Antique George I Silver Mug

Object Description

A handsome antique silver tankard of plain baluster shape, almost straight sided, with a shaped handle.. *Britannia standard silver. Excellent colour. Initial “W” engraved to the front in old fashioned script. Contains 220 ml. Weight 212 grams, 6.8 troy ounces. Height 9 cm. Spread 10 cm. Diameter 6,75 cm. London 1725. Maker Jonah Clifton.

Biography – Jonah Clifton, London Silversmith and goldsmith. Apprenticed to Benjamin Pyne 1693, free 1703. First mark (Britannia) entered as largeworker 1703. 2nd mark (Sterling) 1720.

Object Literature

*Britannia Standard silver. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent pure. New hallmarks were ordered, “the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia” and the lion’s head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard’s head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today.

Object Condition

This early English silver mug is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Excellent colour. Good weight. Stamped with a full set of clear English silver hallmarks.

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.

Object Details