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.

Pre 1740

Circa 1550
Leonhard Bram
9788 Antique Swiss Silver Beaker
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An exceptionally early drinking cup dating from the 16th century. This parcel gilt beaker has a cylindrical tumbler form and stands on a shallow foot. The cup still retains the original hand beaten finish. There is a gilded band of decoration around the top with foliate scrolls and roundels on a hatched background. The foot has a gilt band and feather decorated border. The underside retains traces of the old, blobby mercury solder used in the original manufacture over 450 years ago. Contains 150 ml. Weight 79 grams, 2.4 troy ounces. Height 6.4cm. Diameter 6.9cm. Stamped underneath with Swiss silver marks for Zurich, Switzerland. Maker Leonhard Bram. Circa 1550. Ref: Eva Losel’s book on Zurich Goldsmiths pages 164 and 360 – see images.
Circa 1567

10185 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Chalice
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A rare 16^th century silver chalice with paten. The cup follows the standard design for Elizabethan communion cups with straight tapering sides, very slightly flared at the top, on a spreading foot. Decorated with broad bands of hatched engraving around the centre and top rim, and ornamental wires to the stem and foot. The cover has a matching decoration and a date of 1567. This cup is of excellent quality and weighs heavy in the hand. Contains 240 ml. Weight of chalice and paten 338 grams, 10.8 troy ounces. Chalice dimensions – height 16.1cm, diameter of top 9.9cm, foot 8.7cm. Unmarked silver. English probably provincial. Circa 1567.
1568
William Dyxson
10179 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Chalice
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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.
1569

7543 Elizabeth I Silver Chalice dated 1569
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An extremely rare early English chalice dating to the reign of Elizabeth I. It is quite remarkable to find a piece of silver of such an early date and especially in such good condition. This cup follows the standard design for Elizabethan communion cups and is most likely to have been made from pre-reformation silver. It has a flared top and would originally have had a cover (paten). The engraved arabesques to the body are typical for the period. The foot wire has stamped ornament of tongue and dart. Charming hand beaten finish as you’d expect at this date. Weight 231 grams, 7.4 troy ounces. Height 18.5 cms. Diameter – top 9 cms, foot 7.75 cms. Extremely good silver marks for London 1569. The makers mark letter “A” was entered in 1564/5 (Jacksons page 96). It’s very rare for marks of this period to have a name associated with it*.
1569
Henry Sutton
9853 Elizabeth I Silver Chalice
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A rare early English chalice dating to the reign of Elizabeth I. A very early date and in very good condition. With straight tapering sides, slightly flared at the top, and would originally have had a cover (paten). Hand beaten finish as you’d expect at this date. The single hatched band of decoration is well executed and the definition is very good. Around the top rim are 3 engraved marks and one of these has the date “1600”. The foot wire has stamped ornament of tongue and dart, typical of the period, and applied wire ornament to the stem. Contains 380 ml. Weight of chalice 292 grams, 9.3 troy ounces. Chalice dimensions – height 18.2cm, diameter of top 9.8cm. Extremely good silver marks for London 1569. Maker “HS” is possibly the Henry Sutton listed in Jackson’s Gold & Silver Marks as a known maker of communion cups. Sterling silver.
1570
William Dyxson
6399 Elizabeth I Silver Chalice dated 1570
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An extremely rare early English chalice dating to the reign of Elizabeth I. It is quite remarkable to find a piece of silver of such an early date and especially in such excellent condition. This cup follows the standard design for Elizabethan communion cups and is most likely to have been made from pre-reformation silver. It would originally have had a cover (paten). The engraved arabesques to the body are typical for the period. The foot wire has stamped ornament of tongue and dart. Weight 257 grams, 8.2 troy ounces. Height 18 cms. Diameter – top 9 cms, foot 8.5 cms. Extremely good silver marks for London 1570. Maker William Dyxson.
Circa 1570

