Description

An attractive antique silver porringer with simple strapwork side handles. Typical decoration of the period with half ribbed embossed body and coopered ring of gadrooning. There are simple bands of bright cut engraving and to the front a large decorative cartouche . Uninscribed. *Britannia standard silver. Excellent patina. Weight 143 grams, 4.5 troy ounces. Height 8.4 cms. Spread 15 cms. Diameter 9.3 cms. London 1716. Maker Nathaniel Lock.

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.

*Britannia Standard. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent. New hallmarks were ordered, “the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia” and the lion’s head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard’s head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today.