William III Silver Gilt Salt

The salt was presented to the Company by Sir William Rawlins, who was Master in 1811.  He also acted as Master on a number of other occasions.  Sir William was elected a Common Councilman in 1787, representing Bishopsgate, and was elected a Sheriff of the City of London in 1801.  Whilst in office as Sheriff he and his fellow Sheriff boycotted a visit by the Prince of Wales to the City on grounds of principle (they believed that both they and their chaplains had not received due acknowledgement of their status).  Sir William was one of the wealthiest men in the upholstery trade at that time and he was knighted in 1802.  In 1807 he helped found the Eagle Insurance Company (later Eagle Star), of which he was Chairman until his death.  He died at his home, 13 Liverpool Street, in 1838, aged 84 and is buried in the churchyard of St. Botolph’s, Bishopsgate.

 The William III Silver Gilt Salt is a very rare triangular salt with triangular steeple top tents or pavilions at each corner with openings to the centre.  It is inscribed “Donum Phillippi Gibbar Societati”.  The engraving on the panels reads: “Presented by Sir William Rawlins to the Company of Upholders as a small token of respect on the 2nd of August 1832, while serving the office of Master for the fourth time.”  It has a wood stand and glass cover.  It was Exhibited at Seaford House, No. 382, 1929, and at the Goldsmiths’ Hall Festival Exhibition, 1951.  It was made by Louys Cuny of London in 1697.  The salt is 10.5cm (4.1”) high with each side measuring 8.9cm (3.5”).