10183 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Chalice
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A small 16^th century silver chalice with paten. The cup, following the standard design for Elizabethan communion cups, has straight tapering sides, slightly flared at the top, on a spreading foot. Decorated with a single hatched band of engraving around the centre and an ornamental wire to the top of the stem. The cover is of simple, plain design. Contains 145 ml. Weight of chalice and paten 122 grams, 3.9 troy ounces. Chalice dimensions – height 11.5cm, diameter of top 7.2cm, foot 7cm. Unmarked silver. Probably provincial. Circa 1570.
1571
Andrew Kemp
9750 Elizabeth I Silver Chalice
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A rare early English chalice dating to the reign of Elizabeth I. A very early date and in very good condition. This cup follows the standard design for Elizabethan communion cups and is most likely to have been made from pre-reformation silver. It has straight tapering sides and would originally have had a cover (paten). Charmingly hand beaten finish as you’d expect at this date. Very plain design. The foot wire has stamped ornament of tongue and dart, typical of the period, and further wire ornament is applied to the stem. Contains 320 ml. Weight 248 grams, 7.9 troy ounces. Height 18.5cm. Diameter of top 8.6cm. Extremely good silver marks for London 1571. Maker Andrew Kemp (Jackson’s Gold & Silver Marks page 93), known for making communion cups. Sterling silver.
1571
James Feake
9918 Elizabeth I Silver Chalice
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A rare early English chalice dating to the reign of Elizabeth I. A very early date and in very good condition. With straight tapering sides, slightly flared at the top, and would originally have had a cover (paten). Hand beaten finish as you’d expect at this date. The single hatched band of decoration is well executed and the definition is very good. There is applied wire ornament to the stem, the foot has a second band of hatched engraving. Contains 180 ml. Weight of chalice 190 grams, 6.1 troy ounces. Chalice dimensions – height 15.3cm, diameter of top 7.7cm. Extremely good silver marks for London 1571. Maker probably James Feake. Sterling silver.
1573

9044 Elizabeth I Silver Chalice
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An extremely rare early English chalice with its matching paten dating to the reign of Elizabeth I. It is quite remarkable to find a piece of silver of such an early date and especially in such excellent condition. This cup follows the standard design for Elizabethan communion cups and is most likely to have been made from pre-reformation silver. The hatched decorative band below the top edge of the cup is typical for the period. Simple foot wires around the base and scratched owners initials. The paten has a similar band of hatched ornament and has the date 1574 which is consistent with the date of manufacture. Total weight 188 grams, 6 troy ounces. Height 15 cms (cup), 18 cms (with top). Diameter of top 9.4 cms. Extremely good silver marks for London 1573. Makers mark “IP” (Jacksons page 95) a known maker of communion cups between 1565-79.
1573

9768 Elizabeth I Silver Chalice
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A rare early English silver wine cup dating to the reign of Elizabeth I. A very early date and in very good condition. This cup follows the standard design for Elizabethan communion cups and is most likely to have been made from pre-reformation silver. It has straight tapering sides, slightly flared at the top, and has a removable cover (paten). Charmingly hand beaten finish as you’d expect at this date. The hatched decorative bands below the top edge of the cup are typical for the period, repeated to the foot. The paten has a similar band of hatched ornament and bears the date 1575 which is consistent with the date of manufacture. Contains 350 ml. Weight of chalice 270 grams, 8.6 troy ounces. Weight of paten 94 grams, 3.0 troy ounces. Chalice dimensions – height 19.6cm, diameter of top 9cm. Extremely good silver marks for London 1573. Maker “IP” listed in Jackson’s Gold & Silver Marks as a known maker of communion cups. Sterling silver.
1573
Andrew Kemp
10240 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Chalice
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A rare early English chalice dating to the reign of Elizabeth I. This cup has the standard design for Elizabethan communion cups with straight tapering sides and slightly flared top. It’s most likely to have been made from pre-reformation silver and has the lovely hand beaten finish you’d expect at this date. The single hatched band of arabesque decoration is well executed and the definition is very good. There is applied wire ornament to the stem and foot. Traces of gilding to the bowl. The cup would originally have had a cover (paten). Contains 400 ml. Weight of chalice 256 grams, 8.2 troy ounces. Height 20.2cm, diameter of top 9.9cm. London 1573. Maker Andrew Kemp. Sterling silver.
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.
Circa 1580

10187 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Bottle
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A fantastic little collector’s item. A rare 16^th 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 16^th 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

