A PAIR OF GEORGE III SILVER LIDDED ENTREE DISHES (2)

Condition Report

The hallmarks to the bases look slightly distorted and are partly indistinct, the borders are detailed Lewis St James's St, London and reflect a possibly later design, although they have a part mark of a duty mark and lion passant.  There are cut marks to the interior of the bases as a result of use, more so on one than the other.

The covers;  the principal marks look upside down on both, one rim has part marks of a passant lion and duty head, the other rim is not marked.  One detachable handle is marked with a passant lion and duty mark, the other detachable handle is unmarked.  The handles look too large and bold for the design of the lids and are more than likely replacements, as they do not fit perfectly, e.g there is a hole to one lid, which normally would align with a stabilizing pin from the handle.  It seems that the decorated rims to the bases and the handles are later alterations to enhance the decorative quality of the dishes and covers. We have shared opinions with a member of the local trade, but cannot be certain as to why one handle is marked and that the other is not.  We would be offering it as unmarked silver