Oval Salver London – 1783

An early George III large oval salver with a beaded border. It has a fluted interior rim together with excellent delicate bright-cut engraved decoration. The salver stands on four fluted feet and is in beautiful condition. The centre is engraved with the armorials of the Reverend William Bradford. There is an inscription to the reverse of the salver indicating that it was a gift to the Reverend Bradford from William Hickey in 1819. William Hickey was a famous diarist (see Wikipedia entry in pictures) who wrote about his experiences in the Caribbean and India. He brought back to England his Indian servant, Munnoo (Munnew), and there is a famous painting of them both painted in the year this salver was presented. William Hickey and the Reverend Bradford (Rector of Hedsor of Buckinghamshire) both lived in Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire. William Hickey gave the salver to the Rev Bradford as thanks for educating his Indian servant in the Christian faith.