George III Argyle London 1791 by Henry Green

An Argyll (or Argyle) is a vessel for gravy or sauce which is kept warm by hot water which is poured in via the hinged aperture near the spout into an outer water-jacket. It is said to have been invented by the 3rd Duke of Argyll (1682-1761) as the first recorded example was made in 1755/6.

This vase-shaped example with reeded borders is engraved with a widow's armorial Stapleton impaling Bruce on the body and lid. It measures 5.9" (15cm) to rim and the diameter of the bowl is 4.3" (10.5cm).