waxantiques

Pre 1740

If only the silver could talk! Collecting early English silver is a marvellous way to gain insight into a fascinating period of history, a time of great political and social turmoil marked by civil war and regicide.

As we handle the beautiful hand-crafted pieces we can reflect on the changing monarchs and the murderous plots, plagues and a fire that destroyed most of London. It’s quite remarkable that these unique pieces have survived for over 300 years and are still able to provide enjoyment and utility of purpose as they did when they were first made.

Pre-1740 silver represents a fascinating period in the history of silver-making, where handcrafted silver objects were considered some of the most luxurious and valuable items one could own. During this time, silver was crafted primarily by skilled artisans who used traditional methods and tools to create the intricate designs and shapes. The changing monarchs and political regimes in Europe had a significant impact on the design and style of silver objects during this period.

For example, during the reign of King Charles II in England (1660-1685), silver objects were often designed with ornate and decorative baroque-style patterns, which reflected the luxurious and ostentatious nature of the court. A marked change from the sober styles of the preceding decades of civil war and Puritan rule. The elaborate silver objects crafted during the Charles II period often had an exuberant embossed decoration in deep relief, usually of flowers and foliage, sometimes with animals.

In contrast, during the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II in England (1689-1702), silver objects began to reflect a more restrained and formal style, which was influenced by the Dutch design aesthetic. The simpler and more elegant designs of silver objects were often complimented by wide gadroon borders and fluted decoration. The turn of the 17th/18th century was impacted by the technical advances in silver making brought to England by the Huguenot refugees fleeing religious persecution in France.

The reign of Queen Anne in England (1702-1714) saw a marked rise in consumer demand for art and luxury goods. The latest fashion for dining “a la francaise” required a whole range of lovely new domestic silverware including silver items such as ladles, cruet stands, sauceboats and tureens. The arrival of the new drinking beverages (tea, coffee and chocolate) from the colonies required serving receptacles and silver teapots, coffee pots, cream jugs etc started to appear around this time.

The Georgian period (1714–1830) saw the creation of great wealth and stability resulting from the expansion of the British Empire and Industrialisation. During the reigns of George I and George II the quality and range of silverwares continued to expand and there was a shift towards a more refined and elegant style. The 1730’s heralded the arrival of rococo silver with its exuberant decoration of curves, undulations and asymmetrical shapes modelled on nature. The years 1760-1830 were dominated by the Neoclassical style characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and delicate floral motifs inspired by classical antiquity.

Some of the finest examples of pre-1740 silver can be found at Waxantiques, including rare 16th century Elizabethan period silver goblets, magnificent silver ewers which were often used as decorative pieces in wealthy households during the 17th century, and early silver tea and coffee wares such as the Queen Anne silver chocolate pots and Georgian silver teapots introduced during the first quarter of the 18th century. These objects continue to be highly valued for their beauty, craftsmanship, and historical significance.

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Pre 1740

If only the silver could talk! Collecting early English silver is a marvellous way to gain insight into a fascinating period of history, a time of great political and social turmoil marked by civil war and regicide.

As we handle the beautiful hand-crafted pieces we can reflect on the changing monarchs and the murderous plots, plagues and a fire that destroyed most of London. It’s quite remarkable that these unique pieces have survived for over 300 years and are still able to provide enjoyment and utility of purpose as they did when they were first made.

Pre-1740 silver represents a fascinating period in the history of silver-making, where handcrafted silver objects were considered some of the most luxurious and valuable items one could own. During this time, silver was crafted primarily by skilled artisans who used traditional methods and tools to create the intricate designs and shapes. The changing monarchs and political regimes in Europe had a significant impact on the design and style of silver objects during this period.

For example, during the reign of King Charles II in England (1660-1685), silver objects were often designed with ornate and decorative baroque-style patterns, which reflected the luxurious and ostentatious nature of the court. A marked change from the sober styles of the preceding decades of civil war and Puritan rule. The elaborate silver objects crafted during the Charles II period often had an exuberant embossed decoration in deep relief, usually of flowers and foliage, sometimes with animals.

In contrast, during the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II in England (1689-1702), silver objects began to reflect a more restrained and formal style, which was influenced by the Dutch design aesthetic. The simpler and more elegant designs of silver objects were often complimented by wide gadroon borders and fluted decoration. The turn of the 17th/18th century was impacted by the technical advances in silver making brought to England by the Huguenot refugees fleeing religious persecution in France.

The reign of Queen Anne in England (1702-1714) saw a marked rise in consumer demand for art and luxury goods. The latest fashion for dining “a la francaise” required a whole range of lovely new domestic silverware including silver items such as ladles, cruet stands, sauceboats and tureens. The arrival of the new drinking beverages (tea, coffee and chocolate) from the colonies required serving receptacles and silver teapots, coffee pots, cream jugs etc started to appear around this time.

