William & Mary Child's Mug, 1697

This is a lovely silver mug dating from the reign of William III & Mary II. The body of this child's mug is decorated in typical late 17th century style, with demi-fluting, a rope twist band and scroll work with scaled matting surrounding a vacant, oval cartouche. The mug is excellent all round condition with neither damage nor repair. It has a clear set of Britannia Standard hallmarks adjacent to the S-scroll strap handle, including a clear "Co" maker's mark for a specialist maker of tankards and mugs.

This child's mug was made from Britannia Standard silver (95.8% pure as opposed to 92.5% Sterling standard) and was made in the first year that it became compulsory to use this new standard. Britannia Standard silver was introduced in 1697 to protect the coinage and prevent the act of coin clipping. It's sole use was continued until 1720 when Sterling standard was re-introduced.