The mounts with engraved scroll decoration and beaded border. The highly unusual scroll ‘trigger’ handle, when squeezed, effects the lifting of the shaped hinged cover ,with a leaf finial atop. The octagonal faceted slender neck – notched along the length of each side, with the circular bulbous body engraved with leaf, drapery and star decoration. Height : 26.5cm

The firm was established in 1843 at 26 1/2 Seckforde Street, Clerkenwell by George John Richards (c.1817 – 1876), son of William Richards (silversmith, Citizen and Goldsmith). Their products were known for their quality and imaginative design and function.