waxantiques

Tankards & Mugs

Handsome antique silver tankards and mugs are very collectable. They make a stunning display and can be used and enjoyed over the passage of time. A perfect gift.

Antique sterling silver Tankards. This name is traditionally used for a single handed drinking vessel with a lid. Tankards are usually much bigger than mugs and sometimes have a quart capacity or more. The earliest date at which the familiar shaped tankard occurs is circa 1640 although these are exceedingly rare.

Antique silver Peg Tankards. The name ‘peg tankard’ is derived from the vertical row of cylindrical pegs soldered inside the tankard, used to measure the amount of alcohol drunk as the tankard was passed around the table. Each drinker could drink his allocated peg measure. The term ‘peg’ probably derives from the Danish measure ‘paegl’, roughly equivalent to a pint. Peg tankards have a long history in the Scandinavian and Baltic countries. In England peg tankards were made from the mid-1650s through to the 1680s in York, Hull and other north-eastern towns with close cultural links with northern Europe. They usually follow the Scandinavian form, incorporating floral engraving and pomegranate feet. There is a plain example similar to this in the Metropolitan Museum of Art ref: http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/195229.

Antique sterling silver Mugs. The term “mug” is traditionally used for a single-handed, lidless drinking vessel and these are nearly all of either pint or half pint capacity. They are rarely found as early as tankards, the first ones being circa 1680. Nowadays mugs are often referred to as “tankards”.

Antique sterling silver Christening Mugs. Small size mugs make a lovely gift for a baby.

Antique sterling silver Flagons. The earliest form of flagon used for serving wine, beer and other cold drinks date from the late 16th and early 17th century. These are extremely rare and would originally have had a companion dish or basin. Large cylindrical flagons with hinged covers were mainly made for church use and date from the second half -of the 17th century through to the 19th century.

read more

Tankards & Mugs

Handsome antique silver tankards and mugs are very collectable. They make a stunning display and can be used and enjoyed over the passage of time. A perfect gift.

Antique sterling silver Tankards. This name is traditionally used for a single handed drinking vessel with a lid. Tankards are usually much bigger than mugs and sometimes have a quart capacity or more. The earliest date at which the familiar shaped tankard occurs is circa 1640 although these are exceedingly rare.

Antique silver Peg Tankards. The name ‘peg tankard’ is derived from the vertical row of cylindrical pegs soldered inside the tankard, used to measure the amount of alcohol drunk as the tankard was passed around the table. Each drinker could drink his allocated peg measure. The term ‘peg’ probably derives from the Danish measure ‘paegl’, roughly equivalent to a pint. Peg tankards have a long history in the Scandinavian and Baltic countries. In England peg tankards were made from the mid-1650s through to the 1680s in York, Hull and other north-eastern towns with close cultural links with northern Europe. They usually follow the Scandinavian form, incorporating floral engraving and pomegranate feet. There is a plain example similar to this in the Metropolitan Museum of Art ref: http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/195229.

Antique sterling silver Mugs. The term “mug” is traditionally used for a single-handed, lidless drinking vessel and these are nearly all of either pint or half pint capacity. They are rarely found as early as tankards, the first ones being circa 1680. Nowadays mugs are often referred to as “tankards”.

Antique sterling silver Christening Mugs. Small size mugs make a lovely gift for a baby.

Antique sterling silver Flagons. The earliest form of flagon used for serving wine, beer and other cold drinks date from the late 16th and early 17th century. These are extremely rare and would originally have had a companion dish or basin. Large cylindrical flagons with hinged covers were mainly made for church use and date from the second half -of the 17th century through to the 19th century.

  • 1624

    Robert Snow

    9703 James I Silver Flagon

    Sold

    A magnificent early English silver flagon having a tall cylindrical body on a spreading base edged with reed banding. The almost flat cover has a simple curved thumbpiece. Good plain design. Uninscribed. Contains 1350 ml. Weight 1067 grams, 34.3 troy ounces. Height 29cm (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 9.7cm (top). London 1624. Maker probably Robert Snow (see Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). This flagon appears to be one of his earliest recorded works. Sterling silver.

