Georgian, George III, Set of Four Silver Entree Dishes & Covers. Of elongated octagonal form, each with a removable finial as a clenched fist. Each dish interior and cover exterior are crested with the image of the finial. Reeded detail to the dish and cover borders.
The crest and finial represent the Kingsmill family of Hampshire. The most prominent member of the family at the end of the 18th Century was Admiral Sir Robert Brice Kingsmill (1730 - 1805). He was a close friend of Lord Nelson and was created a Baronet in 1800. It would seem highly probable that these dishes belonged to Admiral Sir Robert Kingsmill. A detailed heraldry report accompanies these dishes.
The dishes and covers are hallmarked for London 1789 (one pair) & 1791 (one pair) by James Young. On the covers for the 1789 pair there is no date letter, but the maker's mark is clear. The maker's mark is rubbed on one cover for the 1791 pair, but the year letter is clear. The bases are all fully hallmarked. The handles are not hallmarked.
In excellent order with moderate surface wear and light scratches commensurate with age and for their use as serving dishes. There are a few heat marks to the silver, which show as a slight discolouration. A thin washer is used on one cover to ensure the handle aligns with the crest.
Approximate weight of hallmarked silver for all four dishes and covers is 4.823 kilos or 155 troy ounces.
Approximate dimensions of one are 29 cm length, 21.5 cm width and 12.5 cm height.