Drinking Vessels

Over the centuries, drinking has played an important role in increasing the enjoyment of life. Not only a social pleasure and an aid to relaxation but “a small tipple” also greatly enhances the pleasure of eating. These dazzling antique sterling silver drinking vessels come in many styles to help you enjoy your drinking experience.

Cups, Goblets and Porringers, Jugs, Ewers and Decanters, Tankards and Mugs

Alcohol has its roots in Ancient History. Beer jugs were made as early as 10,000 BC, vineyards were planted back in Biblical times and the ancient Egyptians enjoyed both beer and wine. The Chinese considered alcohol as a spiritual food.

In England, drinking water was not commonly available until the late 19th century and so beer, the people’s beverage, was drunk as a substitute for water. Wine, imported from France, Germany, Spain and Portugal, was expensive and consumed by the wealthy classes. Alcohol spirits were readily available since the Middle Ages, brandy being originally produced for medicinal purposes and only available in apothecaries.

Drinking Vessels

Cups, Goblets and Porringers, Jugs, Ewers and Decanters, Tankards and Mugs

1568
William Dyxson
10179 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Chalice
£11,950

A rare early English silver chalice dating to the reign of Elizabeth I. This cup follows the standard design for Elizabethan communion cups and is most likely to have been made from pre-reformation silver. Of very plain form, the straight tapering sided bowl has a circular band below the rim, and simple reeded wire ornamentation has been applied to the stem and foot. This cup would originally have had a cover (paten). Weight 139 grams, 4.4 troy ounces. Height 14cm. Diameter – top 8.1cm, foot 6.8cm. London 1568. Maker William Dyxson. Sterling silver. 16th century.
1625
Robert Profit
9989 Charles I Antique Silver Bowl
£5,950

An extremely early date. A rare antique silver porringer (or bleeding bowl) of plain circular form. The straight sided shape with a simple rim is the earliest type and in keeping with the early date. Small proportions and very charming with the original hand beaten finish. A useful serving bowl, handy for nuts and sweets. Prick marked on the edge of the rim with the initials “MC”. Weight 108 grams, 3.4 troy ounces. Diameter 10.3cm. Height 3.5 cm. Spread 14cm. London 1625. Maker “RP” possibly Robert Profit (David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”).
1628 - 1635
Wenzel Zeideler
9988 Antique German Silver Beaker
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An early Leipzig silver stipple ground beaker of tapering form. Original gilt finish. Hand engraved to the body is a charming design of a tree with outspread branches and large leaves like table tennis bats. Contains 190 ml. Weight 109 grams, 3.5 troy ounces. Height 8.3cm. Diameter 6.7cm (top), 5.2cm (base). Leipzig 1633-1635 Maker Wenzel Zeideler. Circa 1628-30. Marks. Stamped underneath with German silver marks for Leipzig.
1632
Pelican in her piety
10197 Antique Norwich Silver Wine Cup
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An exceptionally rare piece of early East Anglian provincial silver dating to the reign of Charles I. The silver cup, of plain simple form, has a tapering bowl with cast baluster stem and spreading foot. Contains 120ml. Weight 118 grams, 3.7 troy ounces. Height 13cm. Diameter 7.8 (top), 6.8cm (foot). Norwich 1632. Maker’s mark “Pelican in her Piety”. Sterling silver. 17th century.
Circa 1640

9786 German Parcel Gilt Silver Cup & Cover
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A rare and impressive antique silver standing cup and cover of baluster shape with lobed foot. Large size. The waisted, lobed body is chased with fleur-de-lys and scrolls on a finely matted background. The top has a silver vase of flowers finial. This form is typical of German Renaissance banqueting silver cups and the quality is excellent. Contains 500 ml. Weight 611 grams, 19.6 troy ounces. Height – 40 cm (total), 29.5 cm (cup). Diameter of top 10.6 cm. Stamped by the rim and on the foot with the German town mark “W” possibly Breslau. Makers mark “WO” unidentified. Circa 1640.
1649
Daniel Gee
10113 Commonwealth Period Antique Silver Cup
£12,950

