A George II sterling silver coffee pot, London 1733 by Benjamin Godfrey (reg. 3rd Oct 1732)

Of conical form with moulded rim, the plain tubular spout with engraved decoration at the base of lattice work reserved in foliate scrolls cartouches with shells, opposite a wooden C scroll handle. The hinged domed lid with incised rings surmounted by a pyriform finial. The side later engraved with large initials JNG in flourished cursive script al below a crest of a griffin’s head erased. Also initialled underneath R over G*M in Roman script. Fully marked underneath, the lid unmarked. Also with scratch weight 20:19.

Height – 24 cm / 9.5 inches

Weight – 673 grams / 21.64 ozt

Providing the last name is G, the crest is for Gardener, Gardner, Godsal/Godsale/Godsall/Godsell, Gouch, Greenlough, Greenway and Griffeth

Godfrey was the husband of Elizabeth Buteax, nee Pantin. She was the widow of silversmith Abraham Buteux and daughter of notable huguenot silversmith Simon Pantin. She entered her mark as Elizabeth Godfrey on the 19th June 1741 presumably upon the death of Benjamin.

Andrew Milne Collection