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Charles I

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Chalres I was born in 1600 and acceded to the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland in 1925. In 1632, Anthony van Dyck was commissioned to paint a portrait of Charles’s queen, Henrietta Maria. King Charles I was executed in 1649. As a matter of coincidence, work on building the Taj Mahal started in 1632. And (Sir) Christopher Wren was born in 1632.

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During the reign of Charles I, silver design was influenced by the Puritans. Designs became plainer and more functional. During the early years of his reign, well-to-do families were asked to donate silver to fund the war effort. In 1833, four or five tons of Charles’ gold and silver was lost in the Firth of Forth when a ferry, the Blessing of Burntisland, sank. After Charles’ execution, a lot of silver was melted down.

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This is a  stunning silver sweet meat dish by William Maddox, hallmaked London 1632. It is circular with two stylised shell handles, a scalloped rim and chased with scrolls and stylised flowers. The centre has a vacant shield within a circular border. It is 21cm (8¼in) wide and 120gm (4¼ oz) wifde. The hallmarks are mentioned on page 115 of Jackson’s Hallmarks (3rd edition).

Charles I silver sweetmeat dish by William Maddox. London 1632

£8,250

143158 Charles I silver sweetmeat dish 1
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