Paul Storr Silver-Gilt Bowl 

This rare and exceptional William IV bowl is the work of preeminent Georgian silversmith Paul Storr. Crafted of luxurious gilt silver, the bowl exhibits all the hallmarks of Storr’s celebrated style, from the textured panels and applied decorations to the ruffled scallop shells and acanthus adorning its matching, fitted underplate. Paul Storr was a master at redefining and perfecting Georgian, Regency and William IV silver. His works have remained the most desirable with collectors for generations, and many have been given as prizes in refined competitions. Elegant and sumptuous, this bowl was later awarded as First Prize in a backgammon tournament in 1972.

Paul Storr was a master at redefining and perfecting Georgian, Regency and William IV silver. Although he created items of great extravagance, some of his most captivating designs exhibited his restrained yet refined sensibilities. His works have remained the most desirable with collectors for generations and many have been given as prizes in refined competitions.

Later presentation inscription “Clermont Club Grand International Backgammon Tournament April 1972 First Prize”

Hallmarked London, 1836 on bowl and stand; stand numbered 435

Bowl: 8 ¼” diameter x 3 3/8” high
Stand: 10” diameter
38.2 troy ounces

The Clermont Club, located on London’s aristocratic Berkeley Square in Mayfair, is one of the most exclusive gaming clubs in the world. The club is housed in the only surviving town house designed by renowned Georgian architect William Kent, and the architecture and interiors make it one of the most elegant clubs in existence. The list of the club's original members included the cream of the British aristocracy: five dukes, five marquesses, 20 earls and two cabinet ministers. Home to the Clermont Set, an exclusive group of upper-class British gamblers, it was the first London casino opened by John Aspinall after he won the gaming license under Britain's new gambling law.  Famous among British celebrities since its opening, the club was sold in 1972 to Playboy Enterprises.