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

Circa 1574
Lawrence Stratford
10321 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Chalice
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Originating from the English provincial town of Dorchester in Dorset, this fine early English chalice dates to the reign of Elizabeth I. It has the standard design for Elizabethan communion cups with straight tapering sides and a slightly flared top; with wire ornament applied to the stem and hammered egg and dart frieze to the foot. The beautifully hatched decorative bands below the top edge of the cup are typical for the period, they are well executed and with good definition. Most likely this cup has been made from pre-reformation silver and it has the lovely hand beaten finish you’d expect at this date. The removable cover (paten) bears the date of 1574. Superb antique colour.
Contains 250 ml. Chalice weight 231 grams, 7.4 troy oz. Height 20.2cm, diameter of top 9.9cm. Cover weight 55 grams, 1.7 troy oz. Height 2.4cm, diameter 9cm. London c.1574.
Maker’s mark only for Lawrence Stratford. Sterling silver. 16th century.
1618

10380 Dutch Antique Silver Beaker
£7,750

A rare example of early Dutch provincial silver. A beautiful antique silver beaker of tall tapering form with a flared rim. Good size and excellent gauge silver. The cup is hand engraved with a strapwork border and fine quality foliate scroll decoration interspersed with flower heads and fruit clusters. The base is scratch engraved with owner’s initials and possibly a date “A.1628”. Contains 600 ml. Weight 255g, 8.2 troy oz. Height 15cm. Diameter 10.2cm (top). Breda, Netherlands. Date1618.
1625
Robert Profit
9989 Charles I Antique Silver Bowl
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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”).
Circa 1630
Daniel Gee
10359 Charles I Antique Silver Wine Cup
£7,950

An exquisite little antique silver cup dating from the early 1600’s. It’s very rare to find a small cup from this date and with such fine proportions. The tapering bowl stands on a knopped stem with a spreading circular foot. Contains 85ml. Weight 115g, 3.6 troy oz. Height 11.7cm. London circa 1630. Maker Daniel Gee. Sterling silver.
1631

10256 Charles I Antique Silver Cup
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A superb early English silver wine cup of very plain form with a cast baluster stem and spreading foot. This large goblet has an excellent patina, good weight, and sits very well in the hand. To the front is a well-executed armorial for Dr Thomas Eden, hand engraved, the style is typical of the Charles I period with the shield within a laurel-wreath. This is an outstanding piece of antique silver in every way. Contains 430 ml. Weight 326 grams, 10.4 troy ounces. Height 19.8cm. Diameter 9.2cm (top), 9cm (foot). London 1631. Maker “HM”. Sterling silver. 17^th century.
1635
Henry Starkey
10306 Charles I Antique Silver Wine Cup
£18,500

A rare English silver wine cup of very plain form on a cast baluster stem and spreading foot. This goblet has a superb patina and is perfectly styled for use in modern day times with its unusual tapering bowl. The original slightly hand beaten finish is visible on the inside. Contains 300 ml. Weight 207 grams, 6.6 troy ounces. Height 15.8cm. Diameter 10.7cm (top), 8.1cm (foot). London 1635. Maker probably Henry Starkey. Sterling silver. 17th century.
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.
Circa 1650

10431 17th Century Antique Silver Tumbler Cup
£1,475

An excellent quality continental drinking cup of simple plain design with stipple ground decoration. Original bright gilding overall. A very charming example with an excellent patina. The round and weighted base allows the cup to stay upright when knocked from side to side. Good gauge silver. Weight 71g, 2.2 troy oz. Height 5.5cm, 2.1ins. Diameter 7.2cm, 2.8ins. Augsburg, Germany. Makers mark unidentified. Circa 1650.
1654
John Winterton
10340 Commonwealth Period Antique Silver Beaker
£2,850

An early English silver drinking cup of small size. Plain tapering design with a turned over lip and simple foot. Contains 240 ml. Weight 63 grams, 2 troy ounces. Height 7cm. Diameter 7.5cm. London 1654. Maker John Winterton. Sterling silver.
1657
Edward Treen
10416 Commonwealth Antique Silver Beaker
£10,750

A superb antique silver cup dating back to the turbulent mid 1600’s. Of tapering cylindrical form it has a flared rim and simple foot wires. Hand engraved to the top with a band of strapwork interspersed with foliate and scroll motifs. The front is stipple engraved with initials ‘MT’. Fine patina and hand beaten finish. Contains 350ml. Weight 177g, 5.6 troy oz. Height 10.6cm. Diameter of top 8.3cm. London 1657. Maker Edward Treen. Sterling silver.
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. Maker Anthony Ficketts, attribution by David Mitchell “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”. Sterling silver.
1662
Edward Treen
10339 Charles II Antique Silver Porringer
£2,950

