Description

A rare early English silver tot cup, or small size porringer, with twin side handles and belly shape. Lovely original hand beaten finish.

Weight 69 grams, 2.2 troy ounces.
Height 5.5 cm. Diameter 6 cm.
London 1673.
Maker IC*.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Stamped with a full set of good clear silver hallmarks although the makers mark and date letter are not fully stamped. The maker IC is listed in Jacksons (see photo)*.

Literature. Brandy became popular during the 17th century and was consumed from small, lightweight cups. This spirit was introduced by Dutch traders from Southern France and Spain and was orginally known as “Brandewijn” or “Hottwater”. It was the cheapest alcoholic drink because, unlike wine, ale and cider, it was not taxed until the 1690’s.

Signed/Inscribed: *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 destr 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 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).