Huge Georgian Sterling Silver Platter Gadroon Edge - Edward Wakelin London c1753

Description

Huge Sterling Silver Platter Gadroon Edward Wakelin London 1753 - 23.5" x 17" / 60cm .x 43cm
Description:
This is a huge sterling silver platter with a gadroon edge made in London during the Georgian Period (George II).  It is quite heavy weighing approximately 7 lbs. (112 troy ounces) or 3.17 kg.  At the top of the platter is a family crest with the motto "Virtus Sola Nobilitas".   This may belong to the O'Dwyer or perhaps the Blake family (both Irish?), but of that or which I am not certain.   Virtus Sola Nobilitas is a rather common motto and translates roughly as "Virtue is the Only Nobility".  Others claim it means "Virtue is its own reward".
I understand that Edward Wakelin first apprenticed with John le Sage beginning in 1730 being freed by 1748..  As of 1747 it seems he had joined the noted George Wickes, and produced a mark that was virtually identical to that of Wickes, and by 1752 he had essentially taken charge of Wickes business.  It wasn't until 1760 that he joined forces with John Parker, whereby the two adapted the mark to include the initials J.P and E.W. under the same fleur-de-lys. Parker and Wakelin retired in 1777 and the business was taken over by John Wakelin.
The date mark on this piece corresponds to the years 1753-1754 (see Manufacture below).
Measurements
:  Length 28.5 inches / 60 cm
Width  17.0 inches / 43 cm
Weight:
Approximately 7.0 lbs. (112 troy ounces)  / 3.18 kg
Manufacture:
I believe this platter bears the mark of the important London silversmith Edward Wakelin (the initials E.W. underneath a fleur-de-lys, and the date mark "s" indicates either the date 1753 or 1754. .  The maker's mark is curiously inverted 180 degrees and follows the Lion Passant.  It precedes the Leopard's Head and date mark (old-style letter "S") which according to Jackson's Hallmarks page 30 indicates the years 1753-1754.
Provenance
:  This platter is from a private collection belonging to the Coulter and Barclay families of Greensburg, PA (coal baron and banking families of Scotch-Irish extraction).  It was likely purchased on a European tour and shopping trip in the late 19th century.
Condition:
Good considering its age, but it has certainly received good use on holiday feast occasions (Christmas and Thanksgiving). Has visible surface scratch marks from use and one or two tiny pinpoint dents that are not easily visible.