Antique Silver Top Hunting Flask


Date: 1893

Maker: Mappin

Country: England

Stock: 8285

Description

An antique sterling silver mounted flask of conical shape with a fitted silver drinking cup with gilt interior. The top has a swivel bayonet fitting. Together with the original dark mahogany coloured leather case, the girth strap is attached so that the flask will sit on the near-side of the saddle. Flask height 27 cms, diameter of base 4.75 cms, contains 225 ml. London 1893. Maker John Newton Mappin (of Mappin & Webb).

Biography

Mappin

Jonathan Mappin opened a silver cutlery workshop in Sheffield in 1775. He was followed by his son and 4 grandsons into the family business and Mappin Brothers Ltd was founded in the mid 19th century. In 1849 the firm opened their first London showroom at 17 Fore Street.
In 1860, John Newton Mappin, the youngest son broke away from Mappin Brothers and started his own business Mappin & Company. John Mappin was joined in the new venture two years later by his brother in law George Webb and in 1868 Mappin and Webb & Co was formed.
In 1903, John Mappin acquired the original London retail business, Mappin Brothers, and from 1904, the Company was known as ‘Mappin & Webb Ltd incorporating Mappin Brothers’. The double named business is evident in some of the old store photographs from this era which show both Mappins and Mappin & Webb names on shop exteriors.
Their relationship with the monarchy began in the late 19th Century and was formalised when HM Queen Victoria granted a royal warrant to Mappin & Webb their first as silversmiths, in 1897, the year of The Queen’s diamond jubilee. Mappin & Webb has held a royal warrant as silversmiths to each of the five subsequent sovereigns and today holds a Royal Warrant as Silversmiths to HM The Queen and to HRH The Prince of Wales.
A full history can be seen at http://www.mappinandwebb.com/i/our-history

Condition

The silver and glass flask is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Each piece bears clear English silver hallmarks. The drinking cup has a few small dinks on the underside. The leather case is in un-restored condition, it seems complete and there is some wear to one of the straps (see photo). 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