A George III sterling silver eight-bottle cruet, London 1786 by William Abdy (reg. 24th June 1763, d.1790)

A George III sterling silver eight-bottle cruet, London 1786 by William Abdy (reg. 24th June 1763, d.1790)

in the Neoclassical style, of oval navette form with a beaded rim raised on four ball and claw bifurcated bracket feet. The body with bright cut engraved decoration of floral garlands linked by rosettes between pierced bands of repeating triangles, the ends with bright cut engraved and pierced rosettes. The central carrying handle with beaded decoration leading to a pierced and engraved bottle divider. Fitted with a pair oil and vinegar bottles, a sugar/spice caster and a pepper caster, four condiment bottles. Each with cut clear glass paneled bodies. The base with one cartouche with traces of a lion rampant crest, the other with engraved initials RH in cursive script. Wooden inset base to underside only. Fully marked to edge, the carrying handle with makers mark and lion passant only, the four screw fitted feet and hinged lids to oil and vinegar bottles with lion passant only, other elements unmarked.

Length – 20.2 cm / 8 inches

Gross weight – 1903 grams

The RH is for Robert Haladane (1764-1842), thence by descent

Another similar eight-bottle cruet by Abdy of 1788 was sold Dreweatts, 23 Oct 2019, Lot 10 (£380 hammer)

A near identical example by Abdy of 1785 was sold Bonham’s San Franciso, 7 May 2006, Lot 6513 ($956/£744 incl. premium)