Charles II silver oval tobacco box

A late Charles II silver oval tobacco box, maker's mark only to base and cover, RI with pellet below, Jackson's ref. p139, London, circa, 1683/4, the cover engraved with the arms of COWPER who originated at STRODE in Sussex.

Alderman John Cowper of the parish of St Michael's Cornhill was sheriff of London in 1551. His son William Cowper of Ratlin Court, Kent was made a Baronet in 1642. Having been imprisoned for loyalty to Charles I he later resided at Hertford Castle and died in 1664, having had six sons: 1. John - imprisoned like his father, died prematurely but left a son William, who became 2nd Baronet 2 Edward b.1614, knighted 1645, died 1685 3 William knighted 1642. father of Sir John 4 Spencer of Hertford Castl d. unm.

1676 5 James dsp 6 Henry d.inf Sir William Cowper 2nd Baronet had a son. William, 3rd baronet created 1st Earl COWPER in 1718 - the title survived to 1905, the base later engraved with the name 'Nathan Cooper', cover and base with milled border, length 93mm, 5.1oz. (As the silver shield shows no distinction appropriate to a knight or baronet it must either have been engraved before these honours were awarded or been the personal possession of a Cowper man who was not in receipt of such an honour at that time).