Antique Queen Anne Silver Tankard

Object Description

A good early English silver lidded tankard with a simple flat sided form and shallow domed lid. The S scroll handle finishes in a decorative thumb piece and has ornamental strap work. Britannia standard silver*. Uninscribed. Good patina. Contains 890 ml. Weight 734 grams, 23.6 troy ounces. Height 17 cms (to top of thumb piece). Spread 18 cms. Diameter 10 cms (top), 11.5 cms (base). London 1707. Maker John Ruslen.

Biography – John Ruslen, London silversmith, apprenticed to Thomas George 1656, free 1664. Livery 1682. Court 1693. Warden 1702, 1707-8. Prime warden 1722. 1st mark as largeworker, pre Britannia period, c1697

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. 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 excellent tankard is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Stamped with a full set of clear English silver hallmarks to the lid and body, makers mark on the handle. Good patina.
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