37 - ENGLAND, London, reign of George III (1760–1820), early 19th century

ENGLAND, London, reign of George III (1760–1820), early 19th century Pair of silver (925) marrow spoons. The spoons are engraved with a coat of arms featuring a “gueld with a rearing horse,” surrounded by oak branches and surmounted by the initials W.K.M. of the “West Kent Militia.” Silversmiths’ hallmarks: William ELEY I & William FEARN, the former’s hallmark registered in 1797 and an official supplier to this regiment. Hallmarks featuring a passant lion, a crowned leopard’s head, the king’s profile, and the date [I] for 1804–1805. Exempt from hallmarking as items produced prior to 1838 (Art. 524bis of the CGI, paragraph a). Total weight: 97 g. - Length: 22.8 cm. Signs of wear and scratches. The coat of arms and initials on these two spoons appear to be those of the West Kent Militia Regiment, part of the West Kent Light Infantry, which was active in the United Kingdom from 1758 to 1881, when it was merged into The Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). A set of cutlery bearing the same engravings was sold by CHISWICK Auctions in London on October 30, 2020, lot 292.