- 702
A WILLIAM III SILVER MOLINET/CHOCOLATE MILL, ANTHONY NELME, LONDON, CIRCA 1700 |
Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- 36.2cm., 14 1/4 in. long
the eight serpentine blades each pierced with beaded and scrolling foliage, lightly turned wood handle, the stem with scratch weight 7-5-0, maker's mark struck twice only
Provenance
Sotheby's, New York, 16 October 1996, lot 103
Condition
Maker's mark only struck one to two of the blades. Very nice gauge of silver. The handle a little loose an probably a later replacement as one would expect. Good condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Drinking chocolate was introduced into England in the middle of the 17th century, with the earliest known silver chocolate pot hallmarked for London, 1685. The tool needed to mix and aerate the drink was known as a molinet or chocolate mill and was designed to fit through the cover opening of the pot. They were usually composed entirely of wood, or green bottle glass, although examples in silver are known, they are very scarce The beverage as prepared in the 17th and 18th centuries was boiled with claret and mixed with eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and spices. Thick with cocoa butter, the mixture had to then be milled, whirled between the hands, to produce a liquid of uniform consistency and desired froth.
The technique is described in John Worlidge's, Vinetum Britannicum, published in 1676: '...be sure whilst it is boyling, keep it stirring, and when it is off the fire, whirr it with your hand mill...and the rough end in the liquor, causes an equal mixture of the liquor with your chocolatte and raises a head or froth over it...'
Michael Clayton refers to other examples in his book, The Collector's Dictionary of the Silver and Gold of Great Britain and North America, Woodbridge, 1985, p. 248.
The technique is described in John Worlidge's, Vinetum Britannicum, published in 1676: '...be sure whilst it is boyling, keep it stirring, and when it is off the fire, whirr it with your hand mill...and the rough end in the liquor, causes an equal mixture of the liquor with your chocolatte and raises a head or froth over it...'
Michael Clayton refers to other examples in his book, The Collector's Dictionary of the Silver and Gold of Great Britain and North America, Woodbridge, 1985, p. 248.