A William III thistle mug
£7,800
Auction: 16 August 2010 at 15:00 BST
Description
by Edward Penman, Edinburgh 1701 - 1702, Assay Master James Penman, the tapering body with flared upper section with bold reeded girdle, the lower straight sided section with semi spiralled chased gadrooning with alternating large and small sections, with a reeded S scroll strap handle with graduating beaded rat tail, the whole resting on a simple reeded collar foot
Dimensions
9.5cm high, 4oz
Footnote
Notes: this early 18th century thistle cup is interesting in many ways. Firstly the makers mark struck for Edward Penman is struck only one year after he is created a Freeman of the Incorporation, and shows how even a relatively new silversmith was gaining interesting commissions even at a very early stage in his career. In this instance without doubt due to his family connections and history within the trade, note his Fathers mark as Assay Master.
The decoration is always worthy of note, and while lobed decoration to the lower sections of thistle cups is virtually standard, the varieties noted within this style is interesting. This example with chased semi spiralled lobes / gadrooning is interesting as is obviously very different to the standard applied decorations more commonly seen.
Provenance:
Shurbsole London
References:
'Compendium of Scottish Silver II' R & J Dietert, illustrated front cover, listed page 377