Queen Anne Silver Punch Bowl

Object Description

A rare Scottish silver bowl of exceptional size and weight. Excellent plain style. Of circular form with a reeded rim and short flared foot. The underside has a prick engraving “S.E over F” within a scroll cartouche. Scratchweight 66.19. Weight approx. 2049 grams, 65.9 troy ozs. Height 16.5cm. Diameter 34.5cm. Edinburgh 1707. Maker Colin McKenzie. Edinburgh assay master James Penman.

Colin McKenzie is among the most important early 18th century Edinburgh (and Scottish) makers. He completed his apprenticeship under James Penman and would have trained and worked with Thomas Ker, Henry Bethune and Edward Penman, all fine quality makers. During McKenzie’s working career he took on 10 apprentices including two of his sons. The two earliest monteiths in Scotland were made by Mckenzie, one in a private collection, the other in the City of Edinburgh Museum, both dated 1698. The only surviving Scottish toilet service, hallmarked in 1703 was by his hand.

Object Literature

There are currently only ten pre 1710 Scottish silver punch bowls or monteiths recorded, with at least 5 in museums/institutional collections. The two earliest monteiths in Scotland were made by McKenzie, one in a private collection, the other in the City of Edinburgh Museum, both dated 1698. The only surviving Scottish toilet service, hallmarked in 1703 was by his hand.

Colin McKenzie is among the most important early 18th century Edinburgh (and Scottish) makers. He completed his apprenticeship under James Penman and would have trained and worked with Thomas Ker, Henry Bethune and Edward Penman, all fine quality makers. During McKenzie’s working career he took on 10 apprentices including two of his sons.

The two earliest monteiths in Scotland were made by McKenzie, one in a private collection, the other in the City of Edinburgh Museum, both dated 1698. The only surviving Scottish toilet service, hallmarked in 1703 was by his hand.

Object Condition

The bowl is in very good condition. Stamped underneath with a set of Scottish silver hallmarks for Edinburgh (3 towers).

Object Details