Antique Scottish Silver Zodiac Coffee Pot - Hamilton & Inches Edinburgh 1876 (Code 0529)

A Victorian period Scottish silver zodiac coffee pot or ewer by Hamilton and Inches of Edinburgh.  The style is very much in the Anglo-Indian, and if it were not for the clear hallmarks it would almost certainly be attributed to being of colonial origin.  It is of thick construction for it's type and clearly of very high quality (as you would expect for this high class silversmiths who are still in business today).  Just above the belly are panels featuring the symbols of the zodiac set in chased detail.  The handle has spacers to prevent heat passing through, and although this would suggest a use for hot drinks - coffee etc - these items were also used as ewers for wine.  Clear Edinburgh hallmarks to the underside with the date code for 1876 and the sponsors mark.

There is a lozenge which has initials which appears to read 'JMS' or similar and above is a crest with a bird and the text 'I Will Speed' and initials below.  Unfortunately I have been unable to trace further details of this crest and who may had been the original owner.  Cathcart has a similar motto, however the crest is entirely different, and I also can't find a Latin translation which fits either.  Perhaps some interesting research potential here especially with the Scottish link.

 

A few minor knocks to the handle etc.  Some fine detail polished from the high points from years of cleaning.  Base has a slight rock on a dead flat surface suggesting minor deformation of the foot rim.  Insulator pins slightly loose giving a bit of movement, but in no danger of coming free.



Approx Dimensions


Height: 28 cm ( 11 inch )

Width: 13.5 cm ( 5 1/4 inch )

Weight: 804 grams (before packing)



Stock Code:  0529  MY17-1