Antique Solid Silver 'Gavel' Pepper or Pounce Pot - Sampson Mordan

This is an unusual gavel-shaped solid sterling silver Victorian pepper or pounce pot, made by the famous silversmith partnership of Sampson Mordan & Co. It is hallmarked on the reverse of the gavel. The date mark is rubbed, but the pot can be dated to 1880-1887, as the maker's mark is for Sampson Mordan (II). There is a partial hallmark on the handle. The pepper or pounce lid screws off and fits tightly. There is a small amount of damage towards the end of the handle and signs of an old but tidy repair to the join of handle and pot. Nonetheless, this is a fabulous piece.