Antique Queen Anne Silver Porringer

Object Description

A charming antique silver porringer with simple strapwork side handles. Typical decoration of the period with half ribbed embossed body and coopered ring of gadrooning. There are simple bands of bright cut engraving and to the front a large decorative cartouche containing owner’s initials. Britannia standard silver. Excellent patina. Weight 113 grams, 3.6 troy ounces. Height 7.4 cms. Spread 15 cms. Diameter 8.5 cms. London 1714. Maker William Fleming. With a presentation box.

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

Porringers are two handled bowls and some have a cover. They can also be known as caudle cups although the origin of the porringer was for porridge and the caudle cup was for a type of broth. From the eighteenth century onwards, porringers and cups and covers were used mainly as centrepieces or ornaments. In recent times they have seen a resurgence in popularity for drinking and on the dining table. They make a very attractive baby gift.

*Britannia Standard. 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. 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 cup is in good condition with no damage. Stamped with a full set of clear English silver hallmarks to the base. The engraved decoration has a bit of wear and there are a couple of small indents inside the rim where the handles are attached to the body. The presentation box is later and is a bit scruffy.

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