Antique George I Silver Mug


Date: 1716

Maker: William Fleming

Country: England

Stock: 8940

Description

A handsome antique silver tankard of good size and weight. *Britannia standard silver. Plain baluster shape, almost straight sided, with a shaped handle. Excellent colour. Uninscribed. Hand engraved underneath with the owner's initials. Contains 500 ml. Weight 305 grams, 10.2 troy ounces. Height 11.5 cms (to top of thumb piece). Spread 12.5 cms. Diameter 8.4 cms. London 1716. Maker William Fleming.

Literature: *Britannia Standard silver. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent pure. New hallmarks were ordered, "the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia" and the lion's head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard's head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today.

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 early English silver mug is in very good condition. No damage or restoration. Excellent colour. Good weight. Stamped with a full set of clear English silver hallmarks. 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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