Selected Silver and Objects of Vertu

A James II silver gilt porringer,
by Timothy Ley, London 1686,

with twin S-scroll handles, the body decorated with embossed border of repeating husks with rising acanthus leaf decoration below, initialled FW, contained within 19th century fitted case, porringer probably later gilded, height 7.9cm, diameter 9.6cm. £1,000-£1,500

Porringers, for porridge or soup, were first made in the last half of the seventeenth century. They differ from caudle-cups in that the sides are straight and not curved. The acanthus leaf was a popular decoration.

“And often after sunset, sir,
When it is bright and fair
I take my little porringer
And eat my supper there”

William Wordsworth: ‘We are Seven’,1793.
See: Montague Howard: Old London Silver, pub Charles Scribner’s Sons, Oct 1903, The De Vinnne Press, US, page 113.



Literature:

Timothy Ley (or Timothy Leigh) is referred to as free of the Founders’ Company ‘by his fathers Coppy’ (stet) (ie by patrimony) on 2 May 1681. His address was recorded by Heal as Timothy Lee, goldsmith, parish of St Gabriel, Fenchurch Street, 1692-3 and London 1700, he is again recorded as Lee, plateworker, Fenchurch Street in 1697.
Arthur G. Grimwade: London Goldsmiths 1697-1837 page 582.