Lot 362
AN EARLY 18TH CENTURY SCOTTISH PROVINCIAL MUG
Auction: 12 August 2015 at 15:00 BST
Description
unmarked, of plain tapered form with 'S' scroll reeded handle and foot rim, engraved initials 'I*W' to underside of base
Dimensions
Height: 6cm, 2.6oz
Footnote
Notes: Although unmarked, there seems little doubt this mug is not only Scottish provincial but likely from the Highlands, perhaps Inverness or indeed Tain.
The overall manufacture, style and proportion is reminiscent of various full sized and miniature thistle and plain mugs. This example, being also mid-sized, is unusual with the majority of smaller examples being made provincially, rather than in Edinburgh.
The style of strap handle is seen throughout Scotland from circa 1680 onwards. The style and position of the initials is again typically Scottish.
While an exact location is difficult to pin-point the north and Highlands seems the most likely as these types of cups appear to have been popular in and around Inverness and Tain more so than in the wealthier Aberdeen.
For further discussion on these mugs and illustration of various comparable examples see 'Notes on Antique Silver', Commander G. E. P. How, Summer 1942