Silver Covered Tureen on Stand by John Bridge

This stately covered tureen and stand were crafted by the renowned London silversmith John Bridge, known as the co-founder of Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, who held the Royal Warrant as Crown Jewellers in the first half of the 19th century. The silver tureen features naturalistic oak leaf and acorn motifs, with scrolling feet adorned with chased foliage. Engraved arms to either side of tureen and tray, with crest to either side of lid are those of Duncombe impaling Legge for Charles Duncombe, who served as MP of Shaftesburg from 1790 to 1796, Aldborough from 1796 to 1806, for Heytesbury from 1812 to 1818 and for Newport, Isle of Wight from 1818 to 1826. Works that are created by Bridge and bear his individual hallmark, especially those made for nobility, are incredibly rare and desirable treasures for discriminating silver collectors throughout the world.

Under the direction of Philip Rundell (1746-1827), Rundell, Bridge and Rundell was the most prestigious and influential goldsmithing firm in 19th-century England. However, it was his partner John Bridge (1755-1834), through an association with his cousin John Fammer, that the firm caught the attention of England’s King George III. The sovereign was so impressed with Bridge’s work, that in 1789, George III named Rundell, Bridge and Rundell “Jewelers and Goldsmiths to the King”, holding that warrant under the reigns of George III, George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria. The firm prospered, fulfilling commissions from the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York and other members of the Royal Family throughout its existence. A similar tureen resides in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the tureen's design is attributed to Edward Hodges Baily based on a drawing also in the collection of the V&A.

Hallmarked London, 1827

13 1/2" high x 21 1/4" wide x 11 1/2" deep