  • Circa 1626

     

    9780 German Parcel Gilt Silver Tankard

    Sold

    A fine early German silver gilt tankard of cylindrical form. Small size. Good weight. The body and cover are chased with scrolls and shells on a matted ground. Initials “IP” engraved to the cover. Contains 250 ml. Weight 294 grams. Height (to top of finial) 13.8 cm. Spread 12 cm. Diameter of base 12.3 cm. Marked on the lid and base with German silver marks for Augsburg 1624-1628. Maker Hans Kolb or Hieronymous Wolfgang Kern.

  • 1656

    George Dixon

    9242 Antique Commonwealth Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    A rare early English silver flat top lidded tankard in sterling silver with a scroll handle and decorative thumb piece. 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 small size and hand beaten silver the tankard displays a lot of character; a nice feature is the pointed front of the lid. Contains 520 ml. Weight 451 grams, 14.5 troy ounces. Height 13.2 cm (to top of thumb piece). Spread 15.7 cm. Diameter 8.9 (inside top), 12.3 cms (base). London 1656. Maker probably George Dixon. Fully marked on lid and base, handle unmarked.

  • 1661 - 1673

    Thomas Cooper

    6457 Charles II Silver Cup

    Sold

    A delightful early English antique silver mug or drinking cup. Simple tapering sides and scroll handle. To the front there is a contemporary intertwined monogram engraved within a decorative cartouche. Engraved to the handle there are two initials. Excellent condition and colour. Weight 96 grams, 3.0 troy ounces. Height 6.5 cms. Diameter of top 7 cms, base 5.5 cms. London hallmarks for either 1661 or 1673. Maker T.C (page 133 Jacksons. Probably Thomas Cooper – David Mitchell’s Silvermakers of Elizabethan and Stuart London.

  • 1664

    Henry Greenway

    9244 Antique Charles II Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    An excellent example of early English silver. An antique sterling silver tankard with a hinged, flat top lid; the scroll handle with a decorative thumb piece. Good patina. The lovely plain design and hand beaten silver is very charming. To the front there is a hand engraved armorial within tied plumage, very typical of this date. Contains 1800 ml. Weight 934 grams, 30 troy ounces. Height 17.5 cm (to top of thumb piece). Spread 21.8 cm. Diameter 12.5 (top), 14 cm (base). Fully marked on lid and base, handle unmarked. London 1664. Maker Henry Greenway*.

  • 1668

     

    8559 Charles II Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    A good early English silver flat top lidded tankard in sterling silver with a scroll handle having a decorative thumb piece. Good patina. Lovely plain design and hand beaten silver. The body is uninscribed. The handle has a set of hand engraved owners initials. Contains 1150 ml. Weight 641 grams, 20.6 troy ounces. Height 15.5 cms (to top of thumb piece). Spread 18.5. Diameter 11 (top), 12.5 cms (base). Fully marked on lid and base, makers mark on the handle. London 1668. Makers mark IS*.

  • 1668

     

    8850 Charles II Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    A good early English silver flat top lidded tankard in sterling silver with a scroll handle having a decorative thumb piece. Good patina. Large size. Lovely plain design and hand beaten silver. Uninscribed. Hand engraved at the top of the handle with owner’s initials; above the initials is the date “1777” in prick dots. Contains 1350 ml. Weight 905 grams, 29 troy ounces. Height 18.5 cms (to top of thumb piece). Spread 21 cms. Diameter 14 (top), 13.7 cms (base). Fully marked on lid and base, makers mark on the handle. London 1668. Makers mark AL*.

  • 1668

    George Day

    6681 Charles II Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    A rare early English silver flat top lidded tankard in sterling silver with a scroll handle having a decorative thumb piece. An excellent example of early hand beaten silver with lots of character. Weight 1019 grams, 32.7 troy ounces. Height 19 cms (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 12 (inside top), 14 cms (base). London 1668. Maker GD (see Jacksons page 117), possibly George Day. Fully marked on lid and base, makers mark on the handle.

