Queen Anne Antique Silver Tankard

Object Description

An extremely large and imposing silver lidded tankard of tapering cylindrical form with a coopered band to the body. Britannia standard silver*. The embossed vertical fluting and bands of hand chased matted decoration are typical of the period. To the front is a hand engraved armorial within a large decorative cartouche. An unusual feature is the double thumb piece which attaches to both the handle and the lid. The handle has engraved owner’s initials. Good patina.

Contains 1750 ml.
Weight 1325 grams, 42.6 troy ounces.
Height 21.2cm (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 12.8cm (top). Spread 23cm.
London 1705.
Maker William Denny.

Marks. Stamped on the body and lid rim with a full set of matching English silver hallmarks. The handle with maker’s mark.

WILLIAM DENNY
William Denny, London silversmith, apprenticed to William Harrison 1670, free 1679. Mark entered as largeworker, with John Bache, undated probably 1697. Another mark, his own, is also undated.

Object Literature

*Britannia Standard. 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

In very good condition. Sharp engraving. Good patina.

Object Details