1838 Victorian Sterling Silver Leaf-Form Christening Mug by Samuel Hayne & Dudley Cater, London — Gilt Interior
£835.00
Overlapping silver leaves rise gently upwards, forming the shape of a flower just beginning to open.
This distinctive sterling silver mug was made in London in 1838, at the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign, by the partnership of Samuel Hayne & Dudley Cater.
The body is formed as a series of layered leaves, with finely worked textures following the natural direction of the veins. To the front is a blank cartouche framed by scrolling foliage and flanked by two small flowers. The elegant raised scroll handle and spreading circular foot continue the floral and foliate decoration, giving the mug a beautifully unified design.
The interior retains its warm, bright gilding. Beneath the gold-toned surface, the reverse contours of the raised leaf decoration remain visible, creating an attractive contrast with the finely detailed silver exterior.
Small single-handled cups of this kind were traditionally given as christening or newborn gifts. The blank cartouche may still be engraved with a name or date, creating a personal keepsake for a new generation.
Details
* Date: 1838
* Period: Early Victorian
* Origin: London, England
* Maker: Samuel Hayne & Dudley Cater
* Hallmarks: SH/DC maker’s mark, lion passant sterling silver mark, London leopard’s head, date letter “C” and Queen Victoria duty mark
* Material: Sterling silver with a gilt interior
* Height: Approximately 13cm
* Rim diameter: Approximately 7cm
* Weight: Approximately 205g
* Cartouche: Blank and suitable for personal engraving
Condition
Very good antique condition. The hallmarks remain clear and the interior gilding retains a warm, bright colour. The mug shows natural surface marks and light signs of use consistent with its age. The cartouche remains unengraved. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Why You’ll Love It
An unusual and beautifully detailed example of early Victorian silver, combining sculptural leaf decoration with the personal tradition of a christening gift. The untouched cartouche offers the opportunity to add a name or date, allowing a piece made nearly two centuries ago to mark a new beginning.
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