Commonwealth Period Silver Caudle Cup, London 1659

Commonwealth silver from the interregnum period is very scarce and this is a rare, good-sized caudle cup or porringer from 1659.

This silver caudle cup still displays the original engraved coat of arms that is engraved to one side. The arms lack tincture (engraved patterns to denote colours) which is correct for the period as these were first introduced in the early 18th century. This two-handled cup sits on a flat foot and benefits from a great set of London hallmarks with a clear Gothic "B" for 1659 and WC maker's mark. The maker has not been attributed but his mark is shown in Jackson's (Pickford edition) as entry eight on page 124. The caudle cup is in fine antique condition with just a touch of wear to the lower part of the engraved armorial.

Very little silver was made during the Commonwealth period, in fact the opposite was true - much silver was being melted down to fund the Royalist and Parliamentarian campaigns. 1659 was a strange year in English history as it posted-date the role of Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector and was the year prior to the Restoration of the Monarchy with King Charles II.

Oliver Cromwell's son Richard was serving as Lord Protector and leading the government at the beginning of 1659. Remembering that the hallmarking date letter system ran from 19th May to 18th May of each year, this cup would have been made after Richard Cromwell's resignation on 25th May 1659 and prior to the Restoration of the Monarchy on 29th May 1660. The country during this period was at first governed by a Council of State and latterly by a Committee of Safety.

A fine early piece of hollowware in great condition and from an interesting year in British history.