Griffin crest of the Grimshaw Family Regency sterling silver fish server, London, 1812, William Eley I, William Fearn, William Chawner

A substantial and elegant Regency sterling silver fish server, with marks for London, 1812, William Eley I, William Fearn & William Chawner. Beautifully etched with the crest of a griffin segreant with wings aloft of the Grimshaw family.

The Grimshaw family is one of long and storied history, being traced in records since the 1100s. Overall a respectable family, nevertheless the Australian Grimshaws had one black sleep named Josiah Grimshaw who emigrated to Melbourne during the mid 19th century, whose grisly tale and sinister deeds will be relayed in full in our Scandalous Silver column in upcoming issues of the Antiques to Vintage Magazine.

William Eley I, William Fearn & William Chawner of course was one of the most significant partnerships in English silversmithing history, having helped launch the Chawner dynasty- this fish server is a fine example of this partnership’s early work.

Price marked at $1500AUD .
Measurements 140.6grams, 30cm length.
Very good antique condition overall, marks crisp and well-struck; light rubbing to maker’s marks but still legible.