George II Sterling Silver Coffeepot, hallmarked London, 1743-1744, by (probably) William Williams I (free 1738), of baluster form with later repousse scroll and flower decoration, with hinged, domed lid and wooden crested scroll handle, h. 8-1/4", dia. 3-1/2", l. 6-3/4", 16.63 total t. oz. (including wood handle).

Overall Condition: Fair. The lid hinge has been replaced, rather clumsily, with solder visible around a 1-1/4" x 1/4" area of the lid where the old hinge was cut out; the wooden handle is a later replacement as well. There is a very shallow 3/4" dent on the rim of the foot with a rough edge, though the piece sits level with no wobble. There is visible silver solder around the upper edge of the foot indicating that the foot has been removed and replaced, either during the addition of the repousse or as a later repair. Seamed sheet construction, the seam slightly visible under the handle, with a small oxidized, uneven spot between the lower handle boss and foot ring. Hallmarked (on the neck, near the handle) with: 1) the sterling lion passant; 2) the London crowned leopard's head; 3) the date letter "h" for 1743-1744; and 4) a maker's mark "W?" in an oval. The marks are all very worn, with all the lion passant nearly or completely illegible. The discernable portion of the maker's mark is consistent with that of William Williams I, the similarity of known pots by Williams to the present lots strongly support the attribution to him. The underside with scratch weight "16=12".