  • 1669

    Gilbert Shepherd

    7714 Charles II Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    A rare early English silver flat top lidded tankard in sterling silver with a scroll handle having a decorative thumb piece. Good patina and size. Lovely plain design and hand beaten silver. To the front is a stylised cartouche with an engraved crest of a bird and serpent. Contains 1500 ml. Weight 829 grams, 25.7 troy ounces. Height 18 cms (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 12 cms (top), 14 cms (of base). Fully marked on lid and base, makers mark on the handle. London 1669. Maker’s mark crozier between GS (attributed to Gilbert Shepherd) – see Jacksons page 123.

  • 1671

     

    7771 Charles II Silver Peg Tankard

    Sold

    Extremely rare. An unusually large early English silver peg tankard, flat lidded, and having a vertical row of seven pegs inside. Good patina. Lovely plain design and beaten silver. To the front there is a large contemporary armorial within tied plumage. Contains in excess of 2000 ml, 4 pints. Weight 1165 gms, 37.4 troy ounces. Height 19.75 cms (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 15 cms (lid), 13 cms (top), 15 cms (of base). Fully marked on the body, London 1671. Makers mark only on lid and handle (more details below).

  • Circa 1672

    John Dowthwaite

    9096 Antique Charles II Newcastle Silver Peg Tankard

    Sold

    Extremely rare provincial silver. A large early English silver peg tankard with flat lid and a vertical row of six pegs inside. Good patina. Scandinavian form* and decorative pomegranate feet and thumb piece. Uninscribed. Contains 1600 ml. Weight 733 gms, 23.5 troy ounces. Height 19 cms (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 12.5 cms (lid). Fully marked on the body and lid. Sterling silver. Newcastle 1672. Makers mark “ID” for John Dowthwaite – see Jacksons page 492*.

  • 1675

     

    7736 Charles II Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    A rare early English silver flat top lidded tankard in sterling silver with a scroll handle having a decorative thumb piece. Good patina and size. Lovely plain design and hand beaten silver. To the front there is a large contemporary armorial within plumage. Contains in excess of 1500 ml. Weight 1055 gms, 33.9 troy ounces. Height 18.5 cms (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 14 cms (lid), 12.5 cms (top), 14 cms (of base). Fully marked on lid and base, makers mark on the handle. London 1675. Maker’s mark AL* between 3 mullets (see Jacksons page 128) – noted as a tankard maker.

  • 1676

     

    8506 Charles II Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    A large early English silver flat top lidded tankard in sterling silver with a scroll handle having a decorative thumb piece and unusual decorations each side of the hinge. Good patina. Lovely plain design and hand beaten silver. To the front there is a hand engraved lion crest within a shield and a large decorative cartouche. Contains 1500 ml. Weight 863 grams, 27.7 troy ounces. Height 20.5 cms (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 14 (top), 13.5 cms (base). Fully marked on lid and body, makers marl on the handle. London 1676. Maker’s mark SR* – see Jacksons page 124 (Pickford edition).

  • 1676

    Robert Pocock

    9164 Charles II Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    A good early English silver flat top lidded tankard in sterling silver, the scroll handle having a decorative thumb piece. Good patina. The lovely plain design and hand beaten silver is very charming. To the front there is a hand engraved armorial within tied plumage, very typical of this date. Contains 1400 ml. Weight 832 grams, 26.7 troy ounces. Height 18 cms (to top of thumb piece). Spread 19.5. Diameter 12 (top), 13.5 cms (base). Fully marked on lid and base, handle unmarked. London 1676. Makers mark RP* (see Jacksons page 128), probably Robert Pocock free 1666, died c.1692 (attribution by Dr David Mitchell in “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”).

