George I Silver Cream Jug


Date: 1722

Maker: William Fleming

Country: England

Stock: 7530

Description

An early English silver cream jug having a pitcher shape with simple scroll handle andh a simple applied ring base. Small size silver cream jugs without lids were only introduced in the 1720's so this is probably one of the earliest silver cream jugs ever made. Britannia standard silver*. Excellent colour. Weight 104 grams, 3.3 troy ounces. Height 7.5 cms. London 1722. Maker William Fleming.



Literature: Britannia Standard. 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. 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 charming jug is in very good condition with no restoration. Excellent colour. Good clear marks. The base of the handle is slightly pushed in on the inside (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