Richard Sibley (d.1836) came from a family of silversmiths, his father having established a business in Bath, Somerset. Serving his apprenticeship in London, Sibley became free in 1793 and entered various marks both alone and in partnership with others, becoming a Liveryman of the guild in 1811. His son Richard Sibley II was apprenticed to him in 1821, continuing the business upon his death at premises in Red Lion Street, London. His work is known for its high standard of design and quality in a refined Regency taste, and he also supplied the London Goldsmiths Makepeace & Walford.
The applied naturalistic decoration of trailing fruit vines on this example is reminiscent of Rococo inspired design, and in the centre, a marital coat of arms is depicted. The husbands on the left are for the family Gruffudd ap Dafydd Goch, the last Prince of Wales who was executed by Edward I. From him descends multiple families, including Gethin, Hughes and Powell. These arms however have been attributed to the descendant family of Lloyd of Esclusham and Duleaseu, of Penmachno in North Wales, while the wife’s remain unidentified.
