Georgian Lemon Strainer, 1755

Silver lemon strainers were used for adding fruit juice, oranges and limes as well as lemons, to punch and other cocktails. This example has two handles so that it can sit comfortably on top of a goblet and is expertly pierced to allow the juices to flow, but the pips to remain. The hallmarks are located to the centre of the bowl and as is commonplace they have been partly pierced out , but fortunately on this strainer all the marks can still easily be read. The two handles are both appropriately part-marked with a lion passant and "SM" maker's mark. This is a fabulous piece of Georgian silver.