A very early English twin handled silver cup with cast serpent form side handles. This little porringer (or caudle cup) combines some of the austere decoration associated with the Commonwealth period with the addition of hand engraved flowers marking the transition into the joyful Restoration period of Charles II. Superb colour. An attractive feature is the decorative base, very reminiscent of sweetmeat dishes of this period. Contains 250ml. Weight 113 grams, 3.6 troy ounces. Diameter 7.7 cm. Height 7cm (to top of handle). London 1662. Maker Edward Treen, specialist cup, porringer and sweetmeat dish maker. Sterling silver.
1666
Gowen Udall
10368 Charles II Antique Silver Porringer
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A magnificent piece of early English silver. A large 2 handled antique silver cup and cover with caryatid handles; the body decorated all round with deep relief flowers and foliage typical of this early date. The hand beaten finish is very appealing. 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. The lid finial bears a large hand engraved armorial with a crest and motto; the crest is repeated to the front and reverse of the porringer body. The underside has a large presentation inscription dated 1666. Weight 603g, 19.3 troy oz. Spread across handles 20cm. Height 14.5cm (total), 11.2cm (top of handle), 10.5cm (top of body). Diameter 11.8cm. London 1666. Maker probably Gowen Udall – source David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”. Sterling silver.
1671

10361 17th Century Italian Antique Silver Ewer
£12,500

A large and imposing antique silver jug with an applied spout, harp shaped handle, on a spreading foot. Excellent plain style with traces of the original hand beaten finish. Very good weight and thick gauge silver. To the front is a hand engraved armorial with a coronet and motto “Micat Inter Omnia”, all within a band of tied plumage. This early jug shape was replaced in the 1680’s by the helmet shaped ewer. Contains 1050ml. Weight 812g, 26.1 troy oz. Height 22cm (to top of handle), 18.7cm (top rim). Spread 20.2cm. Top diameter 11.4cm. Italian marks for Rome, 1671.
1673

8394 Charles II Antique Silver Brandy Cup
£1,750

A rare early English silver tot cup, or small size porringer, with twin side handles and belly shape. Lovely original hand beaten finish. 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.
Circa 1674

10260 Antique Augsburg Silver Drinking Tot
£1,650

A delightful little antique silver cup with a faded gilt patina; having cast foliate side handles and decorative motifs to the lower body. Original bright gilt interior. Contains 70ml. Weight 70 grams, 2.2 troy ounces. Height 6cm. Diameter 5.5cm. Made in Augsburg, Germany. Circa 1674. 17^th century.
1678
Thomas Roman
10421 Charles II Antique Silver 2 Handled Cup
£8,750

This beautiful chinoiserie silver cup must be almost unique. The body is raised from sheet and has simple strap handles and an incised, reeded neck. This is similar in form to the earliest type of mug which was only made during a short period at the last quarter of the 17^th century. The cup (or porringer?) is made completely by hand, and has a gilt silver finish. The body is stunningly decorated with a hand chased chinoiserie scene depicting exotic birds and plants in a tropical forest. Weight 254grams, 8.1 troy oz. Height 11cm (top of handle), 10.5cm (top of neck). Spread across the handles 18.5cm. Diameter 10.3cm. London 1678. Maker Thomas Roman. Sterling silver.
1678

10435 Charles II Antique Silver Tankard
£22,500

An exceptional example of early English chinoiserie silver. A finely engraved tankard with the flat hinged lid and “S” scroll handle typical of the period. Large size and good heavy weight. The body and lid are beautifully flat chased in the Chinese style with oriental figures, a snake-coiled fountain, a temple and exotic birds all within a fantastical forest landscape. The plain scroll is pricked with initials “B.I.M”. Contains 1500 ml. Weight 804g, 25.8 troy oz. Height 17.7cm (to top of thumb piece), 7ins. Spread 19.5cm, 7.7ins. Diameter 14cm (top), 5.5cm. London 1678. Maker “RH”. Sterling silver.
1680
John Ruslen
10242 Charles II Antique Silver Tankard
£7,750

A good early English silver lidded tankard with the flat top design of the period and a scroll handle with decorative thumb piece. Large size. To the front is a crisp hand engraved armorial capped by the crest of a lion holding a serpent and with a motto below – for the Leche family. There is an owl crest engraved to the lid. An excellent example of early hand beaten silver with lots of character. Contains 1450 ml. Weight 852 grams, 27.3 troy ounces. Height 18 cm. Spread 21.3 cm. London 1680. Maker “IR” (see Jacksons page 130), probably John Ruslen (see David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”.
1683
Robert Cooper
10383 Charles II Antique Silver Porringer
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A rare early English silver cup and cover with finely engraved chinoiserie decoration to the body and lid. Large size and good heavy weight. The fantastical Chinese forest landscape contains exotic long tailed birds and spidery plants depicted in beautiful hand chased ornament. To the front there is a widow’s armorial, owner’s initials, and the date “1683”. The shaped handles are typical of this early period. Weight 575g, 18.4 troy oz. Height 11.2cm (to rim), 17.5cm (to top of finial). Spread 21.8cm. Diameter 14.1cm. London 1683. Maker Robert Cooper. Sterling silver. 17th century.
1684
Peter Monger
10247 Charles II Antique Silver Mug
£4,750

