Antique George I Miniature Silver Mug


Date: 1722

Maker: William Fleming

Country: England

Stock: 9414

Description

A charming little antique silver toy mug or tankard of plain form with a simple scroll handle. Engraved to the front with a lion crest. The mug looks like an exact copy of a full size original and the great attention to detail and slightly larger size than normal toys of this period indicate that it may well have been a traveller’s sample. Weight 78 grams, 2.5 troy ounces. Height 6.1cm. Spread 7.3cm. Diameter 5cm. London 1722. William Fleming

Literature: Silver toys in the 16th and 17th century were made predominately for the children of kings and queens. The Dutch were the leading manufacturers, their most prolific period being 1725-1750, and by then wealthy royalty, landowners and business men were buying toys for their own pleasure as well as that of their children’s. During that period England was still suffering under Puritanism and it wasn’t until the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 that silver toys were made available in this country. The earliest English silver toys date from 1665 and were made in London; it was uncommon for toys to be made in the provinces

Biography

William Fleming

Willian Fleming, apprenticed to Nathaniel Lock 1688, free 1695. Mark entered as largeworker 1697. Livery 1708. Known for his cream jugs, saucepans, dredgers and miniature porringers.

Condition

This delightful little silver miniature is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Stamped underneath with a full set of English silver hallmarks. Excellent colour. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

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