Antique Miniature Silver Porringer

Object Description

A delightful little collector’s piece. A charming little antique silver cup with two side handles and the typical half ribbed decoration of the Queen Anne period. The body has a border of fish scale and engraved flower ornament. It looks like an exact copy of a full size original. Weight 19 grams, less than 1 troy ounce. Height 3.3cm. Spread 7.5cm. Diameter 4.5cm. London 1708. Maker William Fleming.

Biography – Willian Fleming, apprenticed to Nathaniel Lock 1688, free 1695. Mark entered as largeworker 1697. Livery 1708. Known for his cream jugs, saucepans, dredgers and miniature porringers.

Object Literature

Silver toys in the 16th and 17th century were made predominately for the children of kings and queens. The Dutch were the leading manufacturers, their most prolific period being 1725-1750, and by then wealthy royalty, landowners and business men were buying toys for their own pleasure as well as that of their children’s. During that period England was still suffering under Puritanism and it wasn’t until the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 that silver toys were made available in this country. The earliest English silver toys date from 1665 and were made in London; it was uncommon for toys to be made in the provinces

Object Condition

This little item is in good but used condition. Stamped underneath with a full set of English silver hallmarks and engraved owner’s initials. The bottom rim has been squashed a little but seems unrepaired. There is a small solder repair to the body located on the border of fish scale (see photos).

Object Details