Griddle, London 1793 by J Kidder

A large and very fine Griddle With good technical facilities for the collection of meat juices, made in London 1793 by John or James kidder, later passing into the ownership of the actress Harriet Mellon (?1777-1837) who after inheriting the great Coutts banking fortune from her first husband Thomas Coutts, marriage the much younger Duke of St Albans, a descendant of Charles II Nell Gwyne.

It measures 10 inches (25.5 centimetres) square and weighs 39.1 ounces (1216 grammes) exclusive of turned would handle which screws into place.

An impressive an historically important piece bearing the duchesses coronet and cypher.