David Foord-Brown Antiques

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Description:

A VERY RARE SET OF SIX MECURIAL GILDED DESSERT BASKETS. GEORGE III, CIRCA 1790. Comprising four small and two larger mercurial gilded baskets. Of circular form with arched open borders with trefoil spacers, the sides of tapering ribbed form. Each engraved with a contemporary armorial with crest and motto. ( Non Sine Numine) Nothing without the divine will. The process of mercurial gilding was often used to line objects but pieces entirely covered in gold are scarce. The highly dangerous process involved mixing gold powder with a larger quantity of mercury, heated and formed into a paste and applied to the object, in this case copper. The amalgam, usually one third precious metal (gold) and two thirds mercury, once applied was then heated in a furnace, the heat causing the mercury to burn off leaving behind a thin skin of the precious metal. Although mercury gilding (or fire gilding) could be used to wonderful effect, it was employed less often than one would think as the potential health risks to the workers was very high, handling and inhaling fumes from the toxic mercury. This pernicious threat was recognised in the early days of the plating industry, and manufacturers charged a large premium for these gilt pieces. Diameter: 11.75 inches and 10.25 inches. Illustrated in Understanding Antique Silver Plate, Stephen J Helliwell, 1996., page 13.

 

Origin: English

Circa:1790

Price: £9,950

Stock Ref: AP11223

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