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George III Silver Tankard
[Text discription below]
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10091
A George III Silver Tankard:
English 1773. A George III silver tankard by John Moore, London. Stamped by the silversmith with "I M" on the bottom, along with a series of other hallmarks. The first appears to be the London sterling silver assay hallmark indicated by the lion passant (Fig. 3.), indicating a content of 925/1000 silver. The second is the date letter stamp of “S” for 1773 (Fig. 1, 4). The third is the City of London crowned lion’s mask, indicating manufacture in London (Fig 2.). The tax or duty stamp for London/GB is missing. Very attractive, stylistic construction with an integral cap and thumb lever. Designed to hold a very generous imperial pint of bitters. The handle is again stamped by the silversmith "I M". Height is 8 in. Weight is 830.8 g (29.3 oz) of fine sterling.
English 1773. A George III silver tankard by John Moore, London. Stamped by the silversmith with "I M" on the bottom, along with a series of other hallmarks. The first appears to be the London sterling silver assay hallmark indicated by the lion passant (Fig. 3.), indicating a content of 925/1000 silver. The second is the date letter stamp of “S” for 1773 (Fig. 1, 4). The third is the City of London crowned lion’s mask, indicating manufacture in London (Fig 2.). The tax or duty stamp for London/GB is missing. Very attractive, stylistic construction with an integral cap and thumb lever. Designed to hold a very generous imperial pint of bitters. The handle is again stamped by the silversmith "I M". Height is 8 in. Weight is 830.8 g (29.3 oz) of fine sterling.
Fig. 1: London date letter stamp for 1773.
Fig. 2: City of London Marks.
Fig. 3: Lion passant sterling silver assay marks used between 1598-1820.
Historical:
John Moore started his apprenticeship as a goldsmith to Fuller White on DEC 7, 1748, upon payment of £40. He was made free on JUL 7, 1756 and opened a business on 118 Fleet Street (1758-74) as a silversmith, opposite St. Bride’s Church in London. He is recorded as working then on Silver Street in 1778, and London in 1793. He died MAY 29, 1807, and his mark is found to nearly this year (1).
Condition:
The condition is very fine. When the item was first found, it was polished bright, but has since returned to a wonderful level of oxidation. The cap hinge is tight with no repairs. The hallmarks found on the bottom are crisp, and were not polished over. The item is a significant display, fully functional, and a perfect accent to any Antiquarian Library setting. A very artful and aristocratic appearance overall.
Provenance:
S. & J. Stodel; Vault 24, London Silver Vaults. APR 2013 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1QS
Bibliography: 1. Grimwade, Arthur, G. (1982) London Goldsmiths 1697-1837; Their Marks and Lives. ISBN 13 [9780571180653]; Faber & Faber. 2. Hallmarks Encyclopedia: [www.h.cx.com] 3. Hallmarks Encyclopedia: [www.925-1000.com] 4. Hallmarks Encyclopedia: [www.silvercollection.it]
Bibliography: 1. Grimwade, Arthur, G. (1982) London Goldsmiths 1697-1837; Their Marks and Lives. ISBN 13 [9780571180653]; Faber & Faber. 2. Hallmarks Encyclopedia: [www.h.cx.com] 3. Hallmarks Encyclopedia: [www.925-1000.com] 4. Hallmarks Encyclopedia: [www.silvercollection.it]
Fig. 4: London date letter marks used between 1689-1815; [www.h.cx.com]
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