Robert Sharp, London, Georgian Large Sterling Silver Chamber Stick

An estate piece long held in one family, this chamber stick is a significant example of its form. It is stamped for London, 1801-2, sterling, and Robert Sharp, who is identified in Jackson's Hallmarks as an "important maker." Grimwade's London's Goldsmiths affords him a lengthy biographical entry.

It is large, with a base that measures 5 1/2" in diameter, 7" to the end of the solid finger grip, and stands 4" tall.

Solid silver, it weighs 9.4 T. oz.

The base has a raised edge with a gadroon rim, and shows a rubbed "garter and bird head" crest with a monogram on the interior.

The handle is fitted with a receptacle for a snuffer, which is no longer present. The stick itself is tiered and has an open base.

The matching top lip or bobeche is removable and marked for Samuel Godbehere, Edward Wiggan, and James Bolt, with a date letter for 1800-01. It shows a heavily polished "bull's head" crest.

In very good, albeit used, condition, the piece shows little evidence of use apart from polishing wear. It is without bends, dents, or repairs, while the finish is bright and even.

The base interior shows several faint pinprick dimples, and there is a fine line surface crack where the handle attaches. Please see image two for detail close-ups.