Description
This magnificent antique George V cast sterling silver christening mug has a tapering circular shaped form onto a circular spreading foot.
The surface of this exceptional Hunt & Roskell silver mug is embellished with an intricate scene depicting a multitude of putto* chasing and attacking an array of cockatrice**, all on a matte, textured background.
The body of the mug is further embellished with interlacing scrolling decoration incorporating an oval cartouche depicting the contemporary engraved initials 'ISS'.
The upper portion is encircled with an impressive band of engraved simplified undulating branches accented with the engraved inscription 'Nellie from Anne, June 25 1912', surrounding a coronet.
This boxed silver christening mug is fitted with a magnificent cast sterling silver scrolling handle accented with a large angelic figure above scrolling leaf designs.
The circular spreading foot is embellished with a subtle stepped design.
This magnificent example of antique silverware retains the original gilded interior.
This impressive antique christening mug was crafted by the renowned London silversmiths Hunt & Roskell Ltd and bears the retailer's mark 'Hunt & Roskell Ltd, Late Storr & Mortimer' to the rim of the foot.
This mug is fitted to the original hinged velvet presentation box, embellished with a silver cartouche displaying the contemporary engraved inscription 'Nellie from Anne, June 25 1912'.
The satin lined interior of the presentation box cover bears the retailer's mark 'By Appointment, Hunt & Roskell Ltd, Late Storr and Mortimer, in alliance with J. W. Benson ltd, 25 Old Bond Street, London W'.
The box secures with a push fit catch and is accommodated within the original satin drawstring pouch, ornamented with a further silver cartouche depicting the aforementioned inscription; this additional satin pouch indicates the high quality of the piece.
This magnificent mug is an exceptional cast example and the finest of its type you could hope to acquire.
* In art and culture, a putto (plural: putti) is a chubby male child, usually nude and occasionally bearing wings.
** A cockatrice is mythical beast which comprises of a two-legged dragon/serpent-like creature with a rooster's head. This creature was first described in the late fourteenth century and its creation has been portrayed as an egg laid by a cock and incubated by a snake/toad.
Read the brief history of silver christening gifts
