GEORGE II Sterling Silver Cream Pail with added Contemporary Sterling Silver Cream Ladle. Ayme Videau. London 1733.

Very attractive GEORGE II Sterling Silver Cream Pail with added contemporary sterling silver cream ladle.
Maker of the pail: Ayme Videau. London 1733.

Ayme Videau was a top quality Hugenot silversmith working in London. He was apprenticed to David Willaume and his work is much sought after today.

The cream pail has a cylindrical form, with alternate bands of reeded and matted decoration and a plain swing-handle, The hallmarks and maker's mark are clearly marked on the bottom of the pail (although the lion passant is slightly rubbed). The pail is accompanied by a beaded cream ladle by another maker whose hallmarks and maker's mark TL are on the reverse of the bowl. Sheffield 1779.

This pail is a delightful and beautifully fashioned piece.

Although this item was made as a cream pail, it would be useful today as a container for various condiments.

Provenance:
A Private Collection.
Alastair Dickenson Ltd.
Sotheby's New York, Early English Silver from the Collection of the late Charles L. Poor, 25th October 2005, lot 52.
Sotheby's London, October 30th 1975, lot 85 (then with an unmarked ladle).

Height: 2.2 inches/5.6cm - with handle 4 inches/10.2cm
Diameter: 2.2 inches/5.6cm
Weight: 3.5 troy ounces/109 grams incl. ladle.