A Rare John Evans II, Victorian, Cast Silver Sugar Crusher

Manufacturer - John Evans II, London

Date - c1848

Description -A very rare cast silver sugar crusher, richly modelled with twined vines, leaves, and clusters of grapes in an elegant naturalistic style. The base continues the theme with further grape and leaf clusters, and the underside is engraved with a heraldic crest, adding a distinguished personal touch.
An exceptional and unusual piece of Victorian table silver, showcasing both imaginative design and superb casting.

Condition - This sugar crusher is in a clean, very good condition

Hallmark - This crusher has hallmarks with manufacturer's cypher for 'John Evans II' and an indistinct London date cypher

Dimensions - Maximum height: 14cm

Weight - Silver weight: 55gms

Date Context -
* Queen Victoria begins her 11th year as monarch
* Amid a revolt, French King Louis-Philippe abdicates and escapes to England.
* Queen Victoria leaves London for the Isle of Wight under threat of civil unrest
* Treason Felony Act passed, reducing certain categories of capital high treason to felony punishable by penal transportation
* Great Famine (Ireland): Potato blight has returned and outbreaks of cholera are reported. Famine victims on outdoor relief peak this month at almost 840,000 people
* A picture of the royal family gathered around a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle appears on the cover of The Illustrated London News, popularising the custom of the tree in Britain