1735 Scottish Sterling Silver Small Mug by Alexander Farquharson, Edinburgh — Early Georgian Antique Silver Cup
£1,250.00
A rare piece of early Scottish silver, made almost three centuries ago and distinguished by an important group of historic Edinburgh marks.
This solid silver small mug was made in Edinburgh in 1735 by silversmith Alexander Farquharson. According to Jackson’s Silver and Gold Marks, page 547, Farquharson registered his maker’s mark in 1734 and was particularly associated with the production of small mugs.
The mug bears the script date letter “F”, corresponding to the Edinburgh assay year of 1735. It also carries the “AU” mark of Archibald Ure, the Edinburgh Assay Master responsible for testing silver at the time.
Before the mid-eighteenth century, the Scottish assay system differed from that used in England. Silver was tested under the authority of a professional Assay Master, whose personal punch formed an important part of the official marking system. This early practice shares similarities with historic continental European systems, including that of France, and reflects Scotland’s longstanding cultural and commercial connections with mainland Europe.
The mug has a restrained cylindrical body set above a spreading circular foot, with an elegantly curved scroll handle. Its undecorated surface reveals the subtle irregularities of hand manufacture, together with natural scratches and the softly developed patina of nearly three centuries. The interior displays a warm golden-toned surface, creating an attractive contrast with the silver exterior.
Early eighteenth-century Scottish silver is scarce and highly sought after by specialist collectors. An example retaining identifiable maker, date and Assay Master marks—while remaining free from visible restoration—is particularly desirable. This mug is both a beautifully proportioned domestic object and an important record of Scotland’s early silversmithing and assay traditions.
Details
* Date: 1735
* Period: Early Georgian
* Origin: Edinburgh, Scotland
* Maker: Alexander Farquharson
* Maker’s mark registered: 1734
* Date letter: Script “F”
* Assay Master: Archibald Ure
* Assay Master’s mark: “AU”
* Material: Solid sterling silver
* Height: Approximately 9cm
* Rim diameter: Approximately 7cm
* Weight: Approximately 155g
* Reference: Jackson’s Silver and Gold Marks, page 547
Condition
Excellent antique condition, with no visible signs of repair. The mug retains natural surface marks, light scratches and gentle irregularities consistent with almost three centuries of age and use. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
Why You’ll Love It
A rare and historically significant example of early Edinburgh silver, combining an elegant, understated form with identifiable maker, date and Assay Master marks. Its scarcity, condition and documented attribution make it especially appealing to collectors of Scottish and early Georgian silver.
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