Although the crest is is now indistinct it could possibly be that Dukes of Somerset - 'Out of a ducal coronet or, a phoenix of the last issuing from flames proper'. If so it may be the companion piece to the remarkable soup tureen and stand made by Paul Crespin in 1740 weighing 524ozs. and last sold at auction by Mrs. James de Rothschild, Christie's, 13 May 1964, lot 104. It is now in the Toledo Museum of Art and is within out doubt one of the most outstanding examples of English Rococo silver to have survived.

Paul Crespin, born in 1694, was apprenticed to Jean Pons 24 June 1713 and entered his first mark in July 1720 working from Compton Street. By 1724 he was sufficiently well know to be given the commission of 'a curious silver vessel for bathing which weigh'd about 6030 ounces' to be made for King John of Portugal 'some days ago, Mr. Crispen, a silversmith of this city carried the fine silver bathing vessel (made for the King of Portugal) to his Majesty at Kensington who was well pleased with so curious a Piece of Workmanship, which can scarcly me match'd in all Europe', (The Weekly Journal of British Gazeteer, 15 August 1724, quoted by R. W. Symonds, English Furniture in Portugal, Conoisseur, June 1940)