Skip to product information
Charles II Silver Tankard
Charles II Silver Tankard
Charles II Silver Tankard
Charles II Silver Tankard
Charles II Silver Tankard

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

Charles II Silver Tankard

  • During the 17th century, tankards were sought after as beer and ale were the primary beverages
  • This English tankard, marked with "IC" over a mullet in a lobed shield, dates back to 1680-81
  • The tankard is elegantly designed and bears the Arms of Horneby
  • Charles II silver holds immense historical and artistic significance
  • Get complete item description here
$22,850
Item No. 31-9344

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
Silver Tankard
Marked IC
Hallmarked London, 1680

During the 17th century, tankards were highly sought after as beer and ale were the primary alcoholic beverages. Tankards, along with cups, covers, flagons and tazzas, were typically displayed on sideboards in dining halls, where they glittered by candlelight in the evening. Drinks were poured by servants and kept on the sideboard until requested by diners, often accompanied by a toast to the host. Due to the. . .
Read More
Silver Tankard
Marked IC
Hallmarked London, 1680

During the 17th century, tankards were highly sought after as beer and ale were the primary alcoholic beverages. Tankards, along with cups, covers, flagons and tazzas, were typically displayed on sideboards in dining halls, where they glittered by candlelight in the evening. Drinks were poured by servants and kept on the sideboard until requested by diners, often accompanied by a toast to the host. Due to the elaborate presentation of food, such as cooked swans and decorated sheep and boar heads, the table had little room for displaying plateware.

This tankard is hallmarked with "IC" over a mullet in a lobed shield, along with the hallmarks for London silver from 1680-81. The initials "DG" and the date "1680" are engraved on the handle. Additionally, it bears the Arms of Horneby, possibly for Walter Horneby of Leicestershire, who donated a tankard dated 1683 to Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

The tankard features a deep border of repoussé acanthus leaves alternating with lotus leaves around its bottom. The S-scroll handle, made in two parts and soldered together to be hollow, is topped with intertwining dolphins on the thumbpiece. The stepped and flat-domed cover is chased with an inward spiral of acanthus leaves, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The tankard is in excellent condition, with the hallmarks located below the rim and the maker's mark also on the handle.

Charles II silver holds immense historical and artistic significance, epitomizing the opulence and grandeur of the Restoration era. Following the austere Commonwealth period, the return of Charles II in 1660 sparked a revival of luxurious craftsmanship. Silver items from this time, renowned for their intricate repoussé work and elaborate designs, symbolized the monarchy's restored splendor and the era's flourishing arts.

7 1/2“ high x 6" wide x 9" deep

Provenance:
Private Collection, London
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Red McCombs Collection, Texas
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
Charles II Silver Tankard
Period: 17th Century
Origin: England
Type: Tankards/Mugs/Canns
Depth: 9.0 in. (22.86 cm)
Width: 6.0 in. (15.24 cm)
Height: 7.5 in. (19.05 cm)
What Antique Beer Tankards Tell Us About Ancient Monarchs
Read More

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

Bill Rau

Bill Rau Third-Generation Owner

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.