Double Duty Cup, 1797

This is a fabulous example of a late 18th century silver two handled cup with the additional bonus of interesting and very rare double duty hallmarks. The cup itself has a most attractive appearance with an engraved band towards the top of the body and an engraved roundel with shield to both sides - one side is also engraved with an original script monogram. It is in superb condition with neither damage nor repair.

Duty on silver was doubled during the 1797/98 date letter cycle to help pay for the Napoleonic Wars. In order for the assay offices to identify which pieces had paid this extra duty, for a short period of time during the latter part of the date letter cycle, the provincial offices stamped the duty mark twice. This practice was discontinued with the introduction of the 1798/99 date letter.