Burnell and Rowe

Description

Here we have a superb George III Sterling Silver Loving Cup. The cup has a domed circular base on which sits the two handled cup with a line decorated band around the middle. The initials C T H are engraved on the top of one handle.

Loving cups were traditionally used at weddings or ceremonial occasions and were designed to be shared by two people passing it between them. As they were often given as wedding gifts they gradually evolved into the classic trophy cups that are still used as prizes today.

The loving cup was made in London and dates to 1785. It has makers' marks for both Miles Askew and William Abdy I. We can find no record of these two London silversmiths working together but it is possible that a commission for silver pieces for a wedding was split between them and the items bore both makers' marks.

Overall condition is good, with just a couple of dings in the handles and signs of an old, very small repair near the handle with the initials. It has survived well through the last 240 years of good service. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The cup is 15.5cm / 6.1ins from handle to handle, 9.3cm / 3.6ins across the top rim and stands 13cm / 5.1ins high. It weighs in at a substantial 287.1g / 10.1oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks, on the upper part of the body, are nice and clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the crowned leopard's head assay mark for London, the date letter k for 1785, the George III duty mark with the M A makers' mark for Miles Askew and the W A makers' mark for William Abdy I.

Shipping in the UK is £12.50 by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes cover for the value of the loving cup.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.