William IV Sterling Silver Urn and Cover, hallmarked London, 1830, by Edward, Edward Junior, John & William Barnard, of campana form, the cover with foliate finial and undulating acanthus rim, the body finely decorated with twin fruiting vine handles, with presentation engraving reading: ‘To The Reverend James Manning, this vase is presented by the United Congregations of Protestant Dissenters assembling in Georges Meeting House, Exeter, as a testimonial of their gratitude and respect, for his zeal and fidelity in discharging the duties of the pastoral office, in that place, for more than fifty three years. September, 1831’, the whole above a lobed acanthus foot on square pedestal base, total weight 4.86kg, height 43.5cm

 

Catalogue Note: The Rev. James Manning was born in Allhallows, Northamptonshire, on the 25th of August, 1754. He was pastor of the congregation at George’s Meeting House in South Street Exeter for over 53 years until his death in 1831.

 

In the volume: ‘A History of the Presbyterian and General Baptist Churches in the West of England; with Memoirs of some of their Pastors’ by Sir Jerom Murch, 1835 pp 448-452 is the following extract:

‘A short time before his death, the congregation cheered and gratified Mr. Manning by presenting him with a handsome silver vase of the value of upwards of one hundred guineas. It had this inscription: – “To the Rev. James Manning, this vase is presented, by the united congregations of Protestant Dissenters assembling at George’s Meeting, Exeter, as a testimonial of their gratitude and respect for the zeal and fidelity with which he discharged the duties of the pastoral office in that place, for more than fifty-three years,’

 

Provenance: Thence by family descent