A pair of George II sterling silver salts, London 1734 by James Stone (reg. 14^th April 1726)

Of compressed circular ‘cauldron’ form with lobed sides, raised upon three cabriole legs with pad feet and moulded junctions. Gilt interior. Each engraved to the side with traces of a crest, possibly a mermaid. Each fully marked underneath. Together with a pair of George III salts spoons, twisted openwork handles and shell bowls. (4)

Diameter – 7 cm / 2.75 inches

Weight – 179 grams / 5.75 ozt

James Stone was apprenticed to James Roode on the 11^th August 1715, free 6^th September 1722 and registered his mark in the small workers register on 14^th April 1726, giving the address as “Mr Stewards in Maiden Lane near Goldsmiths Hall, Free Goldsmith”. It seems likely that he would have worked as a journeyman for Joseph Steward I (reg. 18^th Nov 1719), until registering his own mark.