George III Antique Silver Tankard

Description

A good quality antique silver tankard with domed lid, straight tapering form and a centre ring to the body. The curved handle has ornamental strapwork and a very attractive pierced thumb piece. No inscription. A nice example.

Contains 850 ml.
Weight 737 grams, 23.6 troy ounces.
Height 20.5cm. Spread 17cm.
Diameter of top 9.7cm.
London 1792.
Maker Godbehere and Wigan.
Sterling silver.
18th century.

Marks. Stamped with a full set of English silver hallmarks inside lid and on the body next to the handle, handle unmarked. Owners initials hand engraved to the handle

Literature. The term “tankard” is traditionally used for a single handed drinking vessel with a lid. Antique silver tankards are usually much bigger than mugs and sometimes have a quart capacity or more. The earliest date at which the familiar shaped tankard occurs is circa 1640 although these are exceedingly rare.

This tankard is in very good condition. Shows moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. The colour has a slight discolouration and there are a couple of dinks to the body.

Maker: Samuel Godbehere and Edward Wigan

Samuel Godbehere, London silversmith, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. 1st mark (2 sizes) entered as plateworker in 1784, 2nd mark 1784, After this period Samel entered into several successive partnerships. 3rd mark (2 sizes) 1786 and 4th mark (3 sizes) 1789 both in partnership with Edward Wigan. 5th mark (3 sizes) 1792. 6th mark 1800 in partnership with Edward Wigan and James Bult (entered as S. Goodbehere & Co). 7th mark together with James Bult 1818, this partnership seems to have been dissolved by 1819 when Bult's mark was entered alone. Grimwade records Godbehere as succeeding James Stamp, goldsmith and jeweller of 86 Cheapside in 1786 (where Godbehere worked until at least 1796) and also a connection with William Bottle and James Burden, both Bath goldsmiths. He suggests that Godbehere was possibly supplying Bath goldsmiths with London goods. Edward Wigan, son of the Bristol goldsmith Thomas Wigan, apprenticed to James Stamp, goldsmith in London. Free 1786.1st mark 1786, 2nd mark (3 sizes) 1789, 3rd mark (3 sizes) 1792 - all three with Samuel Godbehere. 4th mark with Godbehere and James Bult (also apprenticed to James Stamp) as S. Godbehere & Co in 1800. No longer in parnership by 1818. Edward's son Edward II was apprenticed to him in 1800.

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