George III sterling silver dish cross, hallmarked for London 1766 and maker's mark for William Plummer. Of typical "X" form with sliding supports, the shaped base of each support is modelled to simulate a flower head and the top section of the support, where the dish would be placed, also with a stylized fan shaped design. The section where the supports slide along the arms is pierced with trellis work and the arms each terminate in a stylized flower head. The central burner (missing) would have contained the wick and paraffin with a detachable cover. The piece is very well marked on the bottom, each of the arms and the feet - in total in seven places. Dish crosses were adjustable trivets which folded flat for easy storage. Popular during the 18th century from as early as 1730 they were placed on sideboards to keep the contents of entrée dishes warm. The stand consists of two square-sectioned arms centrally pivoted, a central spirit warmer with wick, and adjustable combined legs/dish supports to accommodate a variety of dish sizes.
Size: 2 ¾ h x 13 ½ w x 13 ½ d in
C21011
