William Abdy I Pair of English George III Sterling Wine Coasters, London 1778/79

These exquisite wine coasters are designed with wonderfully pierced sides with 2 rows of bright-cut engraving. A band of fine beading is applied around the rim. Whereas most coasters have a wooden base only, this pair has silver interior bases over the original wooden bases. Coasters with silver bases are quite rare; they were more expensive to make and inevitably are of better quality than the standard model.

These rare coasters are fully marked around the base (partially rubbed, as is typical of the form). They measure 4.5 inches round by 1.75 inches high and are in very good antique condition (one has some pings - too small to call dings - in the center from 225 years of use). A wonderful crest of a lion holding a star is engraved on the square reserve.