AMERICAN Interest - George III Large Oval Meat Plate by William Bennett. London 1808

Impressive large sterling silver GEORGE III oval meat plate of significant weight.
Maker: William Bennett. London 1808

One side of the plate is engraved with a contemporary coat of arms near the generous gadrooned border.
ARMS:- Hesketh quartering Hesketh and others including Le Strange and Stanley and impaling Hinde for Sir Thomas Dalrymple Hesketh, 3rd Baronet of Rufford (1777-1842), son of Captain Thomas Hesketh (1750-1782) and his wife Jacintha Dalrymple, daughter of the Attorney-General of Grenada. His father served in the American War of Independence and he was born in New York in 1777 during the period when British troops had occupied the city. He was extremely affluent and a great philanthropist. Sir Thomas was the ancestor of Fatty Hesketh, who ran the Formula 1 racing team and whose driver was the colourful character James Hunt in the film titled SENNA. (Further details and a copy of a National Trust Portrait available to the buyer).
The arms and their history help to make this imposing meat dish a very interesting piece.

The full set of hallmarks and the makers mark are stamped on the reverse of the dish border and are crisp and clear.

It's substantial size would accommodate a whole salmon or a large joint, as well as being very useful for parties.

Length: 20.25 inches (51.44cm)
Width: 15 inches (38cm)
Weight: 75 troy ounces (2333 grams)