An important piece of early English antique silver dating back to 1649, the year of King Charles I’s execution. This twin handled silver cup, with shaped side handles and spreading circular foot, is possibly a very early example of a porringer, or caudle cup. The body has a hand chased band of decoration at the top with matted roundels and punched motifs below; this more sombre decoration is associated particularly with the Commonwealth period. Superb colour. An attractive feature is the beaded and segmented decoration to the base, very reminiscent of wine tasters of this period. Hand engraved to the front are the initials “MB” surrounded by stars. Weight 286 grams, 9.1 troy ounces. Height 11.6cm. Spread across handles 16cm. Diameter 11.5cm (top), 8.6cm (base). London 1649. Maker “DG” with an anchor for Daniel Gee (*see David Mitchell’s book on “Silversmiths in Stuart and Elizabethan England”). Sterling silver.
Circa 1650

9680 Antique Dutch Silver Beaker
£4,650

An antique silver beaker of tapering cylindrical form on a cast, coin inset, foot. Bright gilding inside and out. The body is decorated with 3 figures within oval cartouches surrounded by engraved floral and fruit designs. Contains 270 ml. Weight 230 grams, 7.3 troy ounces. Height 13.5cm. Dutch silver marks, possibly Groningen. Maker’s mark 3 anchors. Circa 1650.
1659
Anthony Ficketts
9875 Commonwealth Silver Tankard
£15,950

A rare early English silver flat top lidded tankard with a cast, kidney shaped thumbpiece. The S-scroll handle has a shield terminal. Circa 1640 is the earliest date at which this tankard shape occurs and it’s unusual to find a tankard from this turbulent period and early date. Very charming, with hand beaten silver, the tankard displays a lot of character; a nice feature is the pointed front of the lid. Hand engraved to the front with a flat topped shield within ostrich plume feathers, a popular style of engraving from 1660-1690. Contains 1300 ml. Weight 763 grams, 24.5 troy ounces. Height 16.3cm (to top of thumb piece). Spread 15.7 cm. Diameter 11.4cm (inside top), 13.3 cm (base). London 1659. Silver from this period is very rare. Maker Anthony Ficketts, attribution by David Mitchell “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”. Sterling silver.
1673

8394 Charles II Silver Porringer
£1,750

A rare early English silver porringer of small size having 2 side handles and belly shape. Lovely original hand beaten finish. Weight 69 grams, 2.2 troy ounces. Height 5.5 cms. Diameter 6 cms. London 1673. Maker IC* listed in Jacksons.
1675
Simon Romney
8739 Antique Charles II Silver Porringer
£7,500

A rare piece of early English silver. A large 2 handled antique silver porringer of plain form. The matching cover has a capstan shaped finial so that the lid can be turned upside down and used on its own as a saucer. This has the form of a typical early Restoration porringer, with bellied shape and the lid sitting over the upper rim. There is a small silver support either side next to the handle for the lid to sit on. Hand engraved to the front, and repeated on the cover, are the arms and crest for the Yong family of Medhurst, Sussex. Weight 375 grams, 12 troy ounces. Height 14 cm (total), 10 cm (cup), 4.5 cm (lid). Diameter 10 cm. Spread across the handles 17 cm. London 1675. Makers mark “SR”* in a shield (there are 2 similar marks in Jacksons, see page 124 and 129, bottom of the page), probably Simon Romney.
1680
Thomas Cory
9904 Charles II Silver Bowl
£2,850

An early English silver side handled porringer (or bleeding bowl) of plain circular form and shallow bellied shape. Small proportions and very charming with the original hand beaten finish. A useful serving bowl, handy for nuts and sweets.The handle is prick marked “I*C 1681 M”. Weight 104 grams, 3.3 troy ounces. Diameter 10.4cm. Height 3.6 cm. Spread 15.4cm. London 1680. Maker Thomas Cory. Sterling silver.
Circa 1680
Johann Hoffler
10110 Antique Nurnberg Silver Beaker
£1,250

