by Thomas Bolton, Dublin 1726
The turned wood handle leading to the tapering stem, the end with three pierced blades, engraved with the shield and crest of PIGOTT of co. Cork, Ireland, length 31.5cm, weight 2oz.

Footnotes

Emanuel Pigott of Chetwynd served as MP for Cork from 1735-60. His grandson Thomas Pigott (1734-1793) was Major-General Governor of Cork and MP (1776-1793), and died leaving a son George, Lt. Col. of Roden's Regiment of Fencible Cavaliers who was created a baronet in 1808. The title is still extant.

Drinking chocolate was introduced into England in the middle of the 17th century, with the earliest known silver chocolate pot hallmarked for London 1685. The drink never reached great popularity in Ireland, and only around fifteen chocolate pots survive today with Irish marks.

The tool needed to mix and aerate the drink was known as a molinet or chocolate mill. They were usually composed entirely of wood, and examples made of silver are very scarce. One molinet, very similar to the present lot, is in the Colonial Williamsburg collection and hallmarked for London 1709.

The technique of preparing drinking chocolate is described in John Worlidge's Vinetum Britannicum, published in 1676:

'...be sure whilst it is boyling, keep it stirring, and when it is off the fire, whirr it with your hand mill...and the rough end in the liquor, causes an equal mixture of the liquor with your chocolatte and raises a head or froth over it...'

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
For all Sales categories, buyer's premium excluding Cars, Motorbikes, Wine, Whisky and Coin & Medal sales, will be as follows:
Buyer's Premium Rates
28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price;
27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000;
21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000;
and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.