Lot 741
A GEORGE II TEA CADDY
rectangular with panelled sides, incurved at each corner, with chased borders of flowers, scrolls and shells against matting, the hinged cover with a cast flower finial, engraved on the front, with a coat of arms by Abraham Portal*, London 1749; 6" (15 cms) high; 13.9
*The Arms are those of either Jones or Huntly. Abraham Portal (1726-1809) was a member of the Huguenot family originating in Bagnols-sur-Ceze, Languedoc, France. Guillame Portal born 1639 was "of the Great Wardrobe" of William III and Anne. His brother, Jean Francois also fled to England, father of three sons and seven daughters. The second son, Pierre Guillaume, became rector of Clowne, County Derby, c.1724 and of South Fambridge, Essex in 1734. His second son, Abraham, (described as son of William Portal) was apprenticed to Paul de Lamerie in 1740 and became free in 1749.
This tea caddy bears the Portal's first mark and was hallmarked during his first year as a registered large worker. Later on, Portal became an important figure in the literary scene, writing poetry and several major plays between 1758 and 1768, commenting on social, political and religious developments. He is one of the few Goldsmiths to appear in the Dictionary of National Biography on account of his literary activitues.
References and further information: Portal, C: The Reluctant Goldsmith, Abraham Portral 1726-1809, and Grimwade, A: London Goldsmiths 1697-1837.
