David Willaume

THE CHESTERFIELD SERVICE

An Important George I Royal Ambassadorial Set of Eight Round Serving Dishes

Made in London 1726/27

Maker’s Mark of David Willaume

Total Weight: 350oz (10,885gr)

Diameters: Four larger dishes - 13.75 in (34.9 cm)

Four smaller dishes - 11.75 in (29.8 cm)

Engraved with the Royal Arms and initials GR

Given to Philip Dormer 4th, Earl of Chesterfield part of the allowance of plates on his appointment as ambassador to the Hague in 1727.

This highly important suite of dishes was made in London in 1726/27 by one of the greatest silversmiths of the 18th century, David Willaume. They bear the royal crest of King George I and were ordered by the King for the 4th Earl of Chesterfield on his appointment as ambassador to the Hague in 1727. Sets of serving dishes from the early 18th century, especially of this quality, are exceedingly rare and these are almost certainly some of the finest examples from the period.

Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773) is known as a writer, politician, and patron. In 1727 he was appointed Ambassador to the Hague, with an allowance of 5,893 ounces of white silver and 1,066 of gilt. These dishes are part of that service, made by David Willaume who supplied the plates; much of the hollowware bears the mark of Paul Crespin, including two tureens, four candlesticks, and the wine coolers.