William Adams Coin Silver Dish or Plate Warmer, c. 1840's

An exceedingly rare form of American silver, this wonderful dish or plate warmer was made by William Adams from New York. The main body of the ring is reinforced around the top and bottom edge with applied gadrooned borders and is beautifully designed with pierced chinoiserie fretwork.  Four boldly cast pierced feet with rococo foliate decoration support the ring and complement the curved silver and turned ivory handles.  The interior superstructure holds a detachable burner with matching gadrooned edge.  An engraved crest of an arm grasping a club adorns the cover of the burner.   

William Adams was a very important silversmith.  His famous works include the 1841 mace of the United States House of Representatives and the Henry Clay presentation urn. More information can be found in Elegant Plate – Three Centuries of Precious Metals in New York by Deborah Waters (pp. 263-4).

This exceptional coin silver plate warmer is marked on the burner 'W. ADAMS/ NEW-YORK'. It measures just under 3 inches high by 10.25 inches across the handles The actual ring is just under 8 inches round at the top.  It weighs 23.45 troy ounces and is in very good/ excellent antique condition. 

Our Price: $4,900.00

Item code: A822