George I Antique Silver Gilt Flagons, London 1726.

Object Description

A magnificent pair of flagons of tapered cylindrical form having a tall vertical sided body with graceful curved handle on a spreading base. Extremely large size and heavy gauge silver. Bright gilt finish.

Each contains 2500 ml.
Weight 1697g, 54.5 troy oz and 1683g, 54.1 troy oz.
Height 36cm, 14.1 ins (to top of lid finial). Spread 21cm.
Maker William Darker.
London 1726.
Sterling silver.

Lovely items for display and very practical for serving wine, beer and other cold drinks.

Marks. Each tankard is stamped with a full and matching set of English silver hallmarks, the lid with lion and maker’s mark, the handle with maker’s mark only.

Inscribed. The undersides of the flagons are engraved “The Gift of Mrs Eliz Enderson to St. Martins in the Feilds, 1649 New Wrought Oct 20. 1726. Walter Turner William House Church Warden”. This refers to the 1720’s when the St Martin’s church building was refurbished; the church authorities decided to melt down some of their 17th century silver to create an impressive set of communion plate. The design of the newly-wrought flagons dated 1726 remained in keeping with conservative Tudor forms of the mid-16th century, a nod to the previous church built by Henry VIII.

Maker: William Darker

William Darker, also known as William Darkeratt. Marks registered 1726 and 1732. Specialist hollowware maker – tankards, coffee pots, beakers, small jugs, sugar bowls. Died 1734.

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Object History

The Church of St. Martin-In-The-Fields, London.
Sold on behalf of the Vicar and Churchwardens of St. Martins-in-the- Fields; Sotheby’s, London, 17 May 1973, lots 114 (the flagons) and 122 (the chalices and patens).
Acquired from S.J. Phillips Ltd., London, September 1973 (the chalices and patens) and July 2007 (the flagons).
The Selim & Mary Zilkha Collection

Object Literature

Flagons are very collectable and can be used and enjoyed. The earliest form of flagon, used for serving wine, beer and other cold drinks, dates from the late 16th and early 17th century. These are extremely rare and would originally have had a companion dish or basin. Due to changing fashions these large cylindrical flagons with hinged covers were mainly made for church use after the second half of the 17th century.

Object Condition

Both tankards are in good usable condition with signs of use over the years, slight bruising and surface scratches. The gilt finish is bright and generally very good with some wear, surface spots. There are a couple of larger wear marks visible in photo 1.

Object Details