A William IV Scottish sterling silver three-piece tea service, Edinburgh 1831 by James McKay

Comprising a teapot, a milk jug and a twin handled sugar bowl. Each of compressed circular form upon a stepped circular foot with corded rim. The waisted neck leading to a cast and applied ivy leaf rim with a hinged gently domed lid surmounted by shaped finials composed of four scrolling husk shells with a cauliflower centre atop of a rocaille calyx. The scroll handle with ivory insulators, with a textured stylised leaf thumbpiece atop of trailing flower heads and leaves with a trunk like junction. This opposite a curved spout with husk shell cap, chased leaf work and a fluted scroll and husk shell underside. The bodies with embossed decoration of flower heads and leaves against a matted ground reserved in foliate C scrolls forming a vacant cartouche atop of a rocaille splay. The sugar and milk with a gilt interior. All fully marked, the teapot lid part-marked, the handle unmarked. (3)

Teapot length – 31 cm / 12.5 inches

Weight – 1446 grams / 46.49 ozt

There are several different silversmiths all called James McKay, designated by the Edinburgh Incorporation of Goldsmiths as James McKay II, James McKay IV & James McKay V. Only the latter (working dates 1841-1864) is shown as having a JMC mark; no marks are shown for the other two.

A teapot and a milk jug with very similar handles and spout marked for McKay and 1828 was sold Bonham’ s Knightsbridge, 7 March 2008, Lot 194 (£875 incl. premium)