Sterling Silver Sugar Sifter Mary Chawner London 1834 ANTIQUE

Sterling Silver Sugar Sifter Mary Chawner London 1834 ANTIQUE

A solid and well executed sugar sifter made in London by silversmith Mary Chawner (1792-1870). The Chawner family business was established by her husband William in 1815 and produced high quality cutlery. Unfortunately in 1834 he passed away and Mary was forced to take on the business herself until her son was old enough. She registered her first mark at Goldsmiths Hall in the same year, 1834. Eventually the business was taken over by George Adams.

This sugar sifter is shaped like a ladle and made in a fiddle back design. The handle is straight throughout, with a curve section towards the top. This area is skilfully engraved with a lovely inital 'M' and a (family?) crest of a rising eagle. The bowl shows the skill of the silversmith with a decorative flower and foliage design. Made of sterling silver with clear hall marks that show the manufacturer's initials 'MC', lion passant mark, London town mark, and year mark 't'. A lovely detail is the confirmation that the tax was paid for the American War of Independence as the spoon handle is also stamped with the temporary duty mark of the monarch's head. 

But what makes this particular antique sugar sifter so interesting to the collector is that it was produced in the same year that Mary Chawner took over her husband's firm. She registered her first hall mark on the 14th April 1834, so this antique ladle will have been part of the first production year with her new MC stamp.

The condition of the sifter ladle is excellent with bright looking silver and crisp piercing. 

Product summary

• Manufacturer: Mary Chawner / Chawner & Co
• Place Of Origin: London, England
  
• Material: Sterling silver
• Manufacturer Marks & Inscriptions: Yes
• Period: 19th Century
• Provenance: No
• Item Size: Length 150mm (6 inches) x Width 45mm (1.75 inches) Widest Point  approx.
  

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