This salver was owned by William Pitt the Younger and bears his arms. The later engraving (i.e. everything but the arms) was added, possibly by a legatee, to commemorate the great statesman.



The front is engraved with the arms of William Pitt the younger with his motto “Benigno Numine”, above and below this appear later banners stating “Servator Patriae” and “We shall not look upon his like again”, the back engraved “This Piece Of Plate belonged to the late Right Hon’ble Wlliam Pitt, the most incorrupt and loyal Minister that ever graced the Annals of any Nation. Eminently enlightened, superlatively eloquent and strictly upright in all his designs, his sole ambition was to serve and save his Native-Land and restore expiring Liberty to Europe. His loss is irreparable to this Kingdom, and to the World. Hinc lacrymae Britannorum!!!”.