The Georgian period (1714–1830) saw the creation of great wealth and stability resulting from the expansion of the British Empire and Industrialisation. During the reigns of George I and George II the quality and range of silverwares continued to expand and there was a shift towards a more refined and elegant style. The 1730’s heralded the arrival of rococo silver with its exuberant decoration of curves, undulations and asymmetrical shapes modelled on nature. The years 1760-1830 were dominated by the Neoclassical style characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and delicate floral motifs inspired by classical antiquity.

Some of the finest examples of pre-1740 silver can be found at Waxantiques, including rare 16th century Elizabethan period silver goblets, magnificent silver ewers which were often used as decorative pieces in wealthy households during the 17th century, and early silver tea and coffee wares such as the Queen Anne silver chocolate pots and Georgian silver teapots introduced during the first quarter of the 18th century. These objects continue to be highly valued for their beauty, craftsmanship, and historical significance.

  • Circa 1524

     

    9787 Antique Italian Gilt and Silver Monstrance

    £12,500

    A rare medieval copper gilt and silver monstrance with a steeple top. The central section has a glass hinged door flanked either side by two niches containing the figures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul; the pillar tops are detachable. The knopped stem is mounted with 4 saint figures. The hexafoil foot, beautifully engraved and chased, is mounted with 3 silver discs engraved with Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and Saint Sebastian. The underside bears an engraved inscription in old Italian, dated 1524, for the Italian church of San Piero di Porto di Legnago, near Verona. Height 38.5cm. Width 14.8cm. Italian. Date circa 1524. There are no silver marks which is normal for a religious article of such an early date.

  • 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.

  • Circa 1580

     

    10187 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Bottle

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    A fantastic little collector’s item. A rare 16th century silver bottle, tiny size, probably for perfume oil or holy water. The detachable screw top contains a space inside for either a cork or dip stick. The body is finely engraved with hatched ornament typical of the mid to late 16th century. Weight 20 grams. Height 6.5cm (to the top), 4.3cm (to top of body). Base measures 3.2cm x 2.2cm. English. Circa 1580. Unmarked silver.

  • Circa 1600

     

    9461 Antique Continental Silver Processional Cross

    £12,500

    A rare early silver processional cross. The embossed silver has applied plaques to the front and reverse and a “corpus” (figural image of Christ’s body). Bright parcel gilt finish. Bronze terminals enhance the ornate form of the cross. Height 48.5cm including the metal rod support, 40.5cm without. Width 29cm. Unmarked. Probably Italian circa 1600.

  • 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

    £4,950

    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 1635

    Simon and Willem De Passe

    9993 Charles I Antique Silver Box

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    A charming piece of early silver. An antique silver counter box of cylindrical form, the openwork sides pierced with fanciful birds and scrolling foliage. The cover has a bust portrait of Charles I, the base has a bust portrait of Henrietta Maria. This box has no counters.

  • 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.

  • 1643

    Arent Verstege

    10201 Antique Dutch Silver Jug

    £3,350

    An extremely rare antique silver jug dating from the 1600’s with a cast, shaped handle and superb decoration with embossed cherubs’ heads and bunches of fruit. Very heavy quality and feels good in the hand. Deep bright gilding throughout. Originally an altar cruet jug for wine and/or water. Weight 226 grams, 7.2 troy ounces. Height 15cm. Spread 10.3cm. Foot diameter 6.7cm. Haarlem 1643. Maker Arent Verstege. 17th century.

  • 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.

  • 1663

    Thomas Hughes

    9350 Antique Charles II Pillar Candlestick

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    An extremely rare early English silver candlestick from the reign of Charles II. It has a triple pillar column and square stepped base, all with a silver gilt finish. The base is engraved with two contemporary armorials and the motto “Manus Iusta Mardus” for the Maynard family*. Weight 638 grams, 20.5 troy ounces. Height 23.3cm. base 18.3cm square. Stamped underneath in three corners for London 1663. Maker possibly Thomas Hughes* (courtesy of Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). Sterling silver.

  • 1667

    William Norman

    9673 Charles II Gilt Silver Salver on Foot

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    An outstanding piece of early English silver. A rare antique silver tazza, dating from Charles II period, having a plain form, thick gadroon borders, and a bright gilt finish. To the centre is a large, hand engraved coat of arms within a plumage feathers cartouche, very typical of the period. The quality of the piece is excellent and the finish is very crisp. Weight 1135 grams, 36.4 troy ounces. Diameter 33cm. Height 6.2cm. Sterling silver. London 1667. Maker “WN ”, probably William Norman* (courtesy of Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). Maker “WN ”, probably William Norman* (courtesy of Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). There is a gilt salver on foot by Norman in the Duke of Portland’s collection catalogued in 1935.

  • 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.

