Description

A magnificent piece of early English silver. A large 2 handled antique silver cup and cover with caryatid handles; the body decorated all round with deep relief flowers and foliage typical of this early date. The hand beaten finish is very appealing. 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. The lid finial bears a large hand engraved armorial with a crest and motto; the crest is repeated to the front and reverse of the porringer body. The underside has an interesting presentation inscription dated 1666 in old fashioned script.

Weight 603g, 19.3 troy oz.
Spread across handles 20cm. Height 14.5cm (total), 11.2cm (top of handle), 10.5cm (top of body). Diameter 11.8cm.
London 1666.
Maker probably Gowen Udall – source David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”.
Sterling silver.

Very historic – this was made during the 6th year of Charles II reign after the restoration of the monarchy, the year of the Great Fire of London.

Marks. Stamped underneath the porringer and on the side of the lid with a full and matching set of English silver hallmarks, lion mark (partially stamped) to the top finial.

Arms. The large armorial is mounted with the crest of a lion rampant within 2 elephant trunks. The motto Persevera Deoque Confide” translates as “Persevere and trust in God”. These are for William Williams Brown(e), a prominent banker in Leeds, of Allerton Hall. The arms are his and the smaller superimposed shield is Duncan, for his wife.

Inscription. “Ye gyfte of Sir Thomas Boudworth to Squire Adams in recognition of his great services rendered during Ye calamitous daies of September 1666”. Sir Thomas Bludworth was Lord Mayor of London at the time of the Fire of London in 1666.

Literature. Originating from the mid 1600’s, silver 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.

This silver cup and cover is in very good condition with moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Superb crisp decoration. The cover fits well.

Maker: Gowen Udall

Gowen Udall, London silversmith, apprenticed to Anthony Ficketts 1649, free 1657. Livery 1685. Udall bound 5 apprentices during his working career.

Customer satisfaction is our primary concern

All silverware on our website is checked thoroughly prior to offering it for sale and every product listing contains a condition report and details of the silver hallmarks.

All items offered on our website include:

• Free Shipping Worldwide
• Tracked and Insured
• 14 day no quibble money back guarantee
• We are accredited members of LAPADA and conform to their strict professional standards
• We dispatch 1-3 days after receiving cleared payments

More detailed information about deliveries, returns and how to pay is available in the Help section at the bottom of this page.