9901 Antique Silver Scandinavian Peg Beaker, possibly Norwegian or Baltic. Circa 1732

Object Description

Possibly Norwegian or Baltic. A rare piece of parcel gilt silver of tapering straight sided form. With bright gilt banding to the foot, rim, and interior. 18th century. Faintly pricked out at the rim with the year “Anno 1732”. To the front is an engraved cartouche with “HNS Lemesand”. While peg tankards are traditional Scandinavian drinking vessels it is very unusual to find a beaker pegged in this fashion. A charming feature is the way that the pegs have been disguised on the front as flower heads.

Contains 520 ml.

Weight 220 grams, 7ozs.

Height 13cm. Diameter 10.9 (top), 7.3cm (base).

Stamped underneath with the maker’s mark “FR” double struck.

Scandinavian – possibly Norwegian or Baltic.

Circa 1732

Object Literature

The name ‘peg tankard’ is derived from the vertical row of cylindrical pegs soldered inside the tankard, used to measure the amount of alcohol drunk as the tankard was passed around the table. Each drinker could drink his allocated peg measure. The term ‘peg’ probably derives from the Danish measure ‘paegl’, roughly equivalent to a pint.
Peg tankards have a long history in the Scandinavian and Baltic countries. In England peg tankards were made from the mid-1650s through to the 1680s in York, Hull and other north-eastern towns with close cultural links with northern Europe. They usually follow the Scandinavian form, incorporating floral engraving and pomegranate feet.

Object Condition

In very good condition

Object Details