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Lot Essay
The arms are those of Grey impaling Booth for Henry Grey, 4th Earl of Stamford (1715-1768) and his wife Mary (1704-1772), daughter of George Booth, 2nd Earl of Warrington (1675-1758), whom he married in 1736.
Magdalen Feline was one of many female silversmiths registered with the Goldsmith’s Hall in the mid eighteenth century. After her husband Edward’s death, Magdalen took over responsibility for their business in Covent Garden, and there registered her mark in 1753. While women were only allowed to register their marks upon the death of their spouse, most were already engaged in the craft by that time. Many women were active business partners with their husbands, contending with tradesman while also learning the tools of smithing. Widowed female silversmiths were held to the same standards of production as their husbands as well, and allowed apprentices. Magdalen’s son Edward II apprenticed with his father, but surprisingly did not take over the business after his death. An article by Thomas Hamilton Ormsbee (American Collector, April 3rd, 2009) suggests Magdalen's daughter may have apprenticed with her as well. An example of Magdalen’s work may be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (35.80.125a, b).
Magdalen Feline was one of many female silversmiths registered with the Goldsmith’s Hall in the mid eighteenth century. After her husband Edward’s death, Magdalen took over responsibility for their business in Covent Garden, and there registered her mark in 1753. While women were only allowed to register their marks upon the death of their spouse, most were already engaged in the craft by that time. Many women were active business partners with their husbands, contending with tradesman while also learning the tools of smithing. Widowed female silversmiths were held to the same standards of production as their husbands as well, and allowed apprentices. Magdalen’s son Edward II apprenticed with his father, but surprisingly did not take over the business after his death. An article by Thomas Hamilton Ormsbee (American Collector, April 3rd, 2009) suggests Magdalen's daughter may have apprenticed with her as well. An example of Magdalen’s work may be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (35.80.125a, b).