This fine and impressive antique William & Mary* sterling silver mug has a cylindrical tapering form.
The surface of this hand raised silver mug is embellished with the impressive engraved chinoiserie decoration depicting simplified figures farming.
The decoration to the body incorporates an organic bordered cartouche ornamented with the contemporary engraved initials 'SH'.
The body of this sterling silver mug is further embellished with bands of tooled decoration, in addition to applied moulded decoration to the upper and lower rims.
This 17th century silver mug is fitted with an impressive cast silver S scroll handle ornamented with thread decoration.
Such examples from this period are rare to the market and becoming increasing difficult to locate.
* This period of history saw the co-reign of King William III and Queen Mary II from 1689 until her death in 1694. Mary was the princess royal and daughter of Charles I and William III, who was also known as William of Orange, was the sovereign Prince of Orange from birth, Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, and Overijssel in the Dutch Republic from the 1670s.
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 mug.
Maker: Untraced Maker's Mark
Date: 1690
