An important late 17th century Chester provincial silver porringer by Ralph Walley (1661-1703), circa 1683, the body of circular form with flat chased Chinoiserie decoration depicting two figures within stylised foliage and a twin dolphin fountain amongst birds, engraved with initials IH, with two scrolling handles, stamped to base 'RW' in shield, 10cm high, 11.5cm wide (excluding handles), weight 10.1oz Note- Ralph Walley (1661-1703) is recognised as one of the most important 17th century Chester silversmiths. He became a freeman of Chester in 1682/3 and is recorded, by Canon Ridgway, as producing only nine pieces of silver between 1683 and 1692, thus this porringer was unknown to him For examples of Ralph Walley maker's mark see: The Compendium of Chester Gold and Silver Marks 1570-1962 by Maurice H. Ridgway & Philip T. Priestley, 2004, page 373 The Plate Collectors Guide by Percy MacQuoid, 1908, page 25 Jacksons Silver and Gold Marks edited by Ian Pickford, 1994, page 389 Chester Goldsmiths from early times to 1726 by Canon Maurice Ridgway, 1968, pages 180 & 189