WILLIAM EYCOTT ? (ACTIVE 1683)
Caddinet
1683RCIN 31735
A silver-gilt rectangular tray upon six lion couchant feet, the centre engraved with the arms of Charles II with supporters, altered to those of William and Mary with the cypher WM R above. At the top are two lidded boxes with lion couchant finial knobs.
The caddinet was made for Charles II. Caddinets were designed to hold salt and spices in the boxes, with the flat tray being used to serve bread. The use of caddinets was traditionally reserved for royalty and Charles II used one at his coronation banquet, having seen them in use in France during his exile. This particular piece was made in 1683, commissioned by Sir Gilbert Talbot. It was one of a number of pieces of plate sold in 1808 to defray the debts of Caroline, Princess of Wales (consort of George IV). It was reaquired for the Royal Collection in 1975.