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The round tumbler raised from a single sheet and weighted at the base,
planishing marks to the exterior and interior;
marked verso with clear date mark (Q), London mark, and lion passant (rubbed),
the maker's mark very rubbed,
but appears, under magnification, WA, Grimwade #2998, reg.22.8.1728, for William Allen :
Very faint remains of script initials to side : possibly J (or T) SG
as well as very faint scratched E.C toward the base :
Initials depicted above, with contrast added, as very difficult to see
One of the earliest records of tumbler cups is that of Samuel Pepys, on October 24, 1664.
He cites an odd alternate name - "cocking cups".
At that time, in the north-west of England,
these small cups were sometimes given as prizes given in cockfighting contests.
The earliest silver known tumbler cups still in existence date to 1671, at All Souls Oxford.
These early small, plain drinking cups were first popular at 17th century colleges,
(as Oxford) and intended to be emptied in a single draught.
The cups were hammered up from a single sheet of thick silver,
with a heavier rounded base and thinner sides.
This construction allowed the cup to right itself when knocked –
thus the name "tumbler", from the Germanic word for "acrobat".
This righting action was also useful to travelers of the day.
Condition : Excellent, save the rubbed maker's mark on the bottom center;
minor expected scuffing only
1.75" High / 2.5" Diameter / 1.7 oz
SOLD
#8015
Please Inquire
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