A rare and probably unique George III silver locking tap or cock

A rare and probably unique George III silver locking tap or cock,

by Thomas Watson and Co. Sheffield 1806,

with reeded decoration and with a fluted terminal, detachable turn-key, length 15.5cm, approx. weight 8oz. (2)

Provenance: a private collection.

Woolley and Wallis, Silver Sale, The Salisbury Salerooms, 20th June 1995, lot 377.

The Sheffield Assay Office day book reveals that on August 28th 1806, Watson and Co sent in one cock, which weighed 7oz and 19dwts, for which they paid an assaying charge of 1/-. It is without doubt that this entry refers to the above tap. Only one silver tap of this style and size was made during this early 19th century period, and it is similar in style to the plated taps used exclusively for tea urns. In addition there is only one other silver tap known to have been assayed between 1795 and 1810, and this was a smaller variety weighing only 63/4 oz. It appears that the tap was slightly altered post assay to enable it to be hammered into a wooden barrel, possibly for a private function. .