George III Newcastle Silver Lidded Tankard


Date: 1765

Maker: John Langland

Country: England

Stock: 9064

Description

Provincial silver. A good antique sterling silver tankard with domed hinged lid and plain baluster design. The handle has attractive strapwork to the top and a heart shape decoration to the base. Good size. Contains 1,050ml. Weight 846 grams, 27.2 troy ounces. Height 12 cms (to top of thumbpiece). Diameter 10.3 cms (top), 12 (base). Spread 18 cms. Newcastle 1765. Maker John Langland.

Biography

John Langland

John Langlands, Newcastle based silversmith, patriarch of the Langlands family, who for sixty years were the largest silverplate producers in Newcastle. Apprenticed to Isaac Cookson, Langlands took over, in partnership with John Goodrick, the business of their ex-master when he died in 1754. John continued alone when Goodrick died in 1757.


In 1778 John went into partnership with John Robertson I until 1795. After his death in 1793 his wife Margaret ran the business until the partnership was dissolved two years later. Langlands son, Robert II took over the business which continued to produce high quality silverwares. Robert II’s widow Dorothy took over after his death in 1804 and continued on until her retirement in 1814.


The Langlands and Robertson partnership was very prolific and they became renowned sugar tong makers rivalling good London producers of the same period. They entered marks in 1778 and 1780 and continued to use both of them, so dating their pieces can be difficult on marks alone.

Condition

This fine tankard is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Uninscribed. Good weight and colour. The armorial still has good definition. Stamped underneath with full set of clear English silver hallmarks, the lid has the lion mark, the handle has the makers mark. 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.

Images