Ask About | Book Appointment - Victorian Sterling Silver Watering Can With London Provenance, London 1882

Victorian sterling silver watering can, presented at the dedication of Coulsdon Commons, London, England in 1883.  The watering can is English sterling silver, hallmarked London 1882.  The silversmith firm is Edward & Sons (David & George Edward), established in Buchanan Street, Glasgow in 1838.  By the 1880s there was an additional location in London.  The sprinkler head / rose is sterling silver as well and identified by the maker Walter & John Barnard.

The watering can has three distinct engravings, all with their own history and meaning.

The crest on the top of the watering can is the coat of arms for the City of London.  The shield features the Cross of Saint George with a sword in the upper-left quadrant representing Saint Paul, the patron saint of London.  The shield is flanked by two dragons and topped with a knight’s helmet.  The Latin motto on the banner “ DOMINE DIRIGE NOS” translates to “Lord Direct Us”.

The stag’s head crest with the Latin motto “CASSIS TUTISSIMA VIRTUS” translates to “Virtue is the safest helmet” or “Virtue is the safest defence”.  This motto (and variations) has been used by the family of the Marquess of Cholmondeley and the Hatton family.

The presentation engraving reads:

Presented 

To 

Mrs. Henry Hicks *

At The Dedication Of

Coulsdon Commons **

To The Public Use 

(over a crest) ***

19th May

1883.

*** the engraving features a coronet, a mace and a sword, traditional symbols of the City of London’s civic authority, representing the Lord Mayor’s office to act as conservators of the commons.

The watering can is in good condition with a fine patina.

381.6 grams.

6 1/2” (15.9cm) high at the upper handle, 3 3/4” (9.5cm) diameter of the watering can, 9” (22.8cm) across the sprinkler head to handle.

* Mrs. Henry Hicks was the wife of Henry Hicks, a member of the City of London’s Coal, Corn and Finance Committee.  Mr. Hicks was significant in the negotiating of the acquisition of the Commons for the city.

** Coulsdon commons, as well as Farthing Downs, Kenley Common and Riddlesdown were acquired in 1883 from the Byron estate by the City of London to preserve them for natural public park spaces.  These areas have a historical association with the Open Spaces Society, formerly the Commons Preservation Society with roots back to the 1870s.  These lands are protected to this day under the management of the London Borough of Croydon.