Irish Silver Mether Cup with Valour Coin, 1900

A mether cup is traditionally used in Ireland and other Celtic cultures as a communal drinking vessel to indicate friendship and often used at large social gatherings such as weddings and funerals. Visitors would also be welcomed with a drink from the mether, which was generally taken from one of the four squared corners and the vessel then passed around the group.

In addition to the square-shaped top rim, this Irish silver mether has two buttress type handles and is fitted with a commemorative coin to the base celebrating the visit of Queen Victoria to Ireland in 1900 and inscribed "To commemorate Irish valour" within a ring of Celtic knots to the reverse side. The 80-year old queen visited Ireland between April 4th and 27th 1900, in part to acknowledge the contribution of Irish regiments for their role in the Boer War. With its symbolism of friendship, the mether is the ideal vehicle for such a coin.

This fine quality mether has a good weight and is in excellent condition with hallmarks for the Dublin firm of Edward Johnson Ltd. A fine and rare piece of Irish silver.