George I Britannia Standard Mug
Fine George I Britannia Standard silver mug of straight sided baluster form with a simple scroll handle, the front later engraved with crest (possibly later), hallmarked with date mark for London 1719 and maker mark William Fleming.
After the English Civil War the demand for silver household goods rose and wrought plate (unworked sterling silver) was in short supply. In 1697, the Britannia Standard for silver was introduced by an Act of Parliament to stop the use of British currency (sterling silver coins) being melted for use in household goods, hallmarked with the new Britannia Standard silver mark replacing the lion passant and the leopard head crowned. With a higher percentage of
silver (95.833%) in comparison to sterling (92.5%), this higher standard meant that sterling silver coins could not easily be used as source material. Britannia Standard was compulsory for domestic silver until the 1st of June, 1720, when sterling was again approved for use. Most silversmiths reverted to sterling but Britannia has remained an optional standard since, and due to their rarity and quality Britannia Standard silver pieces are sought-after by collectors.
Size: 3 ½ h x 3 w x 4 ¼ d in
C21001
SOLD
This item is no longer available. Please contact us to inquire about similar pieces.