  • 1676

     

    6979 Charles II Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    An excellent early English silver flat top lidded tankard in sterling silver with a scroll handle having a decorative thumb piece. Good patina. Lovely plain design and hand beaten silver. Weight 876 grams, 28.1 troy ounces. Height 17 cms (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 13 cms (of base). Fully marked on lid and base, makers mark on the handle. London 1676. Maker’s mark HB conjoined, mullet below – see Jacksons page 129.

  • 1678

    John Sutton

    9378 Antique Charles II Silver Mug

    Sold

    A rare find. An early English silver mug of large size and very heavy gauge silver dating from the Charles II period. Uninscribed. With a plain straight sided form, simple reeded bands to top and base and an “S” scroll handle. Excellent colour. Weight 447 grams, 14.3 troy ounces. Height 12.8 cm. Diameter 10.3 cm (top). Contains 1000 ml. London 1678. Makers John Sutton.

  • 1680

    St John Hoyte

    9274 Charles II Silver Cup

    Sold

    A charming 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. Hand engraved to the front is a double crest. Contains 550 ml. Weight 271 grams, 8.7 troy ounces.. Height 11.1 cm. Diameter 6.5 cm. Sterling silver. London 1680. Makers mark ‘SH’ conjoined (see Jacksons Page 137*), possibly St John Hoyte (see David Mitchell’s Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London page 488/9).

  • 1680

     

    5553 Charles II Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    A rare early English silver flat top lidded tankard in sterling silver with a scroll handle having a decorative thumb piece. To the front is a crisp armorial engraved in the style of that period. An excellent example of early hand beaten silver with lots of character. Weight 652 grams, 20.9 troy ounces. Height 15.5 cms. London 1680. Maker AD in a circle (see Jacksons page 138).Fully marked on lid and base. Makers mark on the handle.

  • 1683

    Thomas Mangy

    8921 Charles II York Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    An extremely rare example of early English provincial silver from York. A good antique flat top lidded tankard in sterling silver having a scroll handle with decorative thumb piece. Lovely plain design and hand beaten silver. The body is uninscribed. The handle has a set of hand engraved owners initials. Contains 850 ml. Weight 535 grams, 17.2 troy ounces. Height 14.5 cms (to top of thumb piece). Spread 17 cms. Diameter 12 (top), 11.2 cms (base). Fully marked on lid and next to the handle. London 1683. Maker Thomas Mangy.

  • 1683

    Marmeduke Best

    9199 Rare Charles II Provincial Silver Mug

    Sold

    Exceptionally rare York mug. A large antique 17th Century sterling silver mug of tapering cylindrical form with a reed border and large scroll handle engraved with the initials ‘FL WM’. Superb condition and patina. Lovely hand beaten finish. Contains 850 ml. Weight 395 grams, 12.7 troy ounces. Height 11.8cm. Diameter 10.3cm (top).11.4 cms (base). Excellent deep punches. York 1683. Maker Marmeduke Best.

  • 1683

     

    8091 Charles II Childs Silver Mug

    Sold

    A charming little 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. Contains 50 cc. Weight 27 grams. Height 4.25 cms. Diameter 4 cms. Spread across handle 6.25 cms. Sterling silver. Full English hallmarks for London 1683. Makers mark “C” enclosing “K” (see Jacksons Page 139)*.

  • 1683

    Francis Singleton

    10203 Charles II Antique Silver Peg Tankard

    Sold

    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

  • 1683

    St John Hoyte

    10287 Charles II Antique Silver Tankard

    Sold

    A rare 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 hand chased with a fantastical Chinese landscape containing long tailed birds and spidery plants. To the front there is an extraordinary bridge with a coiled snake or rope below. Contains 1500 ml. Weight 982 grams, 31.5 troy ounces. Height 18.6cm (to top of thumb piece). Spread 21cm. Diameter 12.3cm (top). London 1683. Maker St John Hoyte. Sterling silver. 17th century.

