Silver coffee pot, part of a service owned by Admiral Sir John Gore (1772-1836)

Silver coffee pot , part of a service owned by Admiral Sir John Gore (1772-1836), which also included a matching teapot (PLT0055), cream jug (PLT0056), and pair of sugar basins (PLT0057 and PLT0058)The oval silver coffee pot stands on a narrow stem and oval foot. It has a narrow fluted spout, a hinged lid with a pineapple finial, and a fluted and chased handle of square section with a small ivory insert. The coffee pot has gadrooned rims and the body is engraved on each side with Gore's crest of a dog, in a decorative oval.After many years of distinguished naval service, Gore was "sent to Gibraltar as senior officer in command of a small squadron to cruise in the straits, with orders to look out for French ships sent to strengthen the Toulon fleet. He continued there for more than a year, and had joined Captain Moore off Cadiz, when on 5 October 1804 the squadron captured three Spanish frigates, carrying specie and cargo worth considerably more than Õú1 million: Gore's share must have been at least Õú40,000." (source: DNB) His ship the 'Medusa' was sent home for repair, and it is likely that Gore would have taken this opportunity to order this silver service, which is hallmarked 1804.Duncan Urquhart