A JAMES I SILVER-GILT WINE-CUP

Sir Richard Sutton, 2nd Bt. (1799-1855) amassed an important collection of silver, both from the preceding centuries and of works made in his own day. In a reflection of the contemporary antiquarian or historicist fascination with 16th and 17th century objects, Sutton’s collection included works such as the present Jacobean wine-cup, with intricate decoration that would have appealed to sophisticated 19th century amateurs. Sutton was an influential patron of the Royal goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, who also acted as retailers of older silver. It is, therefore possible that Sutton could have acquired the present lot from the celebrated firm.