Christening set, silver gilt (in presentation case); English, 1864

1. length 21.9 cm; maximum width 2 cm
2. length 18.2 cm; maximum width 2.2 cm
3. length 18.2 cm; maximum width 3.6 cm
4. height 11.1 cm; diameter of base 6.9 cm; maximum diameter 10.5 cm
5. height 10.2 cm; diameter of base 7.75; maximum diameter 11.2 cm
6. diameter 17.8 cm
7. diameter 11.1 cm
8. height 15 cm, 17.6 cm wide, 23 cm long

Six-piece Christening set , entirely of silver gilt in the 'Canova' pattern by George William Adams for Chawner & Co of London, in original presentation case. The motifs are based on the neoclassical figures of 'Hebe', 'Dancing Flower Girl Reposing' and 'Sappho' by the sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822).
1. knife, with a rounded blade die-stamped on both sides with a motif of 'Hebe' (view from opposite on reverse), and the handle on both sides with the 'Dancing Flower Girl Reposing' beneath a pair of putti; Jane's monogram is shown on the handle within a cartouche with a pendant beruffed head at the base.
2. four-tined fork, with the 'Dancing Girl' beneath a pair of putti on the front of the handle; the back of the handle is engraved with Jane's monogram above a bearded face; the heel of the fork shows the 'Sappho' motif .
3. spoon with a tapering bowl, the handle and heel with the motifs and monogram to match those on the fork.
4. mug, of a waisted cylindrical shape with a slightly everted rim and a double scroll handle, on a short foot chased with four cartouches, each containing a 'Sappho' motif; the body of the mug chased with swags of stylized flowers and foliage and two panels with triple-arched tops, one showing 'Hebe', the other the 'Dancing Girl'; a central cartouche surmounted by an eagle contains the inscription
"Jane Dunlop Best
FROM HER GODFATHER
AND
HER FATHER'S FRIEND
M.H.S."
5. bowl, of a waisted shape with an everted rim, on a short foot chased with four cartouches, each showing the 'Sappho' motif; the body of the bowl chased with swags of stylized flowers and foliage, and two panels with triple-arched tops, one showing 'Hebe', the other the 'Dancing Girl'; a central cartouche surmounted by an eagle contains the inscription
"Jane Dunlop Best
FROM HER GODFATHER
AND
HER FATHER'S FRIEND
M.H.S."
(an equivalent cartouche on the opposite side is blank).
6. circular plate with a scrolled piecrust edge, the rim engraved with stylized sprays of flowers and foliage and chased with six cartouches, each showing the 'Sappho' motif; the recessed centre is engraved with a monogrammed cartouche surmounted by an eagle, and having a pendant bearded face within a scroll.
7. removable recessed circular case fitting of card covered with dark green velvet for the foot of (5), so that it may stand on (6) for storage without damaging either piece.
8. original presentation case of wood covered with maroon leather, lined with dark green velvet and silk, and stamped with gilt initials "J.D.B.", with shallow recesses within the base for the cutlery and plate. The bowl stands within its fitting on top of the plate, and the hinged lid is shaped to fit closely around both it and the mug; the base of the box is deeply recessed to accommodate the mug, and also has a stabilizing foot.

References: Sotheby's (Colonnade) catalogue for a sale of ceramics, glass and silver, 17th and 26th September 1996 (Lot 395).
"British Silver at Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall" by James Lomax (LACF/ Maney & Sons, Leeds, 1922), entries 21, 22 .
"The Works of Canova...engraved by Henry Moses" (1824)

Given to Jane Dunlop Best by her godfather. The recipient is probably the same Jane D. Best, born about 1865 in Bombay, who is recorded in the 1881 UK Census as resident in Green Hill Road, Hampstead, London as a scholar.

Examples of the 'Canova' pattern were shown by Chawners at the Great Exhibition of 1851: the pattern continued in use both when Adams (who was Chawner's son-in-law) took over the firm, and when he sold out to Holland, Aldwinkle and Slater in 1883.

Price: £2117.25 (£1800 + £317.25)

Made by George William Adams for Chawner & Co, Hosier Lane, Smithfield, London; the figures are based on the sculptures of Antonio Canova (born in Possagno, Italy, 1757, died in Venice, 1822)

Made by: George William Adams for Chawner & Co, Hosier Lane, Smithfield, London; case stamped C F HANCOCK, JEWELLER & SILVERSMITH TO THE QUEEN, 38 & 39 BRUTON ST, BOND STREET

Object Type
This christening set consists of a matching knife, fork, spoon, cup, plate and bowl, in the original presentation case. The size of the pieces and the subject of the decorative motifs do not seem very appropriate for children, but the set was intended as a future heirloom rather than for a very young child's use.

People
George William Adams (1808-1895), who made this set, worked for the silversmiths Chawner & Co. This firm was established in 1815 in Smithfield, London. Adams and his father-in-law William Chawner made other pieces of silver in this pattern, some of which they showed at the Great Exhibition of 1851. Adams eventually took over the firm but sold it to Holland, Aldwinkle & Slater in 1883.

Subjects Depicted
The motifs and classical figures on these pieces are known as the 'Canova' pattern. The sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822) was much admired during the 19th century, particularly after Henry Moses (1782-1870) made engravings of his sculptures, published in 1824. The 'Canova' pattern proved to be popular, and was still in use in the 1880s.

B.216:1 to 8-1996