Of larger than average size, the collet foot applied with a plain wire below an applied band of upward pointing ribs rising to two applied parallel reeded wires. The plain flared rim with reeded scroll handle and descending with a bead and reel rat-tail. The base with scratchweight "7=3" and the front of the bowl opposite the handle with engraved initials "WL" over "BF"
Colonel H. R. Cronpton-Roberts D.S.O
Christies, 6th June 1921, lot 72, sold £62.
Tessier, 1921
Charles James Toovey
Christies, 9th February, 1926, sold £65
Tessier
Christies, 5th July, 2005, lot 44, Purchased by J.H Bourdon-Smith Ltd, £9000 inc. premium
J. H Bourdon-Smith Ltd Catalogue, no.45, 2005. p.8
Private Collection
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Thistle cups made before 1700 are not common and this particular example is bigger and better than most. Its provenance is also well documented over the last 100 years and it is blessed with a superb set of marks on the base. For collectors of Scottish silver this is an excellent early example (the earliest fully marked Edinburgh made mug being only one year earlier in 1693) being well proportioned and with a generous width of 3.5" (8.75cm) at the rim. At about 7 oz this is also heavier than most.