This magnificent antique William III Britannia silver tankard has a plain tapering cylindrical form onto a spreading collet style foot.

The surface of this 18th century quart tankard is embellished with an impressive engraved leaf and floral bordered coat of arms* depiCting party per pale to the first a chevron between three lion"s heads erased and to the second a bend raguly.

The upper and lower portions of the body are encircled with bands of tooled decoration, with an applied moulded border to the upper rim.

This antique quart** tankard retains the original double stepped flat topped, hallmarked cover surmounted with an impressive volute scrolling thumbpiece.

The cover is further ornamented with a band of tooled decoration to the rim accented with an applied shaped thumbpiece to the anterior edge.

The hinge is decorated with ribbed ornamentation and retains the original pin.

This antique Britannia standard*** silver tankard is fitted with an S scroll handle ornamented with a plain rounded terminal.

The spreading collet foot is encircled with a band of applied moulded decoration to the rim.

* The armourial bearings are those of the Wyndham and Penruddocke family, to commemorate the marriage of Henry Wyndham and Arundel Penruddocke on 11th September 1735. Read this items heraldic identification report.

** Imperial quart = 2 pints/1.14 litres

*** Britannia Silver - The Britannia silver standard of 958 (95.84% of fine silver), denoted by the icon of the seated Britannia holding an oval shield, was introduced by William III in 1697. This was to indicate the slightly higher standard of silver from sterling silver standard of 925 (92.5% of fine silver).

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This antique tankard is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

Full hallmarks struck to the surface of the body and to the surface of the cover, in addition to maker"s mark to the handle are all very clear in keeping with age; the maker"s mark to the body and cover have been overstruck with the mark of Benjamin Pyne, which was not an unusual praCtice.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of antique silverware.

Length from back of handle to rim 19.7cm/7.8"

Diameter of cover 12.8cm/5"

Diameter of rim 11.2cm/4.4"

Diameter of foot 13.6cm/5.4"

Height 18.5cm/7.3"

27.7 troy ounces/862g

Date: 1701

Origin: London, England

Maker: Benjamin Pyne