George I Silver Tankard, 1718 John Eckford

This is a superb example of a George I period silver tankard made from Britannia standard silver.

This is a quart-sized tankard (2 pints) in the typical style for the second decade of the 18th century with straight sides and a central girdle. It has a good, hefty weight in the hand and a feeling of very high quality. There is an engraved armorial to the front of the body featuring an antelope crest above foliage. The hinged cover fits nicely and has an excellent scrolled thumb-piece.

As was compulsory at this time, the silver used in the manufacture of this beer tankard is of the purer Britannia standard and this piece is well-marked with appropriate London hallmarks to the side and cover. The maker was the rarely encountered John Eckford (or Eckfourd) I who had apprenticeship links with the great Anthony Nelme. 

Despite being over 300 years old, this Georgian silver tankard is in superb condition with a lovely antique patina and nothing negative to report.