An Indian Colonial silver presentation biggin and stand by Cropley & Co., Calcutta, circa 1820 Tapering bellied form with shell, leaf and gadroon border, tucked-in circular foot, leaf-capped handle with ivory insulators, silver-mounted ivory finial, on spirit stand with three scroll and anthemion-embellished column supports terminating in claw feet, centred by a detachable spirit lamp, the latter with domed snuffer on chain attachment, inscribed to one side ‘To Captain Allan commanding the ship Margaret, as a small, but affectionate token of gratitude, for his kindness and attention, which is duly appreciated, and will ever be remembered, with heartfelt pleasure, by his sincere friend and well wisher, Robert Terranean’, 55.5oz (1721 gm). There are at least two ships named Margaret built in India, this probably refers to the Margaret launched at Calcutta in 1804, built by J. Gilmour & Co., that was captured in the Persian Gulf en route to Basra by the French in 1808 and sailed by their captors to Ile de France. Its subsequent history is hazy but may have later been sold into commerce. N.B: This lot is subject to CITES regulations