Charles II Antique Silver Porringer, London 1688

Object Description

An early English silver porringer with decorative caryatid handles. Excellent colour. The plain body has an embossed band of acanthus leaf to the lower body. To the front are the prick initials “S over I*M”.

Weight 224 grams, 7.2 troy oz.
Height 9cm (top of handle). Spread across handles 17.5cm. Diameter 10.5cm.
London 1688.
Maker St John Hoyte.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Stamped on the base with a full set of English silver hallmarks. The date mark has been badly stamped but can be made out as “l” for 1688.The maker’s mark “SH conjoined” is listed in Jackson’s Silver & Gold Marks page 137, possibly St John Hoyte (see David Mitchell’s Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London page 488/9).

Maker: St John Hoyte

St John Hoyte, London silversmith, apprenticed to Thomas King 1668, free 1676. Hoyte’s mark was struck on the 1682 Mark Plate. Livery 1685. Died 1693 and the mark of his widow Frances Hoyte appeared on plate from that time. Hoyte took 6 apprentices during his working career.

Hoyte produced a large range of hollow wares including tankards, flagons and porringers and many chinoiserie decorated tankards, porringers salvers and tea cups.

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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.

Object Condition

This rare antique silver porringer is in very good condition. Good patina. Shows moderate signs of wear commensurate with age.

Object Details