A Charles II Silver Two-handled Bowl and Cover, Maker's Mark AR pellet bewteen, mullets and pellets below, in shaped shield, London, 1679

in Northern continental style, the shallow bombé circular body raised on three scroll supports and chased with circular reserves surrounded by acanthus, with lobate scroll handles flanked by curled ribbon, with conforming shallow domed cover with scroll scroll finials for use as feet when cover reversed, the center engraved with a memento mori skull within crossed berried branches above the phrase "Ex dono J P 1679", base engraved with block initials RP

Miss Parminter
Parish of Withycombe Raleigh
Christie's, London, 16 June 1931, lot 106
Mallet, London
William Randolph Hearst
Sotheby's, London, 17 November 1937, lot 78
Mallet, London

Christie's, London, 1932: Art Treasures Exhibition (British Antiques Dealer's Association).

small split behind one handle terminal, one ribbon re-attached to body, three scrolls to cover with some rough solder around; otherwise good
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In the 1937 sale it was stated that this bowl was part of a bequest of money etc. left by Miss Parminter to the Charity Commissioners for the Parish of Withycombe Raleigh, to establish a hostel.

A similar bowl by this maker, dated 1677, is in the Huntington Library, California, and is illustrated by Robert R. Wark in British Silver in the Huntington Collection, p. 89, item 219.  Another example, with cover lacking finial, made by Thomas Jenkins, London, 1672, is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, see Ellenor M. Alcorn, English Silver in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Vol. I, item 68, pp. 153-4.

The purpose of these vessels has been a matter of conjecture.  Philippa Glanville in Silver in Tudor and Early Stuart England, illustrates a somewhat similar bowl of 1640 form King's College, Cambridge, described as "bowl for spiced wine".  The latter bowl contained a grater for nutmeg.