Object Description
A very charming early English silver mug with a slightly baluster shape on a spreading foot. Small size, probably a child’s mug. Good plain style typical of the period. Excellent colour and weight. Large contemporary hand engraved armorial to the front. The name “Lettice Pardo” is inscribed to the underside. It’s nice to see the traces of the original hand beaten finish.
Contains 300ml.
Weight 267g, 8.5 troy oz.
Height 9cm, 3.5ins. Spread 11.2cm. Diameter of top 7.1cm.
London 1718.
Maker Anthony Nelme.
Britannia standard silver. High purity 95.8%.
Small size suitable as a baby gift.
Marks. Stamped to the body below the top rim with a full set of English silver hallmarks.
Inscribed to the base “Lettice Pardo”. We think this could be the second wife of Thomas Pardo (1650-1728) – Alderman twice Mayor of Kidwelly. There is a very touching story that Pardo’s first wife Elizabeth’s (1662- 1698) dying request was that he marry her close friend Lettice in order that she might look after their young children. Thomas died October 1728 Aged 78. Lettice died October 1728 Aged 81. The Thomas Pardo memorial in St Mary’s Church, Kidwelly states that Lettice was the daughter of JASON & TEMPERANCE LEWES – the Lewis arms features the 3 serpents contained within the armorial.
Britannia Standard silver is 95.8% pure. 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 pure. 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.
Maker: Anthony Nelme
Anthony Nelme, London silver maker, apprenticed to Richard Rowley 1672, turned over to Isaac Dighton, free 1679/80. 1st mark (sterling) pre-1697, 2nd and 3rd marks (Britannia) undated, presumably 1697. There is a previous unregistered? sterling mark recorded by Jackson dated 1691/2. Assistant to the Court of the Goldsmiths 1703, warden 1717 and 1723. Died circa 1723.
His work showed signs of Hugeunot influence and his considerable output included many municipal pieces such as maces, as well as toilet services and other large pieces.
Anthony’s son Francis Nelme was apprenticed to his father 1712, free 1719. His first mark entered 1723, 2nd in 1739.
Free Shipping Worldwide