Large Continental Sterling Silver Mounted Coconut Cup - Antique Circa 1880

This impressive antique silver mounted coconut cup has a circular rounded form onto a circular pedestal foot.

The antique coconut bowl is embellished with four exceptional carved cartouches, each depicting a swagged heraldic blazon, ship or entwining snake design.

The decoration to the bowl incorporates geometric panels and cross hatching textures.

The upper portion of this antique coconut cup is encircled with the original sterling silver border to the rim.

The plain coconut vessel surmounts a fine and impressive carved wood pedestal and circular foot.

NOTE: Coconut cups were popular in the late 15th and early 16th centuries as it was believed that the shell of the coconut would act as a natural defence against poison. The shells shape and scarcity of the commodity enabled the wealthy to mount the shells in precious metals to allow them to be used as respectable and highly treasured drinking vessels.

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Date: Circa 1880

This large coconut cup is a very good gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

There are no hallmarks as often the case with such a piece; the date and origin can be determined by the composition and decoration.

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

Diameter of rim 10.1cm/4"

Diameter of body 12.8cm/5"

Diameter of foot 10.5cm/4.1"

Height 19.5cm/7.7"

An accurate weight of silver cannot be provided as cup has a coconut shell drinking vessel.