crespell

This set of 12 George III-period soup plates were crafted by London silversmiths and brothers, Sebastian and James Crespell. Stunning in their execution, their rounded, gadrooned edges lend a neoclassical elegance to their design. On the rim of each plate is the engraved crest of the Scottish Dunlop family depicting a hand wielding a knife, symbolizing prowess in battle, underneath the motto “Merito,” meaning deserving. Etched underneath with their original scratch weight and numbered 61-72, these plates were likely once part of a larger set.

Sebastian and James Crespell were among the leading silversmiths working in London in the second half of the 18th century. They supplied goods to luxury retailers like Edward Wakelin, Thomas Heming and Wakelin & Taylor, all of whom were appointed royal silversmiths to King George III at one time. Today, their silver creations can be found in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York).

Hallmarked London, 1767

9 1/2" diameter x 1 1/8" high