5th Dec, 2018 10:00
Fine Interiors - Two Day Sale (DAY TWO)
501
A Victorian silver salver of agricultural interest
by Daniel and Charles Houle, London 1857,
of shaped circular form with 'C' surround engraved border, centred with an engraved panel depicting William Smith's Steam Cultivation system, with the inscription, 'Presented together with a tea service value one hundred guineas to Mr William Smith of Little Woolston (sic), Buckinghamshire by his neighbours and other friends of Agricultural Improvement in testimony of their sense of the mechanical skill talent and perseverance evinced by him in bringing to a practical result the application of steam power to the cultivation of the soil, 21st July 1858', on cast feet,
43cm diameter, 65 ozt
Provenance: The Priory, Walsham-le-Willows.
William 'Billy' Smith was born in 1814, at Church Farm, Woolstone. He was determined to make his farm more efficient and was convinced that horse power should be replaced by steam. In 1855, he invented the Steam Cultivation System - a system of winches and pulleys powered by a single steam traction engine. This improvement in ploughing speed contributed massively to the growth in farm productivity during the 19th century.
In 1868, he harvested a field of wheat at Linford, thrashed it by steam driven machinery, took it to be milled at Little Woolstone, and made it into bread in Newport Pagnell, all within 24 hours. A replica of the plough is displayed in the Milton Keynes Museum.
Take advantage of our Sworders Delivery Service. Please see 'Shipping estimate' below.
Sold for £1,550
Condition Report
Hallmark clear, overall condition good as is the engraved decoration to front.
The intricate border has tarnish and polish.
Overall good condition for age and light surface use scratching - please view images.
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Auction: Fine Interiors - Two Day Sale (DAY TWO), 5th Dec, 2018
Viewing
30 November 2018 9am - 5pm
1 December 2018 10am - 1pm
2 December 2018 10am - 1pm
3 December 2018 9am - 5pm
4 December 2018 9am - 5pm
5 December 2018 from 9am
Sorry, we cannot calculate a pre-sale automated shipping cost due to the items weight/size.
Should you be successful in buying this item, a specific shipping estimate can be requested after the sale by using the link in your invoice email; this also includes requests for international delivery.
If you would like further information about shipping and collection please see here.
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Sworders is proud to be supporting the work of Antiques are Green - the movement that was founded in 2009 to promote “a greener future created from the past”. Read their fascinating carbon footprint study of a Georgian chest of drawers versus a modern equivalent here
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