A Charles II silver-gilt porringer and cover, maker's mark only on body and cover, Wolfgang Howser, (London), circa 1670

of circular lobed form, body and cover embossed with scrolling flowers, foliage and lobate strapwork, engraved with a coat of arms in the 18th century within rococo cartouche, cover crested

maker's mark only, general condition excellent, mercury gilding, very nicely chased
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The arms are those of Congreve with Stawell in pretence and impaling Stawell for Ralph Congreve (1721?-1775), only son of Colonel Ralph Congreve (1671?-1725), Lieutenant-Governor and Commandant of Gibraltar, by his wife, Anne Hanmer. He, who was married on 29 June 1752 to Charlotte, daughter and heir of William, 3rd Baron Stawell, and widow of Ruishe Hassell, was MP for Cardigan from 1769 to 1774.

The same arms (with sable substituted in error by gules for Congreve) are also engraved on a waiter, Paul de Lamerie, London, 1744 (The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, GILBERT.983-2008) and a salver, same maker, London, 1744 (Philip A.S. Phillips, Paul de Lamerie, London, 1935, p. pl. CXLIV).

Wolfgang Howser, a noted Swiss goldsmith and chaser who was living in England by 1657, was appointed ‘Embosser in Ordinary’ to Charles II. In 1664 he and Jacob Bodendick, another foreign-born goldsmith working in London, were given permission by the King to have their work assayed and hallmarked by the Goldsmiths’ Company.

This porringer and cover may well be the same as that mentioned in Ralph Congreve’s will, signed on 19 March 1774 and proved 8 March 1776: ‘To my worthy and valuable friend Sir Thomas Clavering of Axwell Park in the County of Durham Baronet my Onyx ring set round with Brilliants together with my gilt Cup and Cover and the Salver belonging to the same . . .’ (National Archives, PROB 11/1017)