A pair of George IV sterling silver oval meat dishes
Richard Sibley I, London
1828
The rims engraved with a coat of arms to one side and two heraldic crests surmounted by a banner with motto AVAUNCEZ ET ARCHEZ BIEN.
length 17 1/2in (44cm); width 13in (33cm); total weight approximately 108oz troy
Footnote:
The armorial bearings as engraved upon these meat dishes are those of the family of Swinnerton (quartering Abnet) with Milborne (quartering Gunter) in pretence. These armorial bearings denote the marshalling of a marital coat showing the arms of the husband over the entire surface of the shield, whilst the arms of the wife (as an heraldic heiress) are placed on a small shield (known as an escutcheon of pretence) centrally on the husbands arms.

These armorial bearings undoubtedly commemorate the marriage of Thomas Swinnerton (died May 1836), of Butterton Hall in the County of Staffordshire and his wife, Mary Milborne (died 20th May 1795). Thomas and Mary were married at the Parish Church of St Mary le Bone, St Marylebone in the County of Middlesex on the 27th April 1793. Sadly, their marriage only lasted a little under two years during which time they had three children, three daughters. Thomas was the second and only surviving son of Thomas Swinnerton, of Butterton Hall aforesaid and his wife, Margaret Colclough, the daughter, and heiress of Blest Colchough, of Eccleshall in the County of Staffordshire, whilst Mary was daughter and heiress of Charles Milborne, of Wonaston and of the Priory, Abergavenny in the County of Monmouthshire and his wife, Lady Martha Harley, the daughter of Edward Harley, the 3rd Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer and his wife, Martha Morgan.

Thomas was a Barrister at Law and served as the Recorder of Stafford as well as High Sheriff of Staffordshire for the year 1795.

General marks, scratches, rubbing, tarnishing and wear commensurate with age and use. With more notable scrapes and scuffs to center.