MARK OF FRANCIS GARTHORNE, LONDON, CIRCA 1720

Each plain oval on moulded foot-rim, with central hinge and two covers engraved with the Royal arms flanked by initials G and R, engraved on the side at either end 'DETTENGEN June 27, 1743' and 'SALAMANCA, July 22, 1812', marked underneath and further engraved on undersides with scratch weights 8:0, 8:2, 8:0 & 8:4
3¾ in. (9.5 cm.) long
31 oz. 12 dwt. (983 gr.)
The arms are those of King George I (1660 -1727) King of Great Britain and Ireland and Elector of Hanover.
The inscription DETTENGEN JUNE 27 1742 refers to the the Battle of Dettingen which took place on 27 June 1743 during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748). Fought near Dettingen, now Bavaria, Germany, it was led on the British Allied army side by King George II against the French army.
The inscription 'SALAMANCA, July 22, 1812' refers to the Battle of Salamanca, fought on July 22, 1812, during the Peninsular War (1808–1814) and resulted in a decisive victory for the Anglo-Portuguese army, led by Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, over the French forces commanded by Marshal Auguste de Marmont.
It is possible these spice boxes were presented to one of the regiments whose battle honours included Dettingen and Salamanca.

The Viscounts Wimborne.

For further information on the collection of the Viscounts Wimborne please visit the tab ‘The Wimborne Collection’ on the main sale page.