Anne Tanqueray Lemon Strainer

This is an exceptionally rare piece by the highly sought after lady silversmith, Anne Tanqueray. Anne Tanqueray was from a famous Huguenot silversmithing family - she was the eldest daughter and first child of David Willaume and was the widow to David Tanqueray. She entered her first mark at Goldsmiths Hall circa 1724 and worked until 1733. The high status of the workshop is shown as they were designated Goldsmiths Subordinate to King George II.

This early example of a lemon strainer has two solid handles with one handle engraved with an original crest and both bear partial hallmarks to the underside. The round bowl is beautifully pierced and prevents the pips from falling in to punch. The hallmarks are partly cut-out by the piercing, so much so that the date letter is only partially visible, however a major bonus is the clear example of the "AT" maker's mark within a widow's lozenge for Anne Tanqueray. The condition is very good, but there appears to be a small repair to one handle - as shown in the final photo.

For more information on this silversmith, Anne Tanqueray also has her own Wikipedia page!