M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES & FINE ARTS
 

GEORGE III SILVER MARROW SCOOP

Hester Bateman, London 1779

 

 

 

The quite long narrow marrow scoop of usual double-ended form, with single drop heel and clear marks, the larger bowl crested with a greyhound’s head vert., erased gu, gorged with a collar dovetailed or (Fairbairn’s 235.5 : Bird of London & County Warwick)

 

This crest undoubtedly pertains to the family of Bird, of Bread Street in the City of London and Coventry in the County of Warwick. Given the date of the hallmarking of this particular piece and upon the balance of probability and without any evidence to the contrary, this marrow scoop belonged to the household of William Wilberforce Bird (born 2nd July 1758 died 19th April 1836). Apart from being a financier, merchant, civil servant and author, William also served in the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for Coventry from 1796 to 1802. William was the only son of Alderman John Bird, Silk Manufacturer, of Coventry and London and Judith, daughter of William Wilberforce, Baltic Merchant, of Kingston upon Hull in the County of York. She was the aunt of William Wilberforce, who was the prime mover for the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire.

 

William married twice, firstly in 1779 to his cousin, Elizabeth Bird who sadly died in 1780; and secondly, on the 22nd May 1783, to Penelope, daughter of the Reverend Sir Charles Wheler, the 7th Baronet of the City of Westminster, Prebendary of York and Vicar of Leamington Hastings in the County of Warwick

 

In 1807, William arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa where he founded the Cape Philanthropic Society. In 1810, he acquired the appointment of the Controller of Customs, a post within the civil service of the colony, a position he retained until his death in 1836. His experience of finance and management were of great use to the concerns with which he was involved. He was instrumental in drawing up the colony's game laws, using his legal expertise. William also carried cargo aboard his own ships, particularly between the islands of St. Helena and Mauritius that assisted with the import and export trade of the colony.

 

William and Penelope’s eldest son, William Wilberforce Bird became the Deputy Governor of Bengal and later served as the acting Governor-General of India.

  

Condition :  Very good to excellent; excellent marks; no repairs;

the crest is rubbed, a scratch to the back of the larger bowl.

 

9.75” Long / 1.3 oz.

 

SOLD

#6463

 

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Also See Georgian Silver Marrow Scoops & Spoons:

 

 

 

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George III Silver Marrow Scoop, Hester Bateman, London, 1779, crested for the family of Bird, London & County Warwick