Salver (one of a pair) 1764 - 1765

This silver salver was crafted by Thomas Hannam in the 18th century. Note the intertwined initials engraved at its center; a personal emblem, a heraldic declaration akin to a family crest. Such monograms have deep roots. Think back to ancient Rome where signet rings, bearing personal seals, were commonplace. These evolved through the Middle Ages into elaborate family crests, symbols of lineage and power, adorning everything from tapestries to tableware. This salver’s initials connect to that tradition. Today, we see echoes of these emblems in corporate logos. Consider how these modern symbols, like ancient crests, are designed to evoke identity, loyalty, and recognition. The human impulse to mark, to signify belonging and status, is a timeless current. From the Roman signet ring to Hannam’s salver to modern branding, we observe an ongoing psychological drive to create and interpret symbols that bind us together and set us apart.