A very fine and unusual George III Biggin on Lampstand made in London in 1811 by the Royal silversmiths, Benjamin & James Smith.

The Jug is of compressed egg shaped form with an applied beaded rim.  The neck is cast and decorated with palm motifs, interspersed with bluebell drops.  The centre of the main body also displays a raised band of Rococo shells and anthemions on a matted ground.  The fruitwood handle is attached to the main body with a very unusual, and detailed, Summer fruit and vine moulding.  The hinged cover terminates in an oval fruitwood finial.  The egg shaped stand is cast and has three beautiful scroll legs decorated with shells and anthemions, and with shells at the top flanked by acanthus leaves.  The upper cradle, where the jug sits, is decorated with lily pad details and the lower cradle, where the spirit burner sits, is decorated with the same palm motifs and bluebells, which are seen on the main body.  The jug and stand is in most excellent condition and is fully marked on the jug, stand and burner.  The cover of the burner is, in addition, marked with the sterling mark and the cover of the jug is marked with the sterling mark and date letter.

This piece is in quite exceptional condition and is of the finest quality in terms of design and production and has a very satisying weight.  These were used for hot coffee, water or hot milk, the lampstand keeping the contents hot.  The beautifully design, however, lends itself to being a very decorative piece on a side table when not in use.

Benjamin & James Smith were in partnership from 1809 until 1812.  Before moving to London, to work closely with Paul Storr and the firm of Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, Benjamin & James Smith lived and worked in Birmingham, for some time in partnership with the great Matthew Boulton.  The quality of their work, either alone or in partnership, is equal to that of Storr.  Benjamin Smith's work is contained within the Royal Collection of His Majesty King Charles III and his most important production for King George III was probably the Jamaica Service of 1803 in the Royal Collection.

Height: 10.25 inches, 25.63 cm.

Length: 6 inches, 15 cm.

Width: 4.5 inches, 11.25 cm.

Weight: 40oz.