Rare Chester marked Mug, 1763

Silver marked with the full Chester city arms mark is very rare, the more familiar three wheat sheaf mark being introduced in 1779, and this fine looking Georgian period antique mug bears a clear example.

This mug or child's cup was made by Richard Richardson II and is engraved to the front with an original wheat sheaf crest. At least three generations of Richard Richardsons worked with silver for eighty three years in Chester during the 18th century with an uninterrupted connection to the assay office between 1708 to 1791. The maker of this mug is the middle Richard who died in 1768.

This bellied mug is in fine condition and is a great example of rare 18th century Chester-marked silver.