An exceptional, fine and impressive antique William III English Britannia standard silver cup and cover; an addition to our 17th century silverware collection

This fine antique William III Britannia standard* silver cup and cover has a plain bell shaped form to a circular domed, spreading foot.

The surface of the cup is plain and encircled with an applied girdle.

The cup retains the original hallmarked push fit cover surmounted with an exceptional Britannia silver urn style finial.

This impressive antique cup is fitted with two impressive S scroll handles, each with a plain scrolling thumbpiece and pendant drop style ornamentation to the upper socket.

The underside of the cup is embellished with the contemporary bright cut engraved initials "HIB" surrounding a star motif, in addition to the full hallmarks.

* Britannia Silver - The Britannia silver standard of 958 (95.84% of fine silver), denoted by the icon of the seated Britannia holding an oval shield, was introduced by William III in 1697. This was to indicate the slightly higher standard of silver from sterling silver standard of 925 (92.5% of fine silver).

NOTE: After surviving the Great Fire of London the records at the London Assay office were destroyed by fire in 1681; their catalogues and documentation began again in 1697. Due to this unfortunate event we are unable to associate a maker to this cup.

This 17th century silver cup and cover is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

There are natural fire marks to the surface of both the cup and cover, in keeping with age.

Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the cup and maker’s mark to the rim of the cover are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of antique silverware.

Height 22.6cm/8.9"

Length across handles 22.7cm/8.9"

Diameter 13.8cm/5.4"

Diameter of foot 9.7cm/3.8"

34.4 troy ounces/1069g

Date: 1697

Origin: London, England

Maker: Untraced Maker's Marks