Antique Edwardian crested sterling silver waiter or card tray, crest of Viscount Margesson

A beautiful Edwardian crested sterling silver waiter or card tray with marks for Sheffield, 1906, Martin, Hall & Co. This partnership of Richard Martin and Ebeneezer Hall was active from 1863 to 1911 and their premises were then at the Shrewsbury Works in Sheffield.

The crest depicts a lion above a crown or coronet composed of roses, and was used by the Margesson family who owned Findon Place Manor in the early 20th century. This piece is beautifully made and of thick gauge was likely made for Sir Mortimer Margesson, and his son Henry David Reginald Margesson the 1st Viscount of Margesson would later also use this crest. Viscount Margesson was not only Chief Whip during his political career but also served as Secretary of War during WWII from 1940 to 1942 in Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s wartime cabinet.

Respected by his colleagues, the Viscount Margesson nevertheless had his moments, with one striking example being an expletive-filled letter towards his peer John Profumo who would later lend his name to the Profumo Affair, a major sex scandal in British politics.

References:

https://myfamilysilver.com/crestfinder-search/margesson-family-crest

https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp56714/sir-mortimer-r-margesson

Price marked at $12500 AUD.

Measurements: 496 grams, 20.5cm diameter, 3.5cm height.

Excellent antique condition with minor wear overall commensurate with age. Marks crisp and well-struck.