A George I silver Alms Dish.

A George I Britannia standard silver Alm's Dish, London 1722, the maker's mark 'BE' with a pellet below and at least one pellet above. This mark was recorded by Grimwade on a strainer of 1718 and attributed to George Beale [Grimwade 3486]. \nThe reverse of the dish is engraved: 'Ex Dono Geo: Turvile Armr. 1724.' \nAn old paper label pasted on the underside suggests that the maker is James Beschefer but Beschefer's mark is different. \n \nGeorge Turvile, citizen and fishmonger, died in March 1735 'of a consumptive illness', apparently without leaving a will. He had inherited considerable property from his father, George Turvile, who had, in turn inherited from his uncle Richard Turvile, died 1693. He had also inherited the property of his brother, Litcott Turvile, who died in 1730 [George Turvile senior, had married Elizabeth, daughter of Giles Litcott]. On the death of George in 1735, the properties then passed to a third brother, the Rev. William Turvile, then Vicar of Claxton in Leicestershire. \n \nGeorge Turvile was involved in a court case in 1727 against Stephen Ainsworth, a linen-draper, had enticed him with false promises to lay out £4760 in the purchase of South Sea stocks. Turvile was awarded £5600 in damages. \n \nIt has not yet been possible to trace which church Turvile gave this alms dish to - a Victorian account of the church plate of St. Mary's Bromley, the ancient parish church of St. Leonard Bromley, where Turvile owned properties, does not list the dish. \n \nSilver by Beale is characterised by its simple and plain lines. This alms dish is raised from a sinlge piece of sheet silver. Condition: \n

Good, with some small knocks to the outer edge. Of good colour and surface, the base left uncleaned.

Diameter - 21.50 cm.; Depth - 2.10 cm.; Weight - 240.70 gms.