York - A rare George lll silver wine funnel, by James Barber & William Whitwell, 1819, with foliate rim and thumbpiece, the body heavily decorated with repoussé foliage over a hammered background, pierced interior, the part marked detachable funnel to match, 3.3ozt 13 x 9.50 x 9.50cm (5 x 4 x 4in)
Other Notes: York was one of three English provincial assay offices which closed in the 19th century as the major manufacturing cities became larger and trade became more centralised. The York assay office closed in 1858, followed by Exeter in 1882 and Newcastle in 1883 and York marked silver is now rare and sought after.