Description

A rare early English porringer with matching lid and side handles. The cup has a clean form with sharp features and rope twist borders. The body with cut card decoration, the lid with acanthus leaf design and ring handle. The front has a large hand engraved armorial and the lid has a crest. Excellent weight and colour. Weight 884 grams, 28.4 troy ounces. Height 17cm (with lid), 12cm (without lid). Spread 21.5cm. Diameter 14.5cm. London 1680. Maker Robert Smythier.

Literature: Porringers are two handled bowls and some have a cover. They can also be known as caudle cups although the origin of the porringer was for porridge and the caudle cup was for a type of broth. From the eighteenth century onwards, porringers and cups and covers were used mainly as centrepieces or ornaments. In recent times they have seen a resurgence in popularity for drinking and on the dining table. They make a very attractive baby gift.

This antique cup and cover is in very good condition. Crisp condition. The engravings are sharp, slightly later circa 1730. Both cup and lid are stamped with a full and matching set of English silver hallmarks. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Maker: Robert Smythier

Robert Smythier, London silversmith, apprenticed to plateworker Henry Greenaway, free 1660. Livery in 1647 and Renter Warden in 1682. Member of the Court of Assistant 1688. Died in 1689 following which his widow registered her mark on the Mark Plate. His brother William was apprenticed to Thomas Vyner, a silversmith with Royal connections who later became Lord Major of London.

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