9453 Antique Nuremberg Silver Wine Taster
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A rare piece of early German silver dating back to circa 1600. A charming little silver taster with scalloped borders and shaped side handles. The centre is engraved with a single flower and leaf motifs picked out with prick dot chasing. The scalloped sides also have prick dot decoration, possibly crown motifs. The interior still has its original gilt finish and the exterior retains traces of the original gilt. Weight 47 grams, 1.5 troy ounces. Width across handles 10.1cm. Height 3.1cm. Top 8.3cm. German silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for Nuremberg circa 1600. Maker Wolff Loschen.
Circa 1600
David Lauer
9776 Antique Nuremberg Silver Goblet
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An excellent quality antique German renaissance silver drinking cup of bell shaped form. Highly decorative and embossed throughout with shells, fruits and other motifs on a matted background. Traces of the original gilt inside and out. Owners initials are etched on the underside. Contains 220 ml. Weight 228 grams, 7.3 troy ounces. Height 19.2 cm. Diameter 8.3 cm. Stamped on the rim and foot with German silver stamps for Nurnburg circa 1600. Maker David Lauer, working 1583-1609.
Circa 1600 - 1620

10349 17th Century Antique Silver Pomander
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An intriguing piece of history contained in a small silver sphere. The antique silver pomander was worn round the neck or suspended from a belt and was intended to protect the wearer from sickness. The exterior of this example is hand engraved with royal portraits, probably English, based on engravings by Simon de Passe (c. 1595 – 6 May 1647). The screw top unturns to release six hollow, hinged segments to contain dried flowers, spices and scented oils. The interior is decorated with scroll and hatched engraving. A similar example formed part of the prestigious David Little collection. Weight 22 grams, less than 1 troy ounce. Height 3.9cm. Spread 5.6cm fully extended. Unmarked silver. Probably English. Circa 1600-20.
1610

7545 Antique James I Silver Chalice dated 1610
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A rare early English sterling silver chalice dating to the reign of James I. Over 400 years old and in very good condition. Plain design with a flared top and stepped pedestal foot. This would originally have had a cover (paten). Uninscribed. Excellent colour. Charming hand beaten finish as you’d expect from this period. Contains 220 ml. Weight 160 grams, 5.1 troy ounces. Height 15 cms. Diameter – top 8 cms, foot 7 cms. Extremely good silver marks for London 1610.
1612
Benjamin Francis
10180 James I Antique Silver Wine Cup
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A rare early English sterling silver goblet dating to the reign of James I. 400 years old and in very good condition. Plain tapering form over a baluster column and simple pedestal foot. This cup is an outstanding piece of antique silver in every way. Large size. Excellent patina. Heavy weight and gauge of silver. Charming hand beaten finish as you’d expect from this period. Contains 350 ml. Weight 286 grams, 9.1 troy ounces. Height 22cm. Diameter of top 9.6cm, foot 8.1cm. London 1612. Maker possibly Benjamin Francis, a known cup maker of the period (see Jackson’s “Gold & Silver Marks” page 109 and also Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). 17th century.
1614
Francis Saunders
8492 Antique James I Silver Beaker
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A rare early English antique sterling silver beaker of tall, plain design. At 6 inches the height is in keeping with its early date; mid 17th century beakers were shorter, about 3 to 4 inches high. Around the top there is a band of hatched foliate decoration; this was used from the Elizabethan period up to about 1620. The foot is decorated with a stamped egg and dart ornamentation typical of this period. Contains 400 ml. Weight 224 grams, 7.2 troy ounces. Height 14.8 cms, 6 inches. Diameter of top 8.6 cms. London 1614. Maker “SF” or “FS” (Jacksons page 107, Pickford edition). Probably “FS” for Francis Saunders (see David Mitchell’s Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London. *It’s very rare for marks of this period to have a name associated with it.
1617
Francis Saunders
9032 Antique James I Silver Wine Cup
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A rare early English sterling silver goblet dating to the reign of James I. 400 years old and in very good condition. Plain tapering form over a baluster column and simple pedestal foot. This cup is an outstanding piece of antique silver in every way. Large size. Excellent patina. Heavy weight and gauge of silver. Fully marked in a straight line just below the rim and has the lion passant and scratch weight on the underside of the foot. Charming hand beaten finish as you’d expect from this period. Contains 500 ml. Weight 306 grams, 9.8 troy ounces. Height 20 cms. Diameter of top 10.7 cms. London 1617. Makers mark either “FS” or “SF”, a known cup maker of the period – see Jacksons page 107, probably Francis Saunders free c.1608 (attribution by Dr David Mitchell in “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”).
1617

