Miniature fender 1715 - 1735

This small silver fender, dating from 1715-1735, is a fine example of the craftsmanship of English silversmith David Clayton, who was active in London from 1659 to 1719. The simple but elegant design features a flat, rectangular shape with slightly rounded edges, and is characterized by the minimal ornamentation. The fender, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, would have been used to protect a fireplace hearth from sparks.