The small porringer of compressed bellied form on a bossed out footrim and sided by S-shaped clipped wire handles,

the sides chased with panels of stylized flora (likely jonquils and tulips) between plain panels on a matted ground,

all beneath a row of punch-beading and plain rim;

the base reverse chased with a leafy stem ending in a cluster of grapes within a punch-beaded border;

fully marked verso with maker?s mark M N, a crescent below, within a heart shaped punch

Provenance: Christie's, NY - Oct. 15, 1985, retaining printed catalog listing

These small baluster-form cups were popular from c1640 to 1700, are technically called "caudle "cups".  

Recently, the term "porringer", a straight-sided cup, has become the prevalent term for both  forms. 

The miniature, or "toy", version (2" -3" in height), popular in the mid-17th century,

had no lid, and usually simple chased or pounced decoration, with clipped silver wire handles. 

They were used for a warm drink composed of ale, sugar, eggs, bread and spices ?

much advocated for curing minor ills and recommended for pregnant women.

They were often given as gifts to the mother of a newborn child.

Today these small cups are also often used as wine tasters,

as the chasing offers wells and bubbles for discerning color and clarity.

Condition : very good patination and overall condition; crisp marks and chasing;

both handles with usual either casual handle attachment or reattachment;
four small splits to the rim, .25" the longest, with silver repairs

2" High x 4.5" Wide / 2.2 oz.

 SOLD

#6891