Very early Sheffield Pair of Georgian Wine Coasters, 1774

The Sheffield Assay Office opened in 1773 and so this terrific pair of silver wine coasters dates from the second year after opening. 

These bottle coasters have beautifully pierced galleries, but are unusual in having slightly different mountings to the top edge - there's no doubt they are a pair and have been together since manufacture, so presumably this was either an oversight or a request from the original client. Both have a vacant cartouche which remains available for engravings, with none previously removed.

The coasters retain their original wooden bases which have green baize to their undersides to prevent scuffing to a table. They were made by Richard Morton & Company who were one of the first entries in the Sheffield Assay Office books.

These are a very attractive pair of Georgian silver wine coasters that have the bonus of historically important hallmarks and are in fine condition throughout.