GLASGOW - A SCOTTISH PROVINCIAL CARD TRAY JOHN DONALD, GLASGOW of circular outline with a cast shell border, engraved crest to centre, raised on three hoof feet

(18cm across, 7oz)

Note: Working between 1785-95, it is very rare to see any pieces by John Donald appear at auction. This early work is perhaps even rarer as it is a card tray, where most of his marks are to be found on spoons. Glasgow's Assay Office was not established until 1819, but it is interesting to see that the marks here, with the town mark, and the date letter S, mirror the hallmarking system of more formal Assay Offices. During this time, the letters S (sometimes reversed), E, F and O were used.