A good quality antique silver stipple ground beaker of tapering form and plain style, the body with simulated dotted texture. Simple shape with concentric double ribbed detail to the top. Original light gilt interior. Contain 220ml. Weight 122 grams, 3.9 troy ounces. Height 9cm. Diameter 7cm (top), 5.5cm (base). German silver marks for Nurnberg. Maker Johann Offler. Circa 1680.
1682
Edward Gladwin
10134 Antique Charles II Silver Beaker
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A handsome early English antique silver beaker of plain, straight sided design having a flared top and simple foot wires. Owner’s initials engraved underneath. Contains 300 ml. Weight 161 grams, 5.1 troy ounces. Height 9.5 cm. Diameter of top 8.6cm. London 1682. Maker Edward Gladwin – see David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”.
1682

10225 Charles II Antique Silver Tumbler Cup
£3,850

An early English silver cup of simple plain design. A very charming example with an excellent patina. Very pale gilt interior. The round and weighted base allows the cup to stay upright when knocked from side to side. Good gauge silver. Contains 225 ml. Weight 138 grams, 4.4 troy ounces. Height 6.2cm. Diameter 8.5cm. London 1682. Maker W.S. Sterling silver.
1683
Francis Singleton
10203 Charles II Antique Silver Peg Tankard
£9,500

Extremely rare. An unusual early English silver peg tankard, flat lidded, with a vertical row of six pegs inside. Good patina. Lovely plain design and beaten silver. To the front there is a contemporary family armorial within a large cartouche. Contains 1,300 ml. Weight 802 grams, 25.7 troy ounces. Height 17cm (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 13.2cm (top), 13.2cm (base). London 1683. Maker Francis Singleton. Sterling silver
1686
Thomas Cooper
9938 James II Antique Silver Tankard
£9,500

A fine and rare early English sterling silver tankard with a flat hinged cover. Excellent size and quality. Good patina. With a scroll handle, decorative thumb piece and shield shaped terminal. A fabulous collector’s piece and still able to be used. To the front is a crisp armorial hand engraved within plumage feathers, in keeping with the period. An excellent example of early hand beaten silver with lots of character. Contains 1400 ml. Weight 731 grams, 23.5 troy ounces. Height 15.3cm, 17.5cm (to top of thumbpiece). Diameter 12cm (top), 13.5cm (base). Spread 20.5cm. London 1686. Maker “TC, a fish above” probably Thomas Cooper, attributed by David Mitchell. Sterling silver.
1689
Seth Lofthouse
9940 William & Mary Antique Chinoiserie Silver Porringer
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A fascinating and rare piece of chinoiserie silver. This early English antique sterling silver porringer, or side handled cup, is flat chased with an exuberant oriental scene incorporating Chinese people and exotic birds. The large bowl, of circular form with flared lip, is ideal for use as a drinking cup or for displaying flowers. Weight 482 grams, 14.4 troy ounces. Height 12.3cm. Diameter 14cm. Spread across the handles 21.5cm. London 1689. Maker Seth Lofthouse. Sterling silver.
1689

10125 William & Mary Antique Silver Cup
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A rare antique silver cup of tapering form on a small applied foot; the curved flutes on the lower body were a popular decoration from the reign of William & Mary through to Queen Anne. This cup never had a handle and was probably intended for drinking tea or coffee. There are faint traces of the original gilding. Contains 150 ml. Weight 108 grams, 2.1 troy ounces. Height 6.5cm. Diameter of top 7.5cm. London 1689. Maker “OG” – see Jacksons page 129.
Circa 1690
Johann Wagner
9889 German Silver Beaker
£1,650