A rare early English silver mug of plain form. The body is raised from sheet and has a simple strap handle and an incised, reeded neck. This is the earliest type of mug, made completely by hand, and showing traces of the original hand beaten silver. Hand engraved to the front is a lion crest. Contains 520ml. Weight 210 grams, 6.7 troy ounces. Height 16cm. Diameter 7.7cm. Spread across handle 13.2cm. London 1684. Maker Peter Monger. Sterling silver. 17^th century.
1686
Thomas Cooper
9938 James II Antique Silver Tankard
£7,950

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.
1688
St John Hoyte
10404 Charles II Antique Silver Porringer
£2,250

An early English silver porringer with decorative caryatid handles. Excellent colour. The plain body has an embossed band of acanthus leaf to the lower body. To the front are the prick initials “S over I*M”. Weight 224 grams, 7.2 troy oz. Height 9cm (top of handle). Spread across handles 17.5cm. Diameter 10.5cm. London 1688. Maker St John Hoyte. Sterling silver.
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
William Gamble
10293 William and Mary Antique Silver Beaker
£2,750

An early English silver cup with plain tapering sides and rounded base. Contains 350ml. Weight 147 grams, 4.7 troy ounces. Height 9.2cm. Diameter 8.5 (top), 6cm (base). Maker William Gamble. Circa 1690. Sterling silver. 17th century.
1691
John Duck
10420 William and Mary Antique Silver Beaker
£7,750

A superb 17^th century antique silver cup of tapering form cylindrical decorated with an exuberant floral design typical of the second half of the 1600’s. Prick engraved “1691” below the rim. An attractive feature is the domed leather presentation casket (circa 1780), the swivel hooks made of silver, the underside covered in marbled paper. Contains 200ml.
Weight 3.8 troy oz, 119g. Height 9.3cm, 3.5ins. Diameter 15.25cm, 6 ins. London 1691. Maker John Duck, well known for his fine period beakers. Sterling silver.
1692
John Cruttall
10355 William and Mary Antique Silver Mug
£3,350

A charming piece of chinoiserie silver. A rare early antique silver tankard of straight sided form with bands of reed to the top and a simple strap handle. Small size. The hand engraved decoration has a naive oriental scene incorporating Chinese people and exotic birds. To the front is a vacant cartouche with intertwined foliage. Contains 160ml. Weight 280g, 9 troy oz. Height 8.8cm. Diameter 7.4cm (top). London 1692. Maker John Cruttall. 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 Childs Mug
£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.
1697
William Andrews
10370 William and Mary Antique Silver Beaker
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A rare early English silver drinking cup of tapering cylindrical form with a flared lip, central band and simple reeded foot. Very attractive size. The lower body has the deep embossed band of acanthus leaves, a popular decoration of the period. Hand engraved to the front are owner’s initials with the date 1701. Contains 150ml. Weight 101g, 3.2 troy oz. Height 7.9cm. Diameter 6.8cm. London 1697. Maker William Andrews. Britannia standard silver – high purity 95.8%.
1699 - 1702
Thomas Parr
10415 William III Antique Silver Chocolate Cup
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A charming little collector’s item. This antique silver mug dates from the early 1700’s and has a plain form with straight tapering sides. The dark wooden side handle indicates that the cup was intended for a hot beverage such as chocolate, a fashionable drink at this time. Made of unusually heavy gauge, hand beaten silver, the mug is very sturdy and usable. Hand engraved to the front is a family crest. Contains 290ml. Weight 179g, 5.75 troy oz. Height 8cm. Diameter 6.6cm (top), 7.3cm (base). London 1698/1702. Maker Thomas Parr I. Britannia standard silver, high purity 95.8%. Scratchweight 5=14.
1701
Seth Lofthouse
10234 William III Antique Silver Tankard
£6,500

A good early English silver flat lidded tankard. 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 with shell decoration. Hand engraved to the front there is a large decorative cartouche containing an armorial. Good patina. An interesting feature is the royal stamp for ‘William Rex’ on the reverse side of the body. Contains 1075 ml. Weight 759 grams, 24.3 troy ounces. Height 18 cms (to top of thumb piece). Spread 19cms. Diameter 10.8 cms (top). London 1701. Maker Seth Lofthouse.