Boulton & Fothergill Ewer, Birmingham 1773

An      important provincial silver ewer made and hallmarked in the first year of      the Birmingham Assay Office. This ewer is superbly made and is decorated      with acanthus leaves around the top of the neck and around the base of the      body. This pitcher was probably made for hot water or coffee as the wicker      bound handle would protect the user from the heat. The important hallmarks      are in fine clear condition.

Birmingham Assay Office was formed in 1773 mainly due to      the efforts of Matthew Boulton. The Soho factory belonging to Matthew      Boulton was intent upon speeding up production and cutting down the costs      of manufacturing top quality silver items. It was Boulton's patronage that      lead to the success of James Watts' steam engine. Boulton entered in to a      partnership with John Fothergill in 1762, but they never made a profit and      the partnership ended in acrimony in 1782.