A good quality antique silver stipple ground beaker of tapering form. Plain style and simple shape. Punched snakeskin ornament. Gilt finish. Contains 240 ml. Weight 134 grams, 4.3 troy ounces. Height 8.8cm. Diameter 7.2cm. German silver marks (assay scrape and the pineapple Augsburg town mark). Maker Johann Wagner. Circa 1690.
Circa 1690
Katherine Mangy
10186 William and Mary Antique Hull Silver Tumbler Cup
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A rare item of English provincial silver from Hull in the North of England. An antique silver tumbler cup of simple plain design. Good gauge silver and excellent patina. The round and weighted base allows the cup to stay upright when knocked from side to side. This example, typical of Hull silver tumblers, has a flatter base than those made in London. To the front is a hand engraved armorial with a badger crest for the Brooke family. To the reverse are owner’s initials “AD to IS”. Contains 170 ml. Weight 116 grams, 3.7 troy ounces. Height 5.4cm. Diameter 7.3cm. Hull circa 1690. Maker Kath Mangy (Jacksons page 473). Sterling silver.
Circa 1690
Ferrn Family
10210 Antique German Silver Beaker
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An antique continental silver cup with charming decoration with scenes of cherubs drinking, dancing and fishing, interspersed between deeply chased panels of embossed flowers and foliate scrolls. Gilt interior and exterior bands top and bottom. Contains 300 ml. Weight 110 grams, 3.53 troy ounces. Height 9.3cm. Diameter 7.4cm (top) and 6.2cm (base). Height 9.3cm. Made in Nurnberg, Germany. Maker Ferrn Family, their cups are known for having realistically chased and embossed flower decorations. Circa 1690. Silver grade 13 loth.
Circa 1691

9800 William and Mary Provincial Silver Beaker
£5,750

A rare piece of British provincial silver. A Scottish or Yorkshire silver beaker of plain, tapered cylindrical form having a plain base with simple foot wires. The underside displays very prominent soldering – see condition report. Contains 250 ml. Weight 158 grams, 5 troy ounces. Height 9.9 cm. Diameter 7.8 cm. Yorkshire or Scotland circa 1691. Maker’s mark “Crown over S.S”.
1692
John Richardson
9890 William and Mary Chinoiserie Silver Beaker
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An early English antique silver beaker of plain tapering design with simple foot wires. Dating from the late 1600’s. Compact size. Charmingly decorated with a band of hand chased decoration of birds and foliage in the Chinese style known as “chinoiserie”. To the front there is a hand engraved prick dot design containing “F.S” and the date 1693. Excellent patina and hand beaten finish. Contains 160 ml. Weight 74 grams, 2.3 troy ounces. Height 8.1 cm. Diameter 7.2cm. London 1692. Maker John Richardson, a prominent cup and tankard maker known for chinoiserie silver. Sterling silver.
1693
George Manjoy
9539 William & Mary Antique Silver Miniature Mug
£2,350

A delightful little collector’s piece. This rare miniature (or toy) mug is an exact copy of a full size original. Of globular form it has a reeded and incised neck, and double scroll handle. This style was only made for a short period at the end of the 17th century and is the earliest type of mug you are likely to come across. The body is engraved with an exotic bird and leafy branches. Weight 14 grams, less than 1/2 troy ounce. Height 3.5cm. Spread 4.9cm. London 1693. Maker George Manjoy, a specialist toy maker.
1694
John Cory
9987 William & Mary Antique Silver Cup
£3,350

A charming little early English silver mug of plain form. Charming small size and suitable for a child/christening mug. The body is raised from sheet and has a simple strap handle and an incised, reeded neck. This is the earliest type of mug. Engraved to the underside are owner’s initials and the date “1695”. Contains 140 ml. Weight 60 grams, 1.9 troy ounces. Height 6.5cm, 7cm to top of handle. Diameter 5cm. Mark “I.C” in a shield with a pellet below. Possibly John Cory. London 1694. Sterling silver.
1696
Thomas Jenkins
9781 William III Silver Bowl
£3,750

