[Plate IIIc.]—Cup with cover, gilt; height, 11¼ ins.; diameter of bowl, 9½ ins.; both hall-marked London 1682; maker’s mark, ‘R. L.’ in a shield over a fleur-de-luce; weight, 118 oz. 15 dwt. The cup, which stands on a base ¾ in. in height, is of porringer shape, decorated with a surbase of upright and repoussé acanthus, alternating with plain leaves in lower relief; above this in fine line engraving are the Poulett arms within a mantling of acanthus, and the inscription, ‘Ex dono prænobilis Caroli Dm̄i Marchionis Winton,’ etc. The scroll handles are cast solid, and terminate in animals’ heads.
PLATE IV
ROSE WATER DISH AND EWER, AND SMALL GILT STANDING CUP AND COVER BELONGING TO WINCHESTER COLLEGE
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LARGER IMAGE
PLATE V
TWO TANKARDS AND STANDING SALT BELONGING TO WINCHESTER COLLEGE
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LARGER IMAGE
The cover is of flattened form and plain except for a central enrichment of acanthus in a spiral design, and finishes in an open-worked knop of the same leaves. The condition of this unusually large porringer cup is surprising. It has the original gilding, and the sharp yet round modelling of the ornament shows to what perfection this form of decoration was carried. The rapid deterioration of this acanthus design in William III’s reign goes far towards explaining the reason for its lasting such a short period. The acanthus scrolled handles are a little small for the otherwise perfect proportions of this very remarkable cup.