This is a really nice antique English King William IV period sterling silver Christening Mug that has fine engraved buildings and a bridge in a forest landscape along with a nice floral / foliage pattern.
It is hallmarked for London 1834 with maker's mark JAJA for Joseph & John Angell.
It has been engraved at a later date with the Coat of Arms for Newcastle and an inscription that reads:
Fred Cail Davies from Richard Cail
Mayor of Newcastle, August 1880.
A chap called David has told me the following about this christening mug.
Frederick Cail Davies died at under a year old in 1880. He was baptised at Walker that year, the son of David Davies and Elizabeth his wife. David Davies was a partner of Richard Cail in the Redheugh Sheet Iron and Steel Company, the Redheugh Brick Company, and the Redheugh Nail Company. Their partnership was dissolved in 1888 according to the London Gazette. FCD was presumably a godson of Richard.
A very nice scroll handle and the pedestal base which has foliage on it and coming up to the top of the bulbous body.
Please see pictures provided for more details and visual confirmation of condition.
It has some small dints on the engraving and I've just noticed a tiny split in the silverware just under the coat of arms. You can see DAYLIGHT through the mug now. That is the ONLY issue with this one off unique antique cup.
The hallmark is worn slightly but is still readable.
It measures approx. 110mm tall (4 and 3/5 inches) x 78mm in diameter on the base.
It weighs 173.2g.
It is a very nice elaborate gilt interior sterling silver cup in its own right but it is not until you start researching the engraved names on the cup that it gets even more interesting.
Richard Cail, Mayor of Newcastle on Tyne you will find he was born in Gateshead in 1812 and died in 1893. He did 7 years apprenticeship to builder Mr Joseph Grey. He became a builder himself in 1832 and soon had some very large contracts within the area. 1843 Sherburn & Shincliffe Viaducts on the Newcastle & Darlington Junction Railway just to name that one, read all about him which is impressive. He was involved in other business's too.
A local councillor where he became Newcastle Mayor for two years 1872 and 1879. He was an achiever without a doubt. One page I found says Victorian Contractor and Man of Many Parts.
So this mug clearly made in 1834 as a Christening Mug has then been re-used as a presentation cup and re-engraved in 1880 by Richard Cail and given to Fred Cail Davies which I would imagine is a relation by marriage of Richard Cail. I have been unable to find anything about Fred Cail Davies. Maybe you will have more luck.
These type of antique presentation items such as keys, trowels, masonic mallets, plumb bobs, spades, scissors and cups are usually UNIQUE and were presented to the local alderman, councillor, mayor ( or wives of the above ) or someone of status within the community that did what ever it was on that day.
Usually made of sterling silver and gilt, with enamel work on as an extra. Occasionally they are made of solid gold as well. Often found in their original cases and they would have been only brought out on special occasions or were on display wherever. The cases are quite often faded inside. I collect this type of items myself and find them fascinating and I tend to sell them onto people from the areas the items relate to. There are no two alike which makes them even more interesting. Great too for the local history archive or museums to have something back on display for all to see. They do not make items like this anymore.
My stock ref : in presentation antiques cabinet #T2085.
To see ALL my other 6000+ items for sale: please click on the VISIT SHOP or click "see other items", strangely both only have a limited view of what I have to offer on each platform so to see everything click on Shop by Category which will give you a much better view.
Scale is usually an English 1 penny coin which is 20mm in diameter which is just short of 7/8ths of an inch in diameter, or a universal Coke can, and we all know how big those are.
MY TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
If you see A/F = a/f in the title or description it means "as found" condition which may have scuffs, scratches and damage.
Postage / shipping - if you have bought a number of items, please wait for my combined shipping invoice before you pay to save us both money. Payment within 3 days please as non payer alerts are automated after 6 days.
Shipping to overseas countries: International buyers please be aware of the possible delays and slow deliveries to you from the postal - shipping companies as well as the customs departments, for any number of reasons which are out of my control. Remember the ebay time of arrival is estimated as they have no control over the postal services either. Please be patient and you can TRACK your delivery online when you go to your " Purchase History " tab where you will see a blue font " tracking number ".
If you have any questions, please contact me via eBay messages.
I do accept returns which is 14 days on the antiques and second hand items I sell - NOT 30 days.