Solid Silver "lions" Beer Mug, England, Early 20th Century, 919g

Description

A solid silver covered tankard featuring a richly decorated cylindrical body, a side handle, and a hinged lid. The floral design covers the entire body: large, blooming flowers with veined petals alternate with flower buds and broad, curved leaves. Sinuous stems connect these elements in a continuous composition, standing out against a background dotted with small circular motifs.

The body rests on three feet, each combining a lion with a smooth sphere. The animals feature detailed manes, curled tails, and one forepaw resting on the sphere, while the other is raised. This same motif is repeated above the hinge, where a standing lion flanks a sphere and serves as the lid’s push button.

Slightly domed, the lid echoes the floral ornamentation of the body around a central circular medallion, which is smooth and bears no visible inscription. Plain moldings highlight the borders and frame the decoration. The handle, broad and curved, features a simple surface that balances the richness of the reliefs. Weight: 919 g.

Technique and Materials

Crafted from 925-fine solid silver, the tankard bears the mark “0.925” on its base, accompanied by a small hallmark. The floral decoration is worked in repoussé and chiseled, with particular attention paid to the veins of the leaves and the contours of the petals. The animal figures are rendered in three dimensions. The interior of the body and the inner surface of the lid are gilded.

Date

England, early 20th century. The abundance of floral relief decoration, the animal motifs, and the silhouette of this tankard reflect a historicist aesthetic inspired by the Baroque style.

Condition

In very good condition, with no mechanical damage, repairs, or re-soldering. The silver retains a natural patina, the nuances of which highlight the recesses and make the decoration particularly clear. The interior gilding is also in very good condition.

Use and Purpose

This lidded tankard is a piece of tableware and also serves as a display piece. Its decoration, visible on all sides, allows it to be displayed on its own on a piece of furniture or in a display case, as part of a silverware collection.

Dimensions

height - 20.5 cm
body diameter - 12.5 cm
depth - 19 cm
width - 16.5 cm