NEWCASTLE. A very rare George I Ladys Drinking Mug made in Newcastle in 1721 by John Carnaby.
NEWCASTLE. A very rare George I Ladys Drinking Mug made in Newcastle in 1721 by John Carnaby.
374216
The Mug has slightly tapering sides and a tucked in base, with spreading foot attached. This was the design of this period, with an everted rim decorated with reeding. The plain scroll handle is engraved with a set of contemporary initials and displays its original air hole to prevent the handle from imploding during construction. The front of the main body is beautifully engraved with the armorial of a Lady in her own right, as it is contained within a lozenge surround. The Arms are surrounded by a very finely executed cartouche of strapwork and bluebell garlands, with a raying Rococo shell above. This example is of a very good gauge of silver, and colour, and displays a crisp set of hallmarks in the foot. It is most unusual to find a Lady's mug of this large size, especially from the provinces. In addition George I's reign was one of the shortest reigns and relatively little silver is found from this period in comparison to other Georgian Kings.
The work of John Carnaby is particularly scarce, however is always of the finest quality. This is not surprising as he was apprentice to the exceptional Francis Batty. Carnaby was such a respected silversmith that he was elected Warden of the Newcastle Goldsmith's Company no fewer than five times.
Height: 4.75 inches, 11.88cm.
Base Diameter: 3.5 inches, 8.75cm.
Weight: 11oz.
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