Hall marks on gold & silver plate

52
HALL MARKS ON PLATE.
2 dwt., would not stand the iire to receive proper ornaments." They
also objected the duty of sixpence per ounce which was proposed,
and urged that the old standard with the duty would be threepence
dearer than the new standard. It was in consequence of this assertion
that Section 41 of the new act was added to it, giving the
workers an opportunity of working either of the qualities.
171 2. Andreiv Drummond, a goldsmith, was established about
this time; son of Sir John Drummond, of Machany. In 1754 the
firm was still styled Andrew Drummond and Co.; in 1770 John
Drummond; and in 1775 Robert Drummond and Co.; 1805 Andrew
Drummond was head partner; and since then the firm has always
been Drummond and Co. When George III became displeased with
his bankers Messrs. Coutts, he withdrew his balance, and banked
afterwards with Messrs. Drummond. George, Prince of Wales, likewise
kept an account with them for some years, but he was probably
too extravagant, and the king desired Messrs. Drummond not to
make any further advances to his son. They were placed in an awkward
position. If they disobeyed the king's commands, they would
lose the accounts and gain the favours of the prince On the other
hand, they would offend the prince and lose the royal accounts on
the king's death. The Drummonds, however, obeyed His Majesty's
command, and refused any further advances to the Prince of Wales,
who then went to Messrs. Coutts and obtained whatever he required,
and the royal family have banked there ever since.
1716-40. William Bellassyse, goldsmith and plateworker at
the " Mitre," in Monkwell Street, first entered his name at the <strong>Hall</strong> in
March, 17 16. In 1723 he removed to Holborn. His mark was a
mitre over his initials. His son Charles succeeded him at the same
sign, having removed to Eagle Street, Red Lion Square, 1740.
17 18. Henry Hoare succeeded his father Sir Richard; a book
plate in the possession of Captain Hoare, bears his arms and date
1705. The old canting motto of the family, " Datur HORA AMORI,"
is susceptible of various free translations. He bequeathed in 1722,
^^200 for the poor of the Goldsmith's Company.
1718-73. John Hugh Le Sage, plateworker of St. Martin's
Lane, Long Acre, first entered his name in October, 17 18. In 1722
he had removed to Great Suffolk Street, Charing Cross : in 1739 he
was still at the same house. E[e was succeeded by Simon Le Sage in
the same year, who re-entered his name in 1754. Augustus Le Sage
of Great Suffolk Street is mentioned in the parliamentary list of
^773- This old-established business produced some fine pieces,
of which are still extant.
many
1718. Madding, goldsmith, in 17 18 kept the "Golden Bottle"
in Cheapside, then recently vacated by Messrs. Hoare.
1722. The second Sir Richard Hoare, principal of the firm,
succeeded Sir F. Child as alderman of the ward of Farringdon
Without. Sheriff in 1 740-1, in which year there were three lord
mayors. He died October 12, 1754, and was buried in St. Dunstan's;
his monument records that he was Lord Mayor in the memorable