George I Silver Mug

Object Description

A rare early antique silver tankard with straight sides and a simple handle. Britannnia standard silver*. Charming small size and suitable as a child’s christening mug. Typical decoration of the period with a body and three embossed bands of decoration around the centre. Excellent colour. To the front is an engraved crest on a shield within a decorative cartouche of ribbons and harebells. Contains 1930ml. Weight 193 grams, 6.2 troy ounces. Height 9.2cm. Diameter 6.5cm (top). Spread 10.5cm. London 1716. Maker Richard Bayley.

Biography – Richard Bayley was apprenticed to Charles Overing in 1699 and turned over to John Gibbons in 1704. Free 1706. First mark entered in 1708 at Foster Lane, London, 2nd mark 1720, third mark 1732. Warden of the Goldsmiths Company 1746-8. Prime warden 1751*. He was known for his good plain hollow-ware such as tankards, jugs, tea and coffee pots.

His son, Richard, was apprenticed to Samuel Spindler in 1713.

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 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.

Object Condition

This superb mug is in very good condition and has no repairs or restoration. Excellent patina. Stamped with a full set of clear English silver hallmarks. There is a small dent at the top of the handle, the base is not quite round.
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