An early English silver side handled porringer (or bleeding bowl) of plain circular form. Very charming with the original hand beaten finish. The shaped and pierced handle has initials hand engraved to the centre. A useful serving bowl, handy for nuts and sweets. Weight 285 grams, 9.1 troy ounces. Diameter 12.8 cm. Height 9.8 cm. Spread 14.5 cm. London 1696. Maker “TI two escallops between”* attributed to Thomas Jenkins (see Jackson’s “Silver & Gold Marks” and David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). Sterling silver.
1697
John Sutton
9860 William III Silver Tankard
£13,750

Outstanding quality and unusually large quart size. A rare early English silver flat top lidded tankard in Britannia standard silver with a scroll handle and decorative thumb piece. To the front is a large hand engraved armorial capped by the crest of a griffin. To the top of the handle there is a set of prick engraved owners initials. An excellent example of early hand beaten silver with lots of character.Contains 2500 ml, a hefty quart capacity (1 quart = 2 pints). Weight 1420 grams, 45.6 troy ounces. Height 23 cm (to top of thumbpiece). Spread 25 cm. London 1697. Maker John Sutton.
1697

9990 William III Antique Silver Cup
£4,750

A very unusual antique sterling silver cup of tapering form on a small applied foot; the simple “S” scroll handle having a beaded rat-tail decoration. The body has four panels of hand applied matting work. Originally this would have been either a small mug or toddy cup for alcoholic beverages or possibly a cup for drinking tea or chocolate. Contains 155ml. Weight 108 grams, 3.4 troy ounces. Height 7.7cm. Diameter of top 7.2cm. Spread across the handle 9cm. London 1697. Maker unknown.
1701
Humphrey Payne
9599 William III Silver Tankard
£4,750

A good early English antique silver tankard with a flat lid. Britannia standard silver*. Lovely plain design and hand beaten silver. The tankard has a simple straight sided form and S scroll handle finishing in a decorative thumb piece. No engravings except the owner’s initials prick engraved to the handle. Contains 900 ml. Weight 624 grams, 20 troy ounces. Height 16.4 cm (to top of thumb piece). Spread 18.5 cms. Diameter 10.5 cms (top). London 1701. Maker Humphrey Payne.
1705
William Denny
9945 Queen Anne Antique Silver Tankard
£7,500

An extremely large and imposing silver lidded tankard of tapering cylindrical form with a coopered band to the body. Britannia standard silver*. The embossed vertical fluting and bands of hand chased matted decoration are typical of the period. To the front is a hand engraved armorial within a large decorative cartouche. An unusual feature is the double thumb piece which attaches to both the handle and the lid. The handle has engraved owner’s initials. Good patina. Contains 1750 ml. Weight 1325 grams, 42.6 troy ounces. Height 21.2cm (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 12.8cm (top). Spread 23cm. London 1705. Maker William Denny.
1709
Robert Timbrell And Joseph Bell I
9821 Queen Anne Antique Silver Mug
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A handsome early English silver mug of plain straight sided form with banding. Britannia standard silver. Excellent colour. No inscription. A nice detail is the decorative ribbed spine to the top of the handle. Contains 650 ml. Weight 439 grams, 14.1 troy ounces. Height 13 cm (to top of handle). London 1709. Maker Robert Timbrell & Joseph Bell I.
1716
Richard Bayley
10156 George I Silver Mug
£850

A handsome early English silver mug with a slightly baluster shape on a spreading foot. Good plain style typical of the period. Dainty size, suitable as a christening mug. The slightly hand beaten finish is very charming. Contains 300 ml. Weight 196 grams, 6.3 troy ounces. Height 9.1cm (to top of thumb piece). Spread 10.6cm. Diameter 6.9cm. London 1716. Maker Richard Bayley. Britannia standard silver.