Of circular shape with flared sides engraved "William Bussel 1687". The centre domed and raised on a tucked-in base.
Spink and Son, c.1906
Christies, 22nd March 1906, lot 76
Crichton Brothers
Christies, An Iberian Private Collection, Part II, 9th December, 2011, Lot 277
Alastair Dickenson Ltd. 2011.
Private Collection, Oxfordshire
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The earliest known Wine Taster dates from 1570-80 and was part of the David Little Collection sold at Christies, 3rd December 2019, lot 109. It was struck only with the maker's mark LG in monogram for Lawrence Gilbert of Colchester. The earliest London taster is dated 1603, another of 1631 is in The Jackson Collection at the National Museum of Wales and another of 1646 inscribed "Michael Robinson His taster Novem 2th (sic) 1670" is known. Otherwise there are very few surviving examples from the 17th century. This form of taster is usually referred to as a "Bordeaux" type on account of earlier specimens of this domed shape appearing from that region of France. However, there have been many theories about the use of small 17th century dishes with vertical wirework handles. The late Robin Butler, in his book Wine Antiques, expresses doubt about their use for tasting wine especially as they appeared in the 1630's, were made in considerable numbers up to the reign of Charles II then disappeared. The Bordeaux type, whilst far rarer, continued to be made up till the early 19th century.
The "Bussell" taster has a superb colour and patination and very good marks. For anyone interested in wine or 17th century silver it is a true collector's piece.