Description

A large early English silver lidded tankard with a simple flat sided form and shallow domed lid. The S scroll handle finishes in a decorative thumb piece and has ornamental strap work. Britannia standard silver*. Uninscribed. The handle has an interesting set of owner’s initials, obviously the tankard has been passed down through successive family members. Good patina. There is a presentation inscription underneath. Contains 1400 ml. Weight 865 grams, 27.8 troy ounces. Height 19 cms (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 11.5 cms (top), 13.5 cms (base). London 1709. Maker Richard Gines.

Literature: *Britannia Standard silver. 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.

Signed/Inscribed: The presentation inscription reads “This tankard belonged to William Hall, passed to Richard hall, passed to Thomas Congreve his son in law”.