A George III Neoclassical Snuffer Tray- Silver, sterling- John Schofield - England -1778

Superb quality King George III sterling silver Neoclassical oval snuffer tray with beaded rim and reeded handles Fully hallmarked London Assay Office guarantee and "c" date letter for 1778 together with John Scofield silversmith's mark "I. S" John Scofield (or Schofield) was a highly prominent late 18th century London silversmith. No record of apprenticeship of freedom. 1st mark entered as plateworker in 1776 with Robert Jones. 2nd mark alone 1778. 3rd mark 1787. Schofield displays a high degree of elegant design executed with impeccable craftmanship, which rivals at best the contemporary French goldsmith Henri Auguste. It was perhaps the restrained taste of the period that prevented Scofield from displaying a virtuosity which might well have given him a reputation equal with Lamerie or Storr. It seems likely that he worked for Jeffreys, Jones and Gilbert, the then Royal goldsmiths, and that he may have had considerable commissions for Carlton House. Lenght 24 cm Width 9,2 cm In fine 241 years old original condition without repairs as you can see in pictures that are part of the description International buyers welcomed Worldwide registered mail shipping Careful packaging