Richard Ferris Silver Cream Jug, Exeter 1795

This is an attractive George III helmet-shaped silver cream jug with the bonus of being made in Exeter.

The tall jug stands on a square, pedestal foot with a high, looped handle and is beautifully bright-cut engraved to the body. The engraved initials are interesting as they take an unusual form with the central letter most likely the surname of the couple with "J" and "E" their first names - this is a rare version of the betrothal triangle that would have been standard on mid-18th century London-made silver and is a quirky provincial nuance. By the 1790's a typical London-made jug would almost certainly bear script initials. 

The three marks can be identified as being stamped by the Exeter assay office from the straight-sided punch used for the lion passant and the distinctive "RF" maker's mark for Richard Ferris. Date letters were generally not used in Exeter on small pieces, but Richard Ferris was working from the 1790's and that helps accurately date the jug.

The condition is excellent with good, crisp engraving and neither damage nor repair.