Pair of large, embossed silver wine coolers. England. 1804 Stephen Adams.

Pair of large, embossed silver wine coolers. The handle mounts are decorated with oak leaves and acorns, and the fluted body rests on four small, arched legs decorated with shells and acanthus leaves. The coat of arms of the items belonging to a noble family is engraved on the body of the items. Silver edging in the form of flower garlands covers the internal cylindrical inserts. Each product has English hallmarks of 925 silver, from the reign of King George III 1786-1821. City mark London, 1804, makers mark SA (STEPHEN ADAMS). Net weight: 2461 gr. Dimensions: 24 x 22.5 cm.

Historical background: STEPHEN ADAMS was a great silversmith who lived at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. Stephen Adams II of Grimwade, son of Stephen Adams I of London Master. Apprenticed to goldsmith Joseph Walton of Little Britain, 10 October 1777. Received the title of master on October 6, 1784. Earned Livery in February 1791. Introduced as a manufacturer of buckles May 24, 1792, and others in 1807. Received the badge as a silversmith on November 14, 1813. He had workshops and lived at the following addresses: st. St. Annes 3. 2 May 1815 moved to 5 Wingrove Place, Clerkenwell, 13 March 1824 moved to 70 Chapel Street, Islington. Died on July 15, 1840. Items made by the master are kept in the Victoria and Albert Museum.