  • 1673

    George Watkins

    10182 Charles II Antique Silver Wine Taster

    £2,750

    A rare early English miniature wine taster from the reign of Charles II. Very charming size. This little cup has a circular form with simple wirework handles and embossed grape decoration. Weight 21 grams, less than 1 troy ounce. Height 2 cm approx. Diameter of top 6.1cm. Spread across handles 8.9cm. London 1673. Made by George Watkins. Sterling silver.

  • 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.

  • 1675

    Isaac Dighton

    9172 Antique Charles II Silver Boxes

    £6,950

    A very rare matching pair of early antique silver boxes of octagonal form, with pull off tops, dating from the reign of King Charles II. Sterling silver. Simple plain form with a large hand engraved crest within tied plumage, very typical of the date. Superb antique colour. At this date boxes of this type would have originally been part of an extensive toilet service. Total weight 239 grams, 7.6 troy ounces. Height 3.5 cm. Width of top 9 cm. London 1675. Maker Isaac Dighton, London.

  • 1675 - 1679

    Marx Schaller

    9789 Antique German Silver Tea Cannister

    £6,500

    A 17th century German parcel-gilt silver caddy of barrel shape. With a screw top lid and drop ring handle. Beautifully made and very tactile to hold. Suitable for tea and sugar. Raised on four ball feet, the box is decorated throughout with silver lobes against a matted gilt background. Weight 321 grams, 10.3 troy ounces. Height 11.5cm (to the top), 15cm (to top of handle). Stamped on the top and underside of body with German silver marks and assay scrape for Augsburg, Germany. Maker Marx Schaller II. Circa 1675-79. See Rosenburg German silver marks for Augsburg page 127.

  • Circa 1680

     

    9568 Antique Dutch Silver Marriage Box

    £9,500

    A 17th century silver gilt casket of traditional rectangular form. The domed top with swing handle is hand engraved with a bridal couple surrounded by birds and foliage. The body, standing on four ball feet, has a front locking catch in the form of a flower, and is hand engraved with old testament scenes. Initials to the front of the lid. Weight 162 grams, 5.2 troy ounces. Height 7.7cm. Length 8.5cm. Depth 5cm. Stamped underneath twice with a maker’s mark (anvil?) unidentified. Circa 1680.

  • Circa 1680

     

    9855 17th Century Continental Silver Pomander

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    A fascinating piece of history contained in a small silver globe. This antique silver pomander of spherical form has all-over chased decoration of flowers & leaf-scrolls in low relief. The screw top unturns to release the six numbered, hinged segments with sliding covers, the interior with hand engraved flowers. The foot unscrews to reveal a secret hollow compartment. Weight 89 grams, 2.8 troy ounces. Height 6.5cm. Spread 9cm fully extended. The pomander is made of unmarked silver It is quite usual for a small article of this date to be unmarked. Probably Dutch. Circa 1680.

  • 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

    Samuel Hawkes

    9523 Charles II Silver Wine Taster

    £1,750

    A rare early English two-handled wine taster in sterling silver from the reign of Charles II. With a simple plain form and wirework handles. Excellent patina and faint signs of the hand hammered finish. Owners initials inscribed underneath. Weight 27 grams, just under 1 troy ounce. Height 2.2 cm (bowl), 3.5 cm (to top of handle). Diameter of top 6.5 cm. Spread across handles 9.2 cm. London 1683. Maker’s mark “SH” within a heart shaped shield, probably Samuel Hawkes (*see David Mitchell’s book on “Silversmiths in Stuart and Elizabethan England”).

  • 1683

    John Duck

    9991 Charles II Antique Silver Beaker

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    An early English antique sterling silver beaker of plain tapering design with simple foot wires. Dating from the late 1600’s. Charmingly flat chased with an exuberant scene of exotic birds and foliage in the Chinese style known as “chinoiserie”. To the front there are hand engraved initials “MFD” and the date 1684 and to the reverse are the prick engraved initials “CIE”. Excellent patina and hand beaten finish. Contains 290 ml. Weight 99 grams, 3.1 troy ounces. Height 9.2cm. Diameter 8cm. London 1683. Maker John Duck, well known for his fine period beakers.

  • 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

  • Circa 1685

     

    9779 Antique Dutch Silver Brandy Bowl

    £1,650

    An antique Dutch silver bowl with lobed decoration and cast pierced handles showing three children climbing on a grape vine. Good large size. Weight 213 grams, 6.8 troy ounces. Height 6cm. Spread 24.21cm. Diameter 14.3cm. Dutch silver marks for Haarlem 1740.

  • 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

     

    9261 Antique Silver Trefid Spoon

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    A good antique sterling silver spoon, the oval bowl with incised and beaded rat tail heel, the flat stem with a trefid pattern terminal. William & Mary period. Hand hammered finish. Owners initials to the front and back. Weight 51 grams, 1.6 troy ounces. Length 20cm. Bowl 7×4.6cm. Makers mark ‘IL’ over a mullet, within a shield. London 1689.

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