|
| Charles II (Carolean) Restoration Period Silver Porringer - Ralph Leeke
|
Order Form
Request more information
|
 |
Reference: S11365
Period: Charles II
Year: 1669
Silversmith: Ralph Leeke
Place: London
Price: $ 3 450.00
Weight: 242 grams
Dimensions: 11 cm bowl diameter, height 9 cm
Condition: Overall very good, but old repairs to top of both handles (solder marks, have been re-attached). Split to rim above 1 handle 5 mm. Both handle bases look original. Very small split to rim (2 mm). Small dents to base.
Description: A rare Charles II Restoration period silver porringer, made by Ralph Leeke, one of the leading goldsmiths of the late 17th century, in 1669. The porringer is the traditional shape and size (noticeably larger than later examples), and is chased in high relief with a running stag and hunting hound, surrounded by bold Stuart flowers (we think daffodils and poppies), these bold flowers predate the commoner restrained acanthus decoration introduced around 1680. The porringer has the traditional cast caryatid scroll handles with faces on both sides. The flat circular base is engraved with original owners initials F/SM, the engraving has character. The porringer has 6 hallmarks on the base, crowned leopards head town mark for London, date letter Gothic M for 1669 (slight wear to top but unmistakable for 1669), Lion passant, and makers mark RL above trefoil in shaped shield struck 3 times, 2 are partially worn but still readable and 1 mark is very clear. Ralph Leeke (or Leake) has been described as "a fine 17th century silversmith who worked for the King's goldsmith Sir Robert Goldsmith, he also worked with Sir Christopher Wren. He has left a legacy of fine silver, many in museums today". Grimwade uses the Leeke spelling, he records him working 1671 to 1702, but points out mystery re his dates. Christies auction house attributes this particular mark to Robert Leake, who we cannot trace. Charles Oman, in his book Caroline Silver, page 29, notes that Cripps and Jackson attribute the mark RL above fleur-de-lis to Ralph Leake, but states there were 2 different Ralph Leakes (I and II) who were cousins, and may have been in partnership and used the same mark. We believe this porringer was made by the earlier Leake, which explains the date letter of 1669 which predates the freedom of Ralph Leeke II recorded in Grimwade as freed in 1671. More research is required, all assistance welcome. This makers mark is depicted in Jackson, page 137, dated 1680.
|
|
|
|
|
Charles II (Carolean) Restoration Period Silver Porringer - Ralph Leeke
|
|
|
|
|
Ralph Leeke antique Silver Porringer
|
|
|
|
|
Restoration Period Silver Porringer with hound
|
|
|
|
|
Silver porringer handle
|
|
|
|
|
Carolean silver porringer interior
|
|
|
|
|
Ralph Leeke London 1669 silver hallmarks
|
|
|
|
|
Ralph Leeke antique Silver Porringer hound
|
|
|
|
|
Carolean silver porringer running dog detail
|
|
|
|
|
Ralph Leake silver porringer handle
|
|
|
|
|
Handle repair and small split
|
|
|
|
|
Silver porringer handle repair
|
|
|
|
|
Ralph Leeke London 1669 silver hallmarks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
