George I Taperstick, 1717

Standing 3" tall, this small George I period taper stick has a hexagonal base and capital with cylindrical column and would probably originally been intended for use with a travelling desk set or standish. It bears Britannia Standard hallmarks to four of the panels around the outside of the base and includes the "Sc" maker's mark of William Scarlett. A fifth panel is engraved with a crest depicting a seated griffin. This taperstick is in excellent condition and although the hallmarks are a little rubbed, they remain legible. A rare piece of early 18th century desk silver.