Hamilton & Co Indian Silver Brandy Warmer

Colonial Silver Brandy Warmer by Robert Hamilton & Co.

Calcutta, India

c. 1808-1817

height (to the top of the handle): 15cm,

length: 25cm, weight: 520g

This colonial brandy warmer is particularly pleasing for its shape and the beautiful colour of the silver. The warmer is stamped to the base with marks for Robert Hamilton & Co, a colonial silversmithing firm that operated in Calcutta between around 1808 and 1817 (Wilkinson, 1973).

The lid fits tightly and is surmounted by a turned horn finial. The turned handle is also of horn.

Unusually, the interior includes a prominent silver grate over the exit to the pourer – perhaps to hold back chunkier spices and herbs such as cinnamon bark.

See Wilkinson (1973) for a similar Robert Hamilton brandy warmer. Both the lid and the base are engraved finely with a family crest which incorporates a boar.

The example here is in excellent condition. It is free of dents or splits. The horn mounts are original and without chips or splits.

References

Wilkinson, W.R.T, Indian Colonial Silver: European Silversmiths in India (1790-1860) and their Marks, Argent Press, 1973.

Provenance:

UK art market

Inventory no.: 2985

SOLD