A PAIR OF GEORGE III SILVER TEA CADDIES AND A SUGAR BOX

MARK OF JOHN EMES, LONDON, 1798

Details

Each of oval form, bright-cut with a foliate ribbon, trellis and flower borders, the front and back engraved with a laurel wreath enclosing the initial R, the domed covers with similar bands and hinged ring finial, the sugar box with swing handle and gilded interior, in fitted satinwood rectangular chest with silver mounts similarly engraved, with similar hinged ring finial issuing from an escutcheon later engraved with a crest, the front interior border of chest engraved with an inscription, the back border later engraved with an inscription, marked on bases, covers, sugar box swing handle, chest mounts, handle and escutcheon
The box 14 1/2 in. (37 cm.) wide
40 oz. 12 dwt. (1,264 gr.)
The inscription on the interior reads ' ROBERT RUSSELL, EXMOUTH'.
The initial is that of Russell, for Robert Russell (1757-1822) of Russell House, The Quay, Exmouth.
The later inscription on back border reads 'D. Wintringham Stable Great Grandson of Robert Russell', the later crest on the cover is that of Stable.
Provenance

Robert Russell (1757-1822) of Russell House, The Quay, Exmouth, by descent to his daughter,
Catherine Russell (1787-1860), wife of Wintringham Loscombe (1778-1838), of Andover, by descent to their daughter,
Katherine Barrett Russell (1824-1891), wife of Robert Scott Stable (1819-189), by descent to their son,
Daniel Wintringham Stable (1856-1929), barrister and director of the Prudential Assurance Association, presumably by descent to his son,
Sir Wintringham Norton Stable, M.C., P.C. (1888-1977), High Court judge.
With Payne and Son of Oxford, by May 1978.
Anonymous sale; Christie's, New York, 30 October 1991, lot 194.
Literature

A. Stevens, K. Richenburg and G. Walkling eds., The Story of British Tea Chests and Caddies, Woodbridge, 2022, pp. 313-314, fig. 17.31.
Lot Essay

Robert Russell was born into a Dorset landowning family, however, he made a considerable fortune establishing the leading carriage and haulage company in the West of England in the second half of the 18th century. His success in the portering trade, sending goods to and from London, was based on his efficient administration and his ability to provide a daily service from Exeter to the capital. At its height the company owned 300 horses and held the contract for transporting serge from the West Country to London for the East India Company.