8014 Antique James I Silver Chalice
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A rare early English sterling silver chalice dating to the reign of James I. Over 400 years old and in very good condition. Plain form with a flared top and shaped pedestal foot. The outside of the bowl has a broad hand engraved design with scrolls and leaves. The pedestal foot is engraved with the much used “hit and miss” decoration which consists of parallel lines of spaced dashes. Uninscribed. Excellent colour. Charming hand beaten finish as you’d expect from this period. Contains 300 ml. Weight 198 grams, 6.3 troy ounces. Height 17.5 cms. Diameter – top 7.25 cms, foot 8 cms. Extremely good silver marks for London 1617. Makers mark “IV” – see Jacksons page 107, (*it’s very rare for marks of this period to have a name associated with it). There would originally have been a cover (paten).
1624
Robert Snow
9703 James I Silver Flagon
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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.
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 1626

9780 German Parcel Gilt Silver Tankard
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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.
1626
Richard Blackwell
9968 Charles I Antique Silver Beaker
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Dating from the early 1600’s. An early English antique silver beaker of plain tapering design with simple foot wires. Lovely plain form. Excellent patina and hand beaten finish. Contains 250 ml. Weight 120 grams, 3.8 troy ounces. Height 8.9 cm. Diameter 7.0cm (top), 6.0cm (base). London 1626. Sterling silver. Maker’s mark “probably” Richard Blackwell the Elder – see 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.
Circa 1630
Michel Mader
8953 Antique German Goblet
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Of Jewish interest. A charming early antique Nurnberg chalice of circular form with ovoid embossed decoration and original gilt finish (worn). Contains 180 ml. Weight 135 grams, 4.3 troy ounces. Height 14cm. Diameter 7.2cm (top), 6.5cm (foot). Stamped with German silver marks for Nurnberg. Maker Michel Mader. Circa 1630.
Circa 1630
Augsburg
9035 Antique Augsburg Silver Goblet
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A good antique German silver wine cup of tapering form over a shaped pedestal and flared foot. Pineapple decoration. Original fire gilt. Contains 165 ml. Weight 169 grams, 5.4 troy ounces. Height 16.6 cms. Diameter 6.9 cms. Stamped on both the rim and foot with the Augsburg town mark, makers mark and assay scrape. Maker David Roll. Circa 1630.
Circa 1630

9584 Early Swedish Antique Silver Jug
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A good early date. An antique silver wine jug of octagonal form on a shaped detachable foot. Decorated with matted background between plain gilded bands (gilding worn). Good gauge silver. Gilt interior. Engraved to the front “Signum Fidei”. The hinged cover has a later English coat of arms (probably Weldon of Swanscombe, Kent). Weight 681 grams, 21.8 troy ounces. Height 20.5 cm. Spread 16.5 cm. Circa 1630. Maker possibly Peter Hennig, Linkoping Sweden.
Circa 1630

10311 17th Century German Antique Silver Wine Cup
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A decorative continental parcel gilt silver goblet dating to the beginning of the 1600’s. The cup is embossed and chased with the typical decoration of the period of masks, flowers and strapwork. Contains 290ml. Weight 176 grams, 5.6 troy ounces. Height 16.6cm. Diameter 9.2cm. Unmarked silver. Probably German. Circa 1630.
Circa 1631
William Maddox
9605 Antique Charles I Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early 17th century sterling silver dish with applied shell side handles and scalloped rim. Unusual large size. Although quite shallow, this is more probably a wine taster than a sweetmeat dish. The embossed decoration has 10 segments containing flower motifs. The centre has a prick dot circle containing flower heads and a shield shaped cartouche with a simple coat of arms. Weight 217 grams, 6.9 troy ounces. Width across handles 25.6 cm. Diameter 19.2 cm. English silver hallmarks stamped on the edge for London. Circa 1631. Maker William Maddox.