Description

A large antique silver trumpet beaker of tall, tapered, cylindrical design having a plain base with simple foot wires. Around the top there is a band of hatched foliate decoration with flower and scroll ornament trailing below. Unusually large size for a mid 17^th century beaker. Underneath there is a date of 1667 engraved together with owners initials.

Contains 850 ml.

Weight 323 grams. Height 17cm. Diameter 11.5cm.

London 1671.

Maker attributed to Robert King – see David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”.

Sterling silver.

Literature. *It is unusual to have a maker’s name for a piece of silver of this early date as there are no precise records of silver makers’ marks prior to 1697. All records were destroyed in the fire at Goldsmiths Hall in 1681 when the Assay Office and apartments of the Assayer and Clerk in the south west wing of the building were burned down. From 1697 onwards Goldsmiths Hall has preserved a complete record of workmen’s marks, addresses, together with their names and the dates. Sometimes the details of makers can be discovered from old records such as the inventories of noble houses and other institutions.

The first surviving record, after the fire at Goldsmiths Hall, is the 1682 copper plate made to start the recording process again. This has recently prompted a study by Dr David Mitchell, supported by Goldsmiths Hall, resulting in the publication of his 2017 “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”. This reference work identifies previously unknown makers marks and assigns marks struck on existing plate to individuals (attributions for 540 separate marks).

The beaker is in very good condition. Stamped underneath with a full set of clear English silver hallmarks. The engraving has a bit of wear but still has definition. 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 King

Robert King, London silversmith, apprenticed to Tobias Coleman in the Girdlers Company, free by service in 1655. There are no records, however it’s likely that Robert was bound during the Civil War period, when there was a high demand for sword belts and other military paraphernalia, which formed part of the girdler’s trade. Coleman was duel trade, both girdler and skilled silversmith sworn to the Ordinances of the Goldsmiths Company, enabling him to continue working when the market for domestic and ecclesiastical plate collapsed in 1642. Robert had 3 younger brothers, Thomas, John and Adam, all free of the Goldsmiths Company. Robert also bound 3 apprentices including Francis Garthorne who became a leading platemaker and was appointed a subordinate goldsmith within the Jewel House.

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