Sterling Silver Mounted Coconut Cup - Antique Circa 1820

This impressive antique sterling silver mounted coconut cup has a circular rounded form onto a circular pedestal foot.

The upper portion of this antique coconut cup is encircled with the original sterling silver border to the rim embellished with pin struck undulating and trefoil shaped borders.

The plain coconut vessel surmounts a fine and impressive turned mahogany wood pedestal and circular foot.

The rim of the foot is encircled with a plain sterling silver mount.

NOTE: Coconut cups were popular in the late 15th and early 16th centuries as it was believed that the shell of the coconut would act as a natural defence against poison. The shells shape and scarcity of the commodity enabled the wealthy to mount the shells in precious metals to allow them to be used as respectable and highly treasured drinking vessels.

This antique coconut cup is a very good gauge of silver, excellent quality and in excellent condition, for its type.

There are no hallmarks as often the case with such a piece; the date and origin can be determined by the composition and decoration.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of antique silverware.

Diameter of rim 8.8cm/3.5"

Diameter of body 10.1cm/4"

Diameter of foot 7.7cm/3"

Height 11.4cm/4.5"

An accurate weight of silver cannot be provided as cup has a coconut shell drinking vessel.