  • 1684

    John Spackman I

    9657 Charles II Silver Tankard

    Sold

    A good early English silver flat top lidded tankard having a scroll handle with decorative thumb piece. Good patina. Lovely plain design and hand beaten silver. To the front there is a hand engraved armorial within a simple decorative cartouche. Contains 1300 ml. Weight 862 grams, 27.6 troy ounces. Height 19cm (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 10.6cm (top). Spread 21cm. London 1684. Maker John Spackman*. Sterling silver,

  • 1686

     

    9198 Antique James II Silver Mug

    Sold

    A rare early English silver mug of large size and very heavy gauge silver dating from the James II period. With a plain straight sided tapering form, simple reeded bands to top and base and an “S” scroll handle. To the front is an impressive hand engraved armorial with the crest of a sheep and the motto “Felice Chi Puo”. Excellent colour. Weight 475 grams, 15.2 troy ounces. Height 11 cm. Diameter 8.6 cm (top), 10 cm (base). Contains 1 pint. London 1686. Makers mark entered in Jacksons Page 142. Handle unmarked.

  • 1686

    John Cruttall

    9282 Antique James II Silver Mug

    Sold

    A good early antique sterling silver tankard of cylindrical form with coopered bands and a shaped handle. Excellent plain styling. A nice detail is the decorative ribbed spine to the top of the handle. Uninscribed. Good colour. Owners initials “EH” etched to the top of the handle. Contains 450 ml. Weight 299 grams, 9.6 troy ounces. Height 11.5 cm. Spread 13.cm. Diameter 8 cm (top). London 1686. Maker “IC” probably John Cruttall* (ref. Dr David Mitchell “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”).

  • 1688

    John Spackman I

    9406 Antique James II Antique Silver Lidded Tankard

    Sold

    A good early English sterling silver flat lidded tankard. Lovely plain design and hand beaten silver. With a simple straight sided form and S scroll handle finishing in a decorative thumb piece. Uninscribed. Owners initials engraved to the handle. Good patina. Contains 800 ml. Weight 628 grams, 20.1 troy ounces. Total height 15.6 cm. Spread 18.7 cm. Diameter 10 cm (top). London 1688.

  • 1691

     

    8997 Antique William & Mary Silver Peg Tankard

    Sold

    Extremely rare. A large early English silver peg tankard with transitional flat lid and a vertical row of seven pegs inside. Good patina. The lid and body have the fluting and hand engraved borders typical of the period. Decorative thumb piece. Uninscribed. Owners initials hand engraved to the top of the handle. Contains 1450 ml. Weight 959 gms, 30.8 troy ounces. Height 20 cms (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 14 cms (lid), spread 22 cms. Fully marked on the body, lid and handle part marked. Sterling silver. London 1691. Makers mark “SH” – see Jacksons page 137*.

  • 1694

     

    9217 William & Mary Antique Silver Mug

    Sold

    A rare early antique sterling silver tankard with straight sides and a simple strap handle with a beaded rat tail. Large size. Decorated with bands of reed to the top and a band of hand engraved stars/fleur de lys over an embossed fluted panel to the lower body. Excellent colour. To the front is an engraved monogram. Height 9.5 cms. Diameter 9.0 cms (base). Contains 450 ml, ¾ pint. Weight 224 grams, 7.2 troy ounces. London 1694. Maker “HO”* see Jacksons Page 147.

  • 1697

    John Sutton

    9860 William III Silver Tankard

    Sold

    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

    Sold

    A very unusual antique silver chocolate 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. This rare little cup was made for drinking hot chocolate, the newly discovered drinking beverage popular c.1680-1720 – see the coloured illustration. 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.

  • 1700

    William Fawdery

    8838 William III Antique Silver Mug

    Sold

    A fine early antique silver tankard of cylindrical form with coopered bands and a shaped handle. *Britannia standard silver. Excellent plain styling and a hand engraved plumage armorial to the front. Good colour. Contains 550 ml, 1 imperial pint. Weight 351 grams, 11.2 troy ounces. Height 11.3 cms. Spread 3.2 cms. Diameter 8.2 cms (top), 9.4 cms (base). London 1700. Maker William Fawdery.

Keep up to date with our Latest Items and News on Early Silver

    Instagram