Tray; Benjamin Smith II, England, Regency, c. 1820.

Tray; Benjamin Smith II, England, Regency, c. 1820.
Silver.
Presents figure in field, inscription and punches.
Measurements: 58 x 85 x 6 cm.
Weight: 7964 g.
Regency silver tray. The Regency style, named after the regency (1811-1820) of Prince George of Wales, crowned as George IV, King of England (1820-1830), is characterized by the incorporation of large and ornate forms. These are pieces often enriched with a taste increasingly attentive to exotic Turkish, Indian and Egyptian stylistic themes. This typology of mirrors was worn in the most distinguished palatial rooms as attested by recognized publications such as "Duncan Phyfe and the English Regency", by Nancy McClelland.

Benjamin Smith II was a London silversmith originally from Birmingham. In 1801 Benjamin moved to London and presumably established the workshop there. Of course, his firm, along with Storr, manufactured almost exclusively for Rundell and Bridge, and it appears that the latter may have supported Smith's move to London. The firm's most important production is probably the 1803 Jamaica Service from the Royal Collection. The gilt silver trays, baskets and coasters with openwork vine borders are among the most distinctive and accomplished achievements. The designs, so closely related to those of Storr, almost certainly come from the central control of Rundell and Bridge.