Antique English Sterling Silver "The Kemp Leopard" Coronation Commission, 1902

The figure was commissioned by The Skinner Company, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London and is inscribed Coronation 1902 on the collar (for King Edward VII), being given to members or associates of The Skinner Company as a special memento of the Coronation year. The guild's crest is a spotted leopard, which is referred to as "The Kemp Leopard" after Roger Kemp, who was the Master of the Guild in 1680 and is a striding figure with long curled tail and fine markings. On the back is a hinged lid for the small box inside with gold wash surface. The head is removable to reveal the container inside.
Marked London, 1902-03, by Edward Barnard. Inscribed Coronation 1902 on the collar (for King Edward VII), and number 218 on the front left paw.

This is a page of A Small Collection of Antique Silver and Objects of vertu:
Possibly the oldest manufacturing silversmith in the world, the origin of this business having been established by Anthony Nelme c. 1680. Francis Nelme inherited the business on the death of his father in 1722 and continued until 1739 when Thomas Whipham took over the business. On his death in 1756 his son Thomas Whipham jr took into partnership Charles Wright. Thomas retired in 1775 and the business was continued by Charles Wright. The business was amalgamated by Henry Chawner in 1786 and the latter son of Edward Barnard (I) became the foreman of the firm. Chawner was master to the first Edward Barnard (I) so that the connection of the Barnard family can be traced from 1773. In 1796 took into partnership John Emes that became the owner after the retirement of Chawner, maintaining Edward Barnard (I) as manager. Emes died in 1808 and his widow Rebecca took as partner Edward Barnard (I). Rebecca Emes withdrew in 1829 and Edward Barnard (I) became the proprietor with his son Edward Barnard (II), John Barnard and William Barnard, trading under the style Edward Barnard & Sons. After the retirement of Edward Barnard (I) the firm was continued by Edward Barnard (II) (1846-1851), John Barnard (I) (1846-1868), William Barnard (1846), Edward Barnard (III) (1868), Walter Barnard (1868-1903), John Barnard (II) (1868-1903), Michael Barnard (1896-1903), Stanley Barnard (1896-1903) and Robert Dubcock (1896). The firm was converted into a limited liability company in 1910 under the style Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd. In 1977 Edward Barnard & Sons Limited became a subsidiary of Padgett & Braham Ltd.

Marks: Sterling, London England, 1902-03, Edward Barnard & Sons, Ltd.
Dimensions: 7" long x 2" deep x 4 1/4" high
Weight: 10.950 ozt
Condition: Slightly worn surfaces inside the leopard. Fine finish.