Coconut Cups & Quaiches
Browse our collection of specialist silver coconuts and quaiches. An excellent range of early silver examples for the collector which are ideal for practical use and make a perfect gift.
Antique Silver Coconut Cups. Coconuts were prized in early times for their healing powers and drinking vessels were often formed from them. The coconut cup is a variety of standing cup, made and used in Europe in the 15th and 16th Century, with a revival in Georgian England. Usually they have a pedestal foot or 3 ornamental feet and are mounted in silver or Old Sheffield plate. Many coconuts were carved on board ship by the sailors (or prisoners of war).
Silver Quaiches. Used in Scotland for centuries, the quaiche is a shallow cup with two, or even three, side handles used to drink spirits such as whiskey or brandy. It is a social drinking vessel, symbolic of friendship and trust, which one person would pass to another with both hands (which would render them incapable of holding a secret weapon). In the centre of the basin usually lies a large coin or medallion, often engraved with a coat of arms, a set of initials, a motto, or a toast such as ‘cheers!’ Over the years the quaiche has become a traditional gift at special occasions such as weddings and christenings.
Coconut Cups & Quaiches
Browse our collection of specialist silver coconuts and quaiches. An excellent range of early silver examples for the collector which are ideal for practical use and make a perfect gift.
Antique Silver Coconut Cups. Coconuts were prized in early times for their healing powers and drinking vessels were often formed from them. The coconut cup is a variety of standing cup, made and used in Europe in the 15th and 16th Century, with a revival in Georgian England. Usually they have a pedestal foot or 3 ornamental feet and are mounted in silver or Old Sheffield plate. Many coconuts were carved on board ship by the sailors (or prisoners of war).
Silver Quaiches. Used in Scotland for centuries, the quaiche is a shallow cup with two, or even three, side handles used to drink spirits such as whiskey or brandy. It is a social drinking vessel, symbolic of friendship and trust, which one person would pass to another with both hands (which would render them incapable of holding a secret weapon). In the centre of the basin usually lies a large coin or medallion, often engraved with a coat of arms, a set of initials, a motto, or a toast such as ‘cheers!’ Over the years the quaiche has become a traditional gift at special occasions such as weddings and christenings.
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Circa 1750
9923 Antique Silver Coconut Cup
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A very charming piece of antique silver. The coconut cup is mounted with an engraved and scalloped silver rim and a low spreading silver foot. The very nice period features include the heart shaped supports at the base of the twin side handles and the little flower shaped nut attaching the silver foot to the coconut. Height 9.2cm (rim), 9.8cm top of (handle). Diameter 8.3cm. Makers mark only “MF” double struck. Probably English circa 1750.
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Circa 1800
9255 Antique Silver Coconut Cup
£950
An antique silver mounted coconut cup on a tall spreading foot. Good size and condition. The bowl is profusely carved and the four vignettes show 1) crowned monogram, 2) a mountain scene with houses in the foreground, a river and bridge, 3) a forest scene with a monument surrounded by a bird, dog and lamb 4) a carved still life roundel. There is a silver mount to the top and base, and there is also a shaped collar where the base meets the cup. The top mount has an inscription. Contains 400 ml. Height 15.5 cm. Diameter 8 cm. Unmarked. Probably continental, circa 1800.
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Circa 1800
6955 Antique Silver Coconut Cup
£575
An antique silver mounted coconut cup on a pedestal foot with scalloped decoration. Large size and excellent condition. Height 14 cms. Diameter 11.5 cms. The silver is unmarked. Circa 1800. Colonial. Origin unknown.
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1806
Joseph Ash I
9277 Antique Silver Coconut Cup
£875
An antique sterling silver mounted goblet with a tall spreading foot. Good size and very good condition. The top mount has a silver inner lip. Contains 300 ml. Height 14.5 cm. Diameter 8 cm. London 1806. Maker Joseph Ash.
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1826
Thomas Johnson
9708 Pair of Georgian Silver Coconut Cups
£2,350
An excellent pair of antique silver mounted coconuts on decorative silver bases. The coconuts are carved in the forget-me-not design. Very ornamental examples. Each contains 300ml. Height 16.4cm. Diameter 8.7cm. London 1826. Maker TJ, probably Thomas Johnson. Sterling silver.
Coconuts carved with the forget-me-not design are generally thought to have been made by a sailor or prisoner of war, probably of French origin
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Circa 1880
9933 Antique Silver Coconut Cup
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An interesting arts and crafts silver coconut cup with silver mounts and cast silver pedestal stem. With rope banding, and vertical strapwork in the 16th/17th style. Excellent workmanship. Height 18cm. Diameter 8.6cm (top), 8.2cm (base). Unmarked silver. Probably English circa 1880.
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Circa 1890
Gebruder Gutgesell
10140 Antique Silver Owl Decanter
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A fantastic antique coconut cup finely modelled in the Renaissance style as an owl with hinged wings and figural strapwork. The silver head, with large cut paste eyes surrounded by tuffs of feathers, is detachable and can be used as a drinking cup. The silver base is intricately modelled as a rocky outcrop mounted with applied insects and amphibians. Total weight, including coconut, 1025 grams. Height 29.5cm. Spread across the wings 19cm. Hanau, Germany. Circa 1890. Maker Gebruder Gutgesell